Over the river and through the woods in search of waterfalls we go…
Yes, I like to create songs for the adventures the Viking and I get up to, he really enjoys when I sing them the whole way:)
Fun Kaelene fact, when I was a little girl I was pretty certain I was going to be a famous country singer. I would spend my days singing instead of talking and took elementary school choir practice seriously. And then we had a choir concert that was recorded, and let’s just say after I watched the recording and heard my voice it was pretty clear I needed to change my country singer plans. But my terrible singing voice doesn’t stop me from “sing commentating” (is that even a term??? hopefully it makes sense) the Viking and I’s adventures.
Okay back to the waterfall.
When I first mentioned to H the new waterfall I wanted to check out he asked the usual questions, “how do we get there”, “how long is the hike back”, “is it safe to go there now”? And I gave him my usual answer to these kinds of questions.
I don’t know but look at how pretty it looks in the pictures.
He doesn’t even question me anymore, he just asks when I want to go and joins in on my shenanigans, the perfect travel partner.
A few weeks ago the Viking and I spent a sunny Saturday visiting some of my favorite waterfalls in the south of Iceland. Before our trip, I did some research trying to see if there was a new spot that H and I could check out while we were in the area.
I love finding places off the beaten track and making it a goal to find a new spot on each adventure we head off on. I use everything from Pinterest to Instagram and good ole Google to help me research new places. It didn’t take me long before I found the place that H and I needed to explore when we were in the south.
The new spot for this adventure, Kvernufoss waterfall.
The information I found online about Kvernufoss, well it was a bit vague, to say the least. All I knew about this waterfall was that it was located just past Skógafoss and it was about a 20-minute hike to reach the waterfall. Not much information but challenge accepted.
After a short stop at Skógafoss, the Viking and I headed towards the Skógar museum, the location where the little directions I did have started from. There was a lot of snow in the area so we (the Viking) decided it was best to go in and see if anyone in the museum had more information about the waterfall. At this point, I am not sure the Viking fully believed me that we were at the right spot to find Kvernufoss.
Thanks to the man working at the museum H finally believed me that there was a waterfall nearby and we had a bit clearer directions. When we asked about the pathway and if the snow would be an issue we were told it would be no problem. Let’s just say this was not the case, the snow was so deep that some steps had me sinking in snow way past my knees. At one point H and I were both covered in snow and just couldn’t stop laughing at the ridiculousness of it all.
Oh random adventures with my Viking, they are the best.
Somehow though we managed to make our way along the snowy path and after about twenty minutes we had made it back to the beautiful Kvernufoss. You can walk all the way behind this waterfall, but in the winter months it is basically an ice rink so I don’t recommend it. H and I slowly made our way back there but I already want to return in the summer so I properly explore the area without the fear of slipping.
I don’t know if it was the deep snow or all the sunshine but H and I had a serious case of the giggles the whole time. What I do know is that our adventure back to Kvernufoss will be one of my favorite memories from this winter and I can’t wait to return in the summer. Finding new places in Iceland to visit, is my favorite way to spend a sunny Saturday!
Kvernufoss sighting! Now the challenge was figuring out how to get there with all of the snow on the path.
The things I do for waterfalls! This snowy walk back was worth it though, H and I had the waterfall completely to ourselves.
I must say I was so proud of myself for making it behind the waterfall without slipping. I wasn’t as brave (or crazy) as my Viking who went further behind the waterfall, at some points almost crawling to avoid slipping. The things he does to get a good picture! But I won’t complain, he got some great pictures that I get to use:)
Mission find new waterfall complete. We already have plans to return this summer!
Directions // Drive to Skógar museum, just past the beautiful Skógafoss, and park your car there. Start walking towards the river on the right side of the museum. You will cross a fence and walk through a small field to reach the river. Once you have found the river follow it back into the valley for about 20 minutes. It is a straight walk back to the waterfall.
*If visiting during the winter (and if there is snow in the area) I don’t recommend making this hike unless you are prepared with proper equipment. Always ask a local in the area, such as at the museum, about the condition of the pathway back to Kvernufoss before making the hike. Safety before waterfalls!
Question of the Day?
Do you like researching new places to visit when traveling? What are your favorite sources to use to find places to visit?
