Gluggafoss

Gluggafoss
Gluggafoss waterfall
Location 63°43′12″N 19°53′34″W / 63.7200°N 19.8927°W / 63.7200; -19.8927Coordinates: 63°43′12″N 19°53′34″W / 63.7200°N 19.8927°W / 63.7200; -19.8927
Total height 52 m (171 ft)
Number of drops 2

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;[1] 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 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).[2] The cliff supporting Gluggafoss has an upper palagonite (or tuff rock) portion and a lower basalt portion.[3] Distinctive of Gluggafoss' geology are the holes and tunnels formed by the river through the soft palagonite. Known in Icelandic as gluggar, or 'windows',[1] 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.[3]

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.

See also

References

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