Natural wonders in Skaftarhreppur

Natural Wonders of South Iceland

This collection explores the dramatic geological landscape of Skaftárhreppur, shaped by the catastrophic 1783 Laki eruption. It features the 200-meter deep Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon, the subglacial Katla volcano, and the vast Mýrdalsjökull glacier. Highlights include unique basalt formations at Kirkjugólf, the moss-covered volcanic cone of Mælifell, and numerous waterfalls such as the tiered Ófærufoss and the wind-swept Foss á Síðu. The area showcases the powerful intersection of active volcanic fissures and ancient glacial erosion.

Natural Wonders of South Iceland — Map

Wojciech Strzelecki "Wojtrix" / CC BY-SA 4.0

A

Fjadrargljufur Canyon

Scenic canyon with steep walls, a winding river, and a waterfall visible from an observation platform. Known for its geological significance and hiking opportunities.

47Mhg491Vgb / CC BY-SA 2.0

B

Laki

Laki or Lakagígar is a volcanic fissure in the western part of Vatnajökull National Park, Iceland, not far from the volcanic fissure of…

Diego Delso / CC BY-SA 4.0

C

Katla Volcano

Katla is an active volcano in southern Iceland. This particular volcano has been very active historically with at least twenty documented…

TommyBee / Public domain

D

Mýrdalsjökull Glacier

Fourth largest Icelandic glacier, with an ice cape covering a volcano.

Borvan53 / CC BY-SA 3.0

E

Ófærufoss Waterfall

Ófærufoss is a waterfall situated in the Eldgjá chasm in the western part of Vatnajökull National Park, Iceland.

Hansueli Krapf / CC BY-SA 3.0

F

Lómagnúpur

A 688-meter-high palagonite cliff and prominent landmark located along the Ring Road, known for its sheer vertical face.

Nave111 / Public domain

G

Fagrifoss

Fagrifoss is waterfall situated in Southeast Iceland near the Lakagígar region.

Bromr / CC BY-SA 3.0

H

Stjórnarfoss

A symmetrical waterfall with two distinct drops, located near the village of Kirkjubæjarklaustur.

Bultro / CC BY-SA 3.0

I

Systrafoss

Two parallel waterfalls that flow from the lake Systravatn over the mountain edge above Kirkjubæjarklaustur.

my discussion page / CC BY-SA 4.0

J

Foss á Síðu

A slender waterfall dropping from basalt cliffs, notable for its water occasionally blowing upwards during strong winds.

Boaworm / CC BY-SA 3.0

K

Grímsvötn

Grímsvötn is an active volcano with a fissure system located in Vatnajökull National Park, Iceland.

cogdogblog / CC0

L

Laufskálavarða

A lava ridge where travelers traditionally add stones to cairns for good luck when crossing the Mýrdalssandur desert.

M

Peak

A distinct, moss-covered green volcanic cone rising from the black sand plains of the Mælifellssandur desert.

N

Kirkjugólf

An 80-square-meter expanse of hexagonal basalt columns, eroded flat by the sea to resemble a paved church floor.

Anselmo Marinho / CC-BY-SA

O

Háalda

A peak in the Fjallabak Nature Reserve offering panoramic views of the Eldgjá volcanic fissure and the southern highlands.

Other Lists

Skaftárhreppur Essentials Breathtaking Viewpoints Historic Icelandic Churches Accommodations in the Area