Strútsfoss

From the junction of Highway 1 and Route 92 in the city of Egilsstaðir, follow Highway 1 (the Ring Road) south for 11km, then continue straight along the road as it becomes Route 931 where Highway 1 bears to the left. Continue along Route 931 for another 23km to a T-junction, then bear left where signs point to Snæfells and continue another 7.4km, then turn left, re-crossing the valley and the river. Proceed for just under 2km to a T-intersection and bear right, and continue for just over 12km to the trail parking on the right side of the road, shortly before reaching a farm house at the end of the road. The trail begins by dropping down to the river to bypass the farm property, then bends left and climbs back up behind the farm, then begins following an old road as it climbs steadily up the valley. After gaining about 500 feet in elevation the trail then begins to drop down a bit toward the confluence of the Strútsá and the Fellsá. At this point the falls will partially come into view - continue to hike along the rim of the gully occupied by the Strútsá to gain a clear view, approximately 3.5km from the parking area. From this point, continuing up above the falls involves climbing a substantially steeper grade, and the trail seemed to somewhat disappear, though we did not investigate further.Strútsfoss is among Iceland's tallest and most significant waterfalls, set against a huge amphitheater-like canyon which lies hidden in a side valley of a considerably less-often traveled corridor, which has thus far ensured that the falls don't receive much attention. Like nearby Hengifoss, Strútsfoss is formed as its namesake stream plunges over a massive cliff formed by layers of alternating lava flows, and deposits of clay, ash, and silt. Like with Hengifoss, the layers of sediment between the lava flows form bright red stripes through the cliff, creating a very unique pattern which the falling water is set against.
The falls drop in at least two steps, the upper being about one-quarter the height of the lower. One photograph we've seen of the falls hints at a smaller third tier at the bottom of the canyon as well, but we could not verify this when we visited. When viewing Strútsfoss in person, it seems likely that the falls are among the tallest in Iceland. The information board at the trail parking suggests the falls are about 390 feet (120 meters) tall, and several sources found online indicate it to be just 280 feet (74 meters). Where these number come from is not clear, but topographic data available through the National Land Survey of Iceland suggeest they are both wrong, and that in reality the true height of the falls is much closer to 575 feet (180 meters). Should this prove to be accurate, this would make Strútsfoss the third tallest waterfall in Iceland which we currently have data on (this may change in the future however). When we surveyed the falls, we were not able to get close enough to take accurate measurements, but feel fairly confident in the topographic data's accuracy.
In addition to being able to access near the foot of the falls (sort of), the trail system which provides access to the falls apparently climbs up along the canyon rim on either side of the falls, and loops around above the the top. Though we didn't have time to hike the whole loop, this appears likely to allow for additional vistas of the falls from along the canyon rim which may provide more revealing views of the falls.