Guide de Voyage : Cascade Sveinstekksfoss

Sveinstekksfoss waterfall, also known as Fossárfoss, is a hidden beauty in East Iceland, near the town of Djupivogur. 

Visitors interested in seeing this one-of-a-kind waterfall can add this to their ring road self-drive tour itinerary. This seven-day budget self-drive tour is for travelers short on time and money who want to see as much of Iceland as possible.

If you want a more in-depth exploration of the ring road before visiting Sveinstekksfoss, this 11-day tour with waterfalls and hot springs or a 10-day summer tour with waterfalls and glaciers may be better. 

Photo from Flickr, by H. Raab. No edits made. 

The waterfall is located in East Iceland's Eastfjords which makes it close to the Atlantic Ocean. However, Sveinstekkfoss is off-the-beaten-track