Hrafnabjargafoss Waterfall

Hrafnabjargafoss is a broad and unusual waterfall in the glacial river Skjálfandafljót, approximately 5 km upstream from the better-known Aldeyjarfoss in the upper reaches of Bárðardalur.

The waterfall is only around 5 metres high, but its character comes from the way the powerful river spreads across the lava. Skjálfandafljót divides into several channels of different sizes before cascading over the lava edge. On the western side of the river, a significant part of the water even flows beneath a natural lava bridge.

Hrafnabjargafoss forms part of a remarkable series of waterfalls together with Ingvararfoss and Aldeyjarfoss. They occur where Skjálfandafljót has eroded its way through Bárðardalshraun, a lava field created by a major eruption approximately 9,000 years ago and forming part of the vast Ódáðahraun volcanic landscape.

Skjálfandafljót is a powerful glacial river originating from the northern parts of Vatnajökull and Tungnafellsjökull. Numerous spring-fed rivers emerging from the Ódáðahraun lava fields also contribute water to the river.

The landscape surrounding Hrafnabjargafoss is remote and rugged, characterised by lava fields, glacially eroded ridges and the open highlands. The waterfall receives far fewer visitors than Aldeyjarfoss and Goðafoss farther downstream, making it an interesting destination for travellers exploring the wilder upper reaches of Bárðardalur.