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Iceland's Hidden Gems

Explore East and Southeast Iceland's unique landmarks, from the 128-meter-high Hengifoss waterfall with its distinct red clay layers to the industrial remains of the Gígjukvísl Bridge, destroyed by a 1996 glacial flood. This collection features Petra’s mineral museum in Stöðvarfjörður and the Tvísöngur sound sculpture in Seyðisfjörður, designed to resonate with traditional Icelandic vocal harmonies. The list also includes Falljökull, a steep outlet glacier of Vatnajökull characterized by its massive icefall and intricate crevasse patterns.

Iceland's Hidden Gems — Carte

Gunnar Gunnarsson / CC BY-SA 3.0

A

Hengifoss

Hengifoss is the third highest waterfall in Iceland, 128 meters. It is located in Hengifossá in Fljótsdalshreppur, East Iceland.

Jim Nicholls / CC-BY-SA

B

Gigjukvisl Bridge Memorial

Twisted steel girders remaining from a bridge destroyed during the 1996 Gígjukvísl glacial flood. The surge was triggered by a volcanic eruption under the Vatnajökull ice cap, illustrating the destructive power of Icelandic jökulhlaups.

Hedwig Storch / CC BY-SA 3.0

C

Petra's Stone Collection

Petra Sveinsdóttir's huge stone and mineral collection is the place not to miss if you are a real rock fan.

Tinnagudm / CC BY-SA 4.0

D

Tvísöngur

A sound sculpture by Lukas Kühne consisting of five interconnected concrete domes. Each dome is designed to resonate at a specific frequency corresponding to the five-tone harmony of traditional Icelandic music.

Olikristinn / CC BY-SA 3.0

E

Falljökull

A steep outlet glacier flowing from the Vatnajökull ice cap. It is characterized by a dramatic icefall where the glacier descends rapidly, creating a heavily crevassed and jagged ice surface.