Showing posts with label Iceland. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Iceland. Show all posts

Tuesday, April 25, 2017

Iceland



More from Eyjafjallajokull

As ash from Iceland's Eyjafjallajokull volcano continued to keep European airspace shut down over the weekend, affecting millions of travelers around the world, some government agencies and airlines clashed over the flight bans. Some restricted airspace is now beginning to open up and some limited flights are being allowed now as airlines are pushing for the ability to judge safety conditions for themselves. The volcano continues to rumble and hurl ash skyward, if at a slightly diminished rate now, as the dispersing ash plume has dropped closer to the ground, and the World Health Organization has issued a health warning to Europeans with respiratory conditions. Collected here are some images from Iceland over the past few days. (35 photos total)

Lightning streaks across the sky as lava flows from a volcano in Eyjafjallajokul April 17, 2010. (REUTERS/Lucas Jackson)

2
The volcano in southern Iceland's Eyjafjallajokull glacier sends ash into the air just prior to sunset ON Friday, April 16, 2010. Thick drifts of volcanic ash blanketed parts of rural Iceland on Friday as a vast, invisible plume of grit drifted over Europe, emptying the skies of planes and sending hundreds of thousands in search of hotel rooms, train tickets or rental cars. (AP Photo/Brynjar Gauti) #

3
Long lens view of farm near the Eyjafjallajokull volcano as it continues to billow smoke and ash during an eruption late on April 17, 2010. (HALLDOR KOLBEINS/AFP/Getty Images) #

4
A car is seen driving near Kirkjubaejarklaustur, Iceland, through the ash from the volcano eruption under the Eyjafjallajokull glacier on Thursday April 15, 2010. (AP Photo/Omar Oskarsson) #

5
Chunks of ice from a glacial flood triggered by a volcanic eruption lie in front of the still-erupting volcano near Eyjafjallajokul on April 17, 2010. (REUTERS/Lucas Jackson) #

6
Ash covers vegetation in Eyjafjallasveit, southern Iceland April 17, 2010. (REUTERS/Ingolfur Juliusson) #

7
This aerial photo shows the Eyjafjallajokull volcano billowing smoke and ash on April 17, 2010. (HALLDOR KOLBEINS/AFP/Getty Images) #

8
A woman stands near a waterfall that has been dirtied by ash that has accumulated from the plume of an erupting volcano near Eyjafjallajokull, Iceland on April 18, 2010. (REUTERS/Lucas Jackson) #

9
Horses fight near the town of Sulfoss, Iceland as a volcano in Eyjafjallajokull erupts on April 17, 2010. (REUTERS/Lucas Jackson) #

Farmer Thorarinn Olafsson tries to lure his horse back to the stable as a cloud of black ash looms overhead in Drangshlid at Eyjafjoll on April 17, 2010. (REUTERS/Ingolfur Juliusson) #

A small plane (upper left) flies past smoke and ash billowing from a volcano in Eyjafjallajokul, Iceland on April 17, 2010. (REUTERS/Lucas Jackson) #

Smoke billows from a volcano in Eyjafjallajokull on April 16, 2010. (HALLDOR KOLBEINS/AFP/Getty Images) #

The sun sets in a sky dusted with ash, over Lake Geneva, as seen from the Lavaux Vineyard Terraces, a UNESCO site in Switzerland, on April 17, 2010. (FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP/Getty Images) #

The volcano in southern Iceland's Eyjafjallajokull glacier sends ash into the air Saturday, April 17, 2010. (AP Photo/Brynjar Gauti) #

Farmers team up to rescue cattle from exposure to the toxic volcanic ash at a farm in Nupur, Iceland, as the volcano in southern Iceland's Eyjafjallajokull glacier sends ash into the air Saturday, April 17, 2010. (AP Photo/Brynjar Gauti) #

A rescue team helps landowners to clear volcanic ash from a roof in Seljavellir, Iceland on April 18, 2010. (HALLDOR KOLBEINS/AFP/Getty Images) #

Sheep farmer Thorkell Eiriksson (R) and his brother-in-law Petur Runottsson work to seal a sheep barn, in case winds shift and ash from a volcano erupting across the valley lands on their farm, in Eyjafjallajokull April 17, 2010. The current season is when the spring lambs are born and such young animals are especially susceptible to volcanic ash in their lungs so they must be stored inside. (REUTERS/Lucas Jackson) #

