Foss á Síðu Waterfall
About Foss á Síðu Waterfall
Foss á Síðu is a tall, narrow waterfall beside Route 1 in South Iceland, about 13 km east of Kirkjubæjarklaustur. It drops from Þórutjörn, a small lake on the heath above, straight over a dark basalt cliff toward the farm of Foss, which gave the waterfall its name. Síða is the name of the farming district that runs along the foot of the hills here, north of the Eldhraun lava field.
Most people see Foss á Síðu from the car, since the ribbon of water is visible from far down the highway. For a better look, pull into the roadside viewpoint just west of the farm and take photos from there. The farm itself is private land, so stay off the fields and the farm track unless you have permission.
The stop takes 10 to 15 minutes, and it pairs naturally with the Dverghamrar basalt columns, which stand a short way east along the same road. Kirkjubæjarklaustur is about 15 minutes west and Skaftafell roughly an hour east, so the falls make an easy break on the Ring Road between Vík and Höfn.
Flow depends on rain and snowmelt, so the waterfall is fullest in late spring and after wet weather and thins out during dry spells. It can be seen in any season from the road, and on gusty days the wind sometimes catches the water and scatters it as spray before it reaches the bottom.
Good to know
Where is Foss á Síðu?
Foss á Síðu is beside Route 1 in South Iceland, about 13 km east of Kirkjubæjarklaustur and roughly an hour west of Skaftafell.
What does Foss á Síðu mean?
Foss means waterfall, and Síða is the name of the farming district east of Kirkjubæjarklaustur. The waterfall is named after the farm of Foss that sits below it.
Can you walk up to Foss á Síðu?
The waterfall drops onto private farmland, so the best views are from the roadside viewpoint on Route 1. Do not cross the fields or drive the farm track without the landowner's permission.
Is there parking at Foss á Síðu?
Yes, there is a small pull-off with a viewpoint beside Route 1 just west of the farm. The Dverghamrar parking lot, a short way east, also has views of the falls.
What is near Foss á Síðu?
The Dverghamrar basalt columns are a minute or two east by car. Kirkjubæjarklaustur, with Systrafoss and Kirkjugólf, is about 15 minutes west, and Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon is a little farther.
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