Grundarfoss

Grundarfoss is one of those waterfalls you spot from the car and cannot quite believe is not famous. Driving along Route 54 towards Grundarfjordur, the 70-metre cascade appears against the mountainside to the south — a single white column of water plunging off a dark cliff. Most travellers are heading to Kirkjufell, Iceland's most photographed mountain, and drive straight past. That is a mistake.

The Hike

The trail to Grundarfoss starts from a small parking area off Route 54, just east of Grundarfjordur. Look for the sign near Kverna farm and follow the dirt track to a gate at the edge of a water supply zone. From here, a flat gravel path leads south through open grassland, with the waterfall growing steadily larger ahead.

The walk is about 750 metres one way. The first half is level and easy, suitable for families with children. As you approach the falls, the path becomes rockier and the ground uneven, with some mild scrambling required on the final stretch to reach the base. The spray from the cascade keeps the rocks wet, so watch your footing.

The Waterfall

The Grundara river, fed by meltwater flowing down from the Raudakulur mountain, drops approximately 70 metres in a single plunge. In spring and early summer, when snowmelt swells the river, the waterfall is at its most powerful — a thundering column of white water that fills the surrounding valley with noise and mist. Later in summer, the flow can reduce but remains impressive.

Standing at the base, the scale becomes clear. This is not a delicate cascade but a genuine force of nature. The cliff face behind the water is dark volcanic rock, streaked with moss where the spray reaches. On windless days, a rainbow often forms in the mist.

Kvernarfoss and the Wider Area

About two kilometres to the west, the smaller Kvernarfoss waterfall drops from a separate stream. It is visible from the Grundarfoss trail and can be reached by a short walk, making it easy to visit both falls in a single outing.

Grundarfjordur itself is a quiet fishing village worth a brief stop. The harbour area has a small cafe and a petrol station. From the waterfront, the view of Kirkjufell mountain rising above the fjord is one of the finest on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula.

Practical Tips

Allow about an hour for the round trip, including time at the base of the falls for photographs. Waterproof boots are recommended in all seasons — the trail near the waterfall is perpetually damp. There are no facilities at the trailhead, so bring water and anything else you need.

Grundarfoss pairs naturally with a visit to Kirkjufell and Kirkjufellsfoss, roughly 10 kilometres to the west. Together, the three waterfalls and Iceland's most iconic mountain make a compelling reason to spend a half day around Grundarfjordur rather than simply passing through.