A dark ash cloud looms over the Icelandic south coast April 17, 2010. (REUTERS/Ingolfur Juliusson) #

Lightning, smoke and lava above Iceland's Eyjafjallajokul volcano on April 17, 2010. (REUTERS/Lucas Jackson) #

View seen from a road leading to the Eyjafjallajokull volcano as it continues to billow smoke and ash during an eruption on April 17, 2010. (HALLDOR KOLBEINS/AFP/Getty Images) #

A man runs along the roadside, taking pictures of the Eyjafjallajokull volcano as it continues to billow smoke and ash during an eruption on April 17, 2010. (HALLDOR KOLBEINS/AFP/Getty Images) #

A huge ash cloud creeps over the Icelandic south coast April 16, 2010. (REUTERS/Ingolfur Juliusson) #

Wearing a mask and goggles to protect against the smoke, dairy farmer Berglind Hilmarsdottir from Nupur, Iceland, looks for cattle lost in ash clouds, Saturday, April 17, 2010. (AP Photo/Brynjar Gauti) #

A farmer checks muddy volcanic ash on his land in Iceland on April 18, 2010. (HALLDOR KOLBEINS/AFP/Getty Images) #

This aerial image shows the crater spewing ash and plumes of grit at the summit of the volcano in southern Iceland's Eyjafjallajokull glacier Saturday April 17, 2010. (AP Photo/Arnar Thorisson/Helicopter.is) #

A pilot takes pictures of the Eyjafjallajokull volcano billowing smoke and ash during an eruption on April 17, 2010. (HALLDOR KOLBEINS/AFP/Getty Images) #

Construction crews repair a road damaged by floods from glacial melting caused by a volcano in Eyjafjallajokull, Iceland April 17, 2010. (REUTERS/Lucas Jackson) #

Horses graze in a field near the Eyjafjallajokull volcano as it continues to billow dark smoke and ash during an eruption late on April 17, 2010. (HALLDOR KOLBEINS/AFP/Getty Images) #

Ingi Sveinbjoernsso leads his horses on a road covered volcanic ash back to his barn in Yzta-baeli, Iceland on April 18, 2010. They come galloping out of the volcanic storm, hooves muffled in the ash, manes flying. 24 hours earlier he had lost the shaggy Icelandic horses in an ash cloud that turned day into night, blanketing the landscape in sticky gray mud. (HALLDOR KOLBEINS/AFP/Getty Images) #

The ash plume of southwestern Iceland's Eyjafjallajokull volcano streams southwards over the Northern Atlantic Ocean in a satellite photograph made April 17, 2010. The erupting volcano in Iceland sent new tremors on April 19, but the ash plume which has caused air traffic chaos across Europe has dropped to a height of about 2 km (1.2 mi), the Meteorological Office said. (REUTERS/NERC Satellite Receiving Station, Dundee University, Scotland) #

A woman makes a phone call in the empty arrival hall of Prague's Ruzyne Airport after all flights were grounded due to volcanic ash in the skies coming from Iceland April 18, 2010. Air travel across much of Europe was paralyzed for a fourth day on Sunday by a huge cloud of volcanic ash, but Dutch and German test flights carried out without apparent damage seemed to offer hope of respite. (REUTERS/David W Cerny) #

Lava and lightning light the crater of Eyjafjallajokul volcano on April 17, 2010. (REUTERS/Lucas Jackson) #

The first of 3 photos by Olivier Vandeginste, taken 10 km east of Hvolsvollur at a distance 25 km from the Eyjafjallajokull craters on April 18th, 2010. Lightning and motion-blurred ash appear in this 15-second exposure. (© Olivier Vandeginste#

The second of 3 photos by Olivier Vandeginste, taken 25 km from the Eyjafjallajokull craters on April 18th, 2010. The ash plume is lit from within by multiple flashes of lightning in this 168 second exposure. (© Olivier Vandeginste#

The third of 3 photos by Olivier Vandeginste, taken 10 km east of Hvolsvollur Iceland on April 18th, 2010. Lightning flashes and glowing lava illuminate parts of Eyjafjallajokull's massive ash plume in this 30-second exposure. (© Olivier Vandeginste#

