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It’s hard to compete with the large volume of waterfalls in Iceland, yet Rjúkandi pulls it off. Rjúkandi Waterfall is one of the waterfalls in Iceland that are hidden in plain sight since most visitors will simply treat it as a run-of-the-mill waterfall next to the road. We, however, know better.
In this article, we check out one of the most overlooked waterfalls in Iceland that deserves more credit than it gets. Follow us on a journey as we discover what this smoke show (you’ll get it later) is all about and why you should visit it.
What Makes Rjúkandi Waterfall Special?
With Morsárfoss being the tallest waterfall in Iceland, with a staggering 228-meter drop, it’s easy to not look twice at one that’s just shy of 100 meters. That being said, Rjúkandi Waterfall has a height of 93 meters, making it the 12th tallest waterfall in the country, and an impressive sight when you get up close and personal with it. Luckily, it’s one of the easiest waterfalls to visit in Iceland, so you will get an excellent reward for very little effort.
Rjúkandi Waterfall is unique in the sense that it has a combination of tall drops that justifies its name. “Rjuka” can mean “smoking” or “steaming,” which is fitting because of all the mist that surrounds the waterfall as the water hits the many steps along the way down.
Rjúkandi Waterfall is fed by the two sister rivers, Ysta River and Rjukandi River, which both come from the melting ice and snow on the Sandfell Mountain. They are called sister rivers since they come from the same source and eventually join together downstream.
Rjúkandi Waterfall and Photography
If you’re hunting photogenic waterfalls, Rjúkandi Waterfall should be a priority. This cascade is naturally photogenic and is one of the waterfalls in the country that is sure to provide you with plenty of rainbows from the abundance of mist. Since this is one of the lesser visited gems in Iceland, you are likely to be able to get pictures of it without involving people you don’t know.
Here are some short tips for a successful photo session:
- Don’t be afraid to step a little off-path for a good picture. There are plenty of spots to work from that won’t disturb moss or other fragile flora.
- Catching the rainbow is best done when the sun is low and behind your shoulder. You want to stand between the sun and the waterfall for the best chance to capture the rainbow on camera.
- Use a tripod or camera stand with a slow shutter speed to get a good contrast between a sharp environment and a silky smooth waterfall.
- Know your season: the summer months provide the midnight sun, which can create excellent lighting, while winter offers a chance to see the waterfall amidst a snowy landscape.
Where is Rjúkandi Waterfall?
You find Rjúkandi Waterfall in the northeastern part of Iceland – the least visited region of the country. It can easily be spotted from the Ring Road and has a small parking lot that allows you to make a quick stop for a couple of photos. It’s roughly an hour away from Egilsstadir on the way towards Mývatn.
How to Get to Rjúkandi Waterfall
Even though this is an Icelandic Gem, the interest isn’t big enough to warrant tours. To visit Rjúkandi Waterfall, you must drive yourself.
Luckily, the drive to Rjúkandi Waterfall is easier than finding black sand on Reynisfjara Beach. From Reykjavik, simply get on the Ring Road and start heading in any direction. Rjúkandi Waterfall is almost exactly on the opposite side of the country from Reykjavik, so this is one of the longest one-way drives you can do in Iceland. This is why this is only recommended if you’re either in East Iceland or doing a complete drive around the Ring Road.
Going the north route, you will spend roughly 7 hours on the road, covering at least 575 kilometers. This will take you past the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, Akureyri, and the Diamond Circle. Rjúkandi is located near the Ring Road's section between Egilsstaðir and Mývatn. If you go along the east route, count on being on the road for almost 9 hours and cover at least 675 kilometers.
If you’re not driving around the Ring Road but still want to see the waterfall, we recommend you take the northern route for a shorter trip. If you are exploring East Iceland and rather want to drive east, you can combine the trip to Rjúkandi Waterfall with an itinerary of the Icelandic South Coast.
The Rjúkandi Waterfall Hike
Calling this a hike is a little rich since it is more of a short walk on a steep gravel path. When you park the car at the small parking lot, you’ll see a clearly marked path running alongside the stream from the Rjúkandi Waterfall. You can follow that path up to the cable railing at the foot of the waterfall. This is the easy part of the hike and requires nothing more than a pair of shoes that won’t fall off your feet. The only difficult aspect of this hike to Rjúkandi Waterfall is that it is quite steep.
