Travel with Kevin and Ruth: Day 13 - Lots of waterfalls in Iceland!

Wednesday, August 13, 2025

Day 13 - Lots of waterfalls in Iceland!

We woke up Tuesday morning at anchor in the bay outside the town of Grundarfjörður. Ruth and I have been here before, during our 5 day tour of Iceland back in October 2012, however we were on a bus tour at the time and so we didn't get any time to explore.

We were happy to return to this area and at least we had the day to get out and see the sights!

Unfortunately, it wasn't the best weather. Mostly showers, with a high of around 13C (55F), however we were well prepared for that and so we still had a great day!

Tender boat on its way to Grundarfjörður.

Kirkjufell Mountain.

Our original plan was to climb to the top of Kirjufell Mountain. It's not that long of a climb, maybe two hours without rushing. However, some sections are very steep, including three parts where you require a rope to assist you up. And from doing the research, it really is a tough climb, and not recommended in wet weather due to risk of slipping.

And, four different tourists have died on Kirkjufell in the last six years.

We likely would have attempted it, or at least part of it, had it been sunny and dry.

The Lutheran church in Grundarfjörður.

Kirkjufell is probably the most photographed mountain in Iceland.

So instead, we hiked to several different waterfalls in the area.

Off in the distance.

Waterfalls everywhere!

This farmer has a big waterfall right in his backyard!

Grundarfoss. This is where we are headed!

Icelandic horses.

Beautiful.

Off in the distance.

I wanted to get a better view, but the path was on the opposite side of the river and the water was too high to cross. So I tried heading higher to a ridge that looked like it might be flat enough to get closer to the falls.

Looking back at Ruth in blue.

I actually got quite high up.

Looking back at the ship.

Rainbow in front of Kirkjufell.

The sun peaked out for a little bit causing the rainbow.

Beautiful.

Heading back to the other side of the town.

The campground at Grundarfjörður.

Trees growing in Iceland.

Iceland has very few trees. However Iceland used to be covered in trees, It's estimated that 40% of the island was birch forests and shrubs but Norse settlers cleared it for firewood, building materials, and grazing land for sheep. Because of the harsh climate and thin volcanic soil, the forests have struggled to regenerate.