Wednesday, March 29, 2017

Iceland waterfalls

You do not have to look very hard to find waterfalls in Iceland. They are literally everywhere; while driving around the island we unexpectedly ran into amazing waterfalls we didn’t even know were going to be there. Check out 15 of the BEST waterfalls in Iceland!
You do not have to look very hard to find waterfalls in Iceland.  They are literally everywhere; while driving around the island we unexpectedly ran into amazing waterfalls we didn’t even know were going to be there!Best waterfalls in Iceland
So why are there so many waterfalls in Iceland? A perfect storm of geography make Iceland the ideal site for the creation of waterfalls.  Some of these include melting glaciers, mountains, volcanic rock, and minimal plant life.  One really unique feature that can cause new waterfalls to temporarily form are the bursts of rain and snow. (We were there in November/December and it rained or snowed at least part of each day)  The weather is truly crazy in Iceland, one minute it will be sunny, the next minute you will be caught in a blizzard! This and other elements help create some of the world’s best waterfalls, and when summer hits and the glaciers start to melt, they get even better.  Best waterfalls in Iceland
This post separates the waterfalls into regions North, South, West, and the Westfjords (a large peninsula in the northwest part of the island).  It is important to note that when most people go to Iceland, they  spend most of their time in the southwest.  (Our post on the Top 10 spots to visit in Iceland are all located in the southwest).  Some of the places in this region are Blue Lagoon, Vik, some popular ice caves, a ton of national parks, Reyjkavik, and the international airport. You can check out that post here.
Let me know which waterfalls you have been to, or want to go to in the comments below!

North Iceland

Godafoss

Godafoss waterfall is a one of a kind Icelandic waterfall. It is located on the north side of the island not far from the Lake Myvatn and the ring road. Click through to check out 15 of Iceland's BEST waterfalls!
Godafoss, pronounced “GO-thuh-foss” (Never would have guessed that one, but I found out I am terrible and pronouncing anything Icelandic) is a one of a kind Icelandic waterfall. It is located on the north side of the island not far from the Lake Myvatn and the ring road.  If you drive the ring road in Iceland (popular trip) this will be one of your must see stops.  This horseshoe shaped waterfall comes in at over 98 feet wide (30 meters) and 39 feet high (12 meters).

Dettifoss 

Dettifoss is located in Vatnajökull National Park in Northeast Iceland. It is the largest waterfall in Europe in terms of water flow, and is said to be the most powerful as well. Click through to see 15 of Iceland's BEST waterfalls!
Dettifoss is located in Vatnajökull National Park in Northeast Iceland. It is the largest waterfall in Europe in terms of water flow, and is said to be the most powerful as well.  The falls drop 150 feet (45 meters) and are 330 feet wide (100 meters).  The power of this waterfall not only comes from its size, but its water flow. Dettifoss squeezes through an incredible 4,400,400,000 gallons of water per day or, 3,059,436 gallons per minute!  Best Waterfalls in Iceland

Selfoss

Selfoss waterfall in Iceland! One of the things that makes this waterfall so spectacular is that it is not just a single waterfall, but a series of small waterfalls. Click through to see 15 of Iceland's BEST waterfalls.
Selfoss waterfall is just upstream from Dettifoss.  One of the things that makes this waterfall so spectacular is that it is not just a single waterfall, but a series of small waterfalls.  These waterfalls are approximately 36 feet high (11 meters).

Hafragilsfoss

Hafragilsfoss waterfall Iceland! Click through to see 15 of the BEST waterfalls in Iceland!

The waterfall has a single drop of 89 feet (27 meters) and has an average width of 300 feet (91 meters).  This incredible waterfall is often overlooked due to its proximity to Dettifoss and Selfoss.  Some people say this waterfall is less scenic than the others, but I have also heard that it is one you should not miss. I’ve found that overlooked places often end up being places that you should see the most. Has anyone been to this waterfall?  What did you think of it?

Aldeyjarfoss

Aldeyjarfoss Waterfalls in North Iceland! Click through to see more amazing waterfalls in Iceland!
For travelers this waterfall is typically a bit out of the way, but what makes this waterfall truly unique are the tall basalt columns surrounding it.  Like Godafoss, the Aldeyjarfoss waterfall is fed by the Vatnajökull glacier. The water flows into a narrow passage before dropping 65 feet (20 meters) into a wide basin.

