Svartifoss Waterfall (On Explore 13 July 2023)
Eastern Iceland
A short walk into the Skaftafell area of Vatnajokull National Park provides visitors with a breathtaking view of Svartifoss (Black Falls). Ice-cold meltwater from Svinafellsjokull glacier feeds the famous Svartifoss waterfall. The waterfall tumbles down 20 metres (80 ft) over a cliff, which is bordered on both sides by tall black basalt columns. It resembles pipes of a giant organ, which is where the waterfall gets its name.
This wonder of natural architecture inspired the design for both Iceland’s National Theatre and the Hallgrimskirkja church in Reykjavik. The hexagonal columns form inside a lava flow which then cools extremely slowly, giving rise to crystallization.
Svartifoss Waterfall (On Explore 13 July 2023)
Eastern Iceland
A short walk into the Skaftafell area of Vatnajokull National Park provides visitors with a breathtaking view of Svartifoss (Black Falls). Ice-cold meltwater from Svinafellsjokull glacier feeds the famous Svartifoss waterfall. The waterfall tumbles down 20 metres (80 ft) over a cliff, which is bordered on both sides by tall black basalt columns. It resembles pipes of a giant organ, which is where the waterfall gets its name.
This wonder of natural architecture inspired the design for both Iceland’s National Theatre and the Hallgrimskirkja church in Reykjavik. The hexagonal columns form inside a lava flow which then cools extremely slowly, giving rise to crystallization.