Now, what is a "foss"? Foss is the Icelandic word for waterfall and Iceland has over 200 around the country! However, we saw maybe three when we were there (next time we plan on exploring more). Each waterfall is stunning in its own way. Let's have a look. Here are the "fosses" we went to:
1. Gullfoss: The most popular Icelandic waterfall is Gullfoss, which is literally translated to Golden Waterfall. Located along the famous tourist route, the Golden Circle, in Southern Iceland, it has a large parking lot with a visitor center that also includes a cafe. This waterfall is located in the river Hvita (”White River”) in the Southwest part of the country. We had to walk down a steep flight of stairs, down to a path that led to a closeup look of the falls. It took longer than expected to get down there, but it was spectacular! There were even some rocks you can carefully climb up on to get a better look and photos from a different angle (although if you go and do this, proceed with caution! The rocks can get slippery). The waterfall was loud like thunder and powerful, and it made me feel small and insignificant! I also felt like we were in the middle of nowhere. All that seemed to be around here was Gullfoss and the tourist center by the road where we parked. After a significant amount of time admiring the Gullfoss up close, we made the climb back up toward the tourist center. There were wooden walkways that led to a scenic overlook of the falls. And then we noticed in the distance, a glacier! That was incredible to see as well. Another thing you may notice at Gullfoss is a stone memorial to Sigríður Tómasdóttir, daughter of the owners of the falls. Legend has it that, over a century ago, she wanted to save the falls from being sold to foreign investors and save it for preservation instead. It is said she had threatened to throw herself into the falls. In any case, the waterfall is under preservation and is incredible to see. And stop by the visitor center for a snack, especially since there isn’t much to stop at for a while on your way back to the city.
2. Seljalandsfoss: This waterfall is located right off the ring road (aka the Golden Circle). It’s very tall and the pathway leads you right behind it. It was cold when we were there, so the spray from the water behind the fall was quite cold! But it was incredible to walk on a looped path behind a waterfall. Apparently it is the only one of its kind in Iceland! There are so many vantage points to take photos. Also, there is a parking lot with a shed that sells refreshments during the day. We explored a bit more of this area, hiked up a hill and found a cave and an incredibly overlook where we could see the landscape for miles. And then walking down the road a bit, we found the next waterfall…
3. Gljúfurárfoss (aka Gljúfrabúi): This one was probably my favorite. Why? Because it is off the beaten path. Just a little ways down the road from Seljalandsfoss, it’s not obvious to see. At first, we just wanted to see the adorable, colorful buildings with roofs covered in moss that dotted the property. There was also a visitor center (where we couldn’t find anyone working) with a washroom. From looking around, we figured out it was a camp site. Walking behind the building, were cliffs and a narrow canyon, and tucked into the canyon, another waterfall. It was breathtaking! And, of course, I had to go explore. Climbing over rocks and trying not to slip, I made it into the gorge where the waterfall was making a pool at the bottom. I sat there marveling at the beauty. It was so peaceful. Seljalandsfoss was definitely a bit more touristy, but this was not. It was nice to be alone with my thoughts for a few minutes. But apparently, there is a risk of falling rocks, so please proceed with caution if you go!
The waterfalls we visited were all free to see. If you go, try to visit more foss-es than we did! It will be worth it, trust me.
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