South Iceland

Seljalandsfoss

Seljalandsfoss waterfall of the river Seljalandsá, drops off of a 200 foot (60 meters) cliff into what used to be the coastline. Click through to see 15 of the BEST waterfalls in Iceland!
Seljalandsfoss waterfall of the river Seljalandsá, drops off of a 200 foot (60 meters) cliff into what used to be the coastline.  While it is not the biggest waterfall on the list, it is amazing because there is a loop trail that allows you to go behind the waterfall.  Pictures are possible from any angle!  Warning – you may get wet.

Skogafoss

The Skógafoss waterfall is one of the biggest and most popular in the country. It has a width of 82 feet (25 meters) and a drop of 200 feet (60 meters). Click through to see 15 of Iceland's BEST waterfalls!Photo: Gilad Rom / Flickr
The Skógafoss waterfall is one of the biggest and most popular in the country.  It has a width of 82 feet (25 meters) and a drop of 200 feet (60 meters).  This waterfall produces a lot of mist, which often causes single or double rainbows on sunny days, and embarrassingly was a waterfall we happened upon rather than planned to see.

Haifoss

Háifoss plunges 400 feet (122 meters) over a cliff making it the second highest waterfall in Iceland (Glymur is tallest and also featured in this post). One feature that makes this waterfall unique besides its height is that it has a smaller waterfall named Granni immediately next to it.

Svartifoss

Photo: Andrés Nieto Porras / Flickr (CC)
Svartifoss is a waterfall in Vatnajökull National Park in Iceland, and is one of the most popular sights in the park.  These basalt columns are formed by lava cooling slowly over time.  Similar columns can be found in Gaint’s Causeway in Northern Ireland.  The columns also provided the inspiration for the Hallgrímskirkja church in Reykjavik Iceland (so beautiful, a must see). This waterfall is about 65 feet (20 meters) high.

Ofaerufoss

Located in southern Iceland, this beautiful multi-tiered waterfall once had a stone arch over the lower drop.  Unfortunately it was destroyed in the 90’s (likely from natural causes).  Although the bridge is no longer there, this waterfall still makes the top of my list.

Gullfoss

Gullfoss is deservedly Iceland’s most famous waterfall.  Photos cannot capture just how beautiful this waterfall is in person, or the endless roar it makes.  In person, it is also a lot bigger than the pictures make it seem.  The water is glacier runoff that ultimately flows into the ocean. The average amount of water running over this waterfall nearly doubles in the summer, so imagine twice the volume you see in these pictures. In English, this waterfall means Golden Falls.

 Hjalparfoss

I love the double waterfall Hjalparfoss. The falls are located on the river Fossa, and are surrounded by beautiful basalt rocks. In English, Hjalparfoss means "helping falls." Click through to see 15 of Iceland's BEST waterfalls!
I love the double waterfall Hjalparfoss.  The falls are located on the river Fossa, and are surrounded by beautiful basalt rocks.  In English, Hjalparfoss  means “helping falls.” I have no idea what the naming of these falls were intended to help, but they help make an Icelandic vacation great. Best waterfalls in icelandceland

West Iceland

Glymur 

Glymur is Iceland’s tallest waterfall coming in at a whopping 650 feet (198 meters). It is not visible from the road so you will need to hike there. Click through to see 15 of Iceland's most amazing waterfalls!
Glymur is Iceland’s tallest waterfall coming in at 650 feet (198 meters).  It is not visible from the road so you will need to hike there.  The total hike up to the waterfall is about 3.5 hours, so make sure you are prepared.  If you are staying in Reykjavik, the drive to Glymur is only an hour.

Kirkjufellsfoss

Photo: Andres / Flickr
Even though this waterfall is one that doesn’t get seen by as many travelers, it is still worth the visit.  It is easily accessible from the main road, and is also an amazing spot to see the Northern Lights and the famous Mount Kirkjufell.

 Westfjords

Dynjandi

Dynjandi is the most famous waterfall of the Westfjords, and is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in all of Iceland. It is actually a cascade of waterfalls (7 of them) that make up a 300 foot (100 meter) drop total. Click through to see 15 of Iceland's best waterfalls!
Dynjandi is the most famous waterfall of the Westfjords, and is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in all of Iceland.  It is actually a cascade of waterfalls (7 of them) that make up a 300 foot (100 meter) drop total. The top part of the waterfall is the one that is photographed the most and is said to be about 98 ft (30m) at the top and 196 ft (60 m) at the bottom.  The photos make it look a lot smaller than it actually is, but it is huge! I tried to find a photo with a person standing in front of it to show the size, but couldn’t find a good one.