Name of Waterfall

Kæfufoss

GPS Coordinates (Approximate)

GGX4+R4 Evindarhólar, Iceland

Location

GGX4+R4 Evindarhólar, Iceland

Description

Take Highway 1 east from the town of Hvolsvöllur for 47km, then turn left where signs point prominently to Skógafoss (the falls are visible and very obvious at this point). In half of a kilometer take the next left and follow the road to its end adjacent to the camping area. The trail to the top of the falls begins adjacent to the grass field at the camping area, climbing up several hundreds of stairs for about one-third of a kilometer to a viewing platform at the top of the falls. From here the trail uses a stile to cross a sheep fence, and then continues gradually uphill. This waterfall is best viewed about 2.4 kilometers past the top of Skógafoss, and about 130 meters past the viewpoints for Skálabrekkufoss.The Skógá features dozens of waterfalls as it cascades down from the saddle between the Eyjafjallajökull and Katla volcanoes where it originates. The vast majority of visitors to the area are (understandably) satisfied with the spectacular Skógafoss just above the Ring road, but those looking for further satisfaction can hike the famous Laugavegur trail upstream along the river and pass many more waterfalls.
Kæfufoss is the ninth waterfall encountered as one hikes upstream from Skógafoss along the trail. Situated literally just upstream and around the corner from the impressive Skálabrekkufoss, Kæfufoss drops 46 feet over a broad shelf in a quasi-funnel shape as the river encounters two ledges at perpendicular angles and forms a distinct V-shape in its initial plunge, and then sliding along bedrock at the bottom of the falls. While staring at the falls from along the trail, one can peer over the top of Skálabrekkufoss into the abyss of its deep canyon.

Other Names

[]

Magnitude

60.4

IWC Rating (International Waterfall Classification)

3.45

Total Height (ft)

46

Tallest Drop

46

Number of Drops

1

Average Width

90

Average High Volume (Cubic ft per second)

300 cfs

Average Low Volume (Cubic ft per second)

0 cfs

Pitch

80 degrees

Run (ft)

90

Watershed or Feeder Stream

Skógá