Gluggafoss

Gluggafoss is a waterfall in southern Iceland, specifically in the Fljótshlíð area. As the most prominent member of a series of waterfalls running from the river Merkjá, it is also known as Merkjárfoss; both names are acknowledged on an on-site signpost. The waterfall is accessible off Route 261, some 17.3 km from the closest major town, Hvolsvöllur (which in turn is 106 km east of Reykjavík).

Gluggafoss
Gluggafoss waterfall
Location63.7200°N 19.8927°W / 63.7200; -19.8927
Total height52 m (171 ft)
Number of drops2

Gluggafoss has a total height of approximately 52 m and features two main drops: one for 44 m into a narrow recess, then another for a further 8.5 m (in three main channels).[1] The cliff supporting Gluggafoss has an upper palagonite (or tuff rock) portion and a lower basalt portion.[2] Distinctive of Gluggafoss' geology are the holes and tunnels formed by the river through the soft palagonite. Known in Icelandic as gluggar, or 'windows',[3] these holes allow observers at the base of the waterfall to see partly obscured water flow. According to the on-site signpost, the upper half of the waterfall could be seen only through three such vertically arranged holes prior to 1947. Hekla, due roughly 30 km north-northeast, erupted in that year, filling the river Merkjá and the tunnels of Gluggafoss with volcanic ash; this severely diminished the waterfall's exterior visibility for decades. By the present day, however, erosion has undone the blockages.[2]

Small trails on the adjacent hills allow visitors to see both drops of the waterfall up close, and also to obtain a view from above. Seljalandsfoss is another waterfall nearby and of similar (or larger) size.

  • View from base
  • View of the river Merkjá over the second drop
  • The higher drop

See also

References
  1. "Gluggafoss". World Waterfall Database. Retrieved 11 September 2018.
  2. "MERKJÁRFOSS / GLUGGAFOSS". Visit South Iceland. Retrieved 11 September 2018.
  3. Ragnarsdóttir, Regína. "Gluggafoss Waterfall in South-Iceland - have you ever seen a Waterfall with Windows?". Guide to Iceland. Retrieved 11 September 2018.
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