If you want to challenge yourself a little bit, you can make your way up one of the steep mountainsides and see the view from the top. This would be something you do off-trail and requires that you stay off the moss and follow the animal path on the northern side of the Rjúkandi Waterfall. The view from the top is breathtaking and worth the effort, but shouldn’t even be attempted if you don’t have proper hiking boots on.
Rjúkandi Waterfall Flora and Fauna
One thing that you’ll notice when you get to Rjúkandi Waterfall is that the area is lush and colorful from the typical East Iceland highland flora. The constant mist from the waterfall creates the perfect environment for the mountainous plants, and this is one of many spots in Iceland where the moss is thriving!
As for animals, a large portion of the local animal life is restricted to the sheep that the farmers keep in the mountains over the summer. The small fence and gate about halfway through the Rjúkandi Waterfall Hike are put there to keep any lost sheep from wandering onto the Ring Road. You won’t spot many sheep in the area, though, since they prefer to stay higher up in the mountains.
If you’re lucky, you might spot some of the wild reindeer that roam the eastern Icelandic Highlands. In the summer, they tend to be far up in the mountains, away from humans. In the winter, on the other hand, they often come down to the lower highlands in search of food. In late winter/early spring, you might get lucky and spot some reindeer calves stumbling around the mountainsides.
Likewise, the region is home to a variety of bird species, including the elusive ptarmigan and the majestic raven. These adaptable birds have mastered the art of survival in Iceland's harsh climate and can often be observed soaring through the skies or perched on rocky outcrops.
What to Do Near Rjúkandi Waterfall
Even though this is the least visited region in Iceland, there are plenty of things to do in the area. Below is a small collection of popular attractions and things to do in East Iceland:
- Visit the famous Stuðlagil Canyon and see the mesmerizing hexagonal basalt columns.
- See the old turf houses next to the Ring Road.
- Soak in the only floating infinity pools in Iceland at Vök Baths.
- Visit the East Iceland Heritage Museum.
- Ride Icelandic Horses in the East Icelandic Highlands.
- “Shower” in the Laugarvellir Hot Natural Pot
- Explore Egilsstadir – the capital of the East.
Where to Stay Near Rjúkandi Waterfall
Even though Rjúkandi Waterfall is right next to the road in a remote location in Iceland, there are still a couple of good accommodation options nearby. Below are some suggestions to consider on your trip to Rjúkandi Waterfall:
- Camp Egilsstadir is a great option for the camper who wants to be close to the conveniences of town. The campsite is equipped to receive campers, motorhomes, and tents, complete with electricity and free WiFi for everyone on site. Here, you can get access to warm showers, a washing facility, a cooking facility, and wastewater discharge options for motorhomes and campervans.
- Laugarfell Hot Spring and Accommodation is better suited for those who want to be away from town and close to nature. Here, you’ll find a classic campground in the East Icelandic wilderness that provides access to two natural hot springs to relax in.
- Berjaya Herad Hotel is a luxury option for those who want to splurge a little on their holiday. The hotel is located in Egilsstadir and has a restaurant and bar with locally sourced products and high-quality food and drinks.
- Fjalladýrð Farm is an option for the one who wants to stay at a unique location. This is the highest settlement in the country and has been an active farm ever since the Vikings first came here in the Settlement Era. Here, you get the chance to sleep in a Viking turf house!
Time to Visit Rjúkandi Waterfall in East Iceland
There is no doubt that you should invest a couple of minutes to visit the 12th-tallest waterfall in Iceland. Rjúkandi Waterfall is one of those places where you don’t have to put in much effort to have a great experience. The only effort involved is stretching your legs and working the camera.
The only way to find gems like this in Iceland is to drive. This is best done by renting a car in Iceland and exploring the Icelandic roads and popular road trip routes. Just remember to not shy away from stopping at lesser-known places like Rjúkandi Waterfall on your journey - you never know what you might be missing out on.
