It lost its title in 2011
Another fall measured after glacial retreat changed the national ranking.
Jabbi — Public domain · Lukas von Daeniken from Schweiz — CC BY-SA 2.0 · Seidlcus — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Jabbi — Public domain
Iceland's second-highest waterfall at about a hundred and ninety metres, at the head of a narrow valley off Hvalfjörður north of Reykjavik. It was considered the country's highest until 2011, when another fall in the north was measured and found to be slightly taller after glacial retreat exposed its full drop. The change in ranking is itself a story about how warming is redrawing the island's geography. Getting there is not a stroll: the route is a loop of three to four hours, involving a river crossing on a log with a taut rope for balance, and a steep climb through a natural cave and narrow sections near the edge. That crossing is what distinguishes the walk and makes it memorable — and also what makes it unsuitable for everyone. Decisive practical points: the crossing log is removed in winter and replaced in early summer, so the full loop is unavailable out of season. The path is unsecured near the edge. Walking boots are essential. The site is about an hour from Reykjavik, among the closest serious hikes to the capital.
Another fall measured after glacial retreat changed the national ranking.
The climb passes through a natural cave before the viewpoint.
The crossing is what is remembered, and what rules it out for some.
Hvalfjörður, west Iceland
You can climb the southern bank to a good viewpoint and return the same way without crossing, which shortens the walk and avoids the log. The full loop requires crossing twice. Ask at the car park or check conditions before going.
Moderate to good. Three to four hours over rough ground with a steep climb and narrow sections near a high edge. It is not technical climbing but it is not easy walking. Unsuitable for anyone afraid of heights or with balance problems, and not for young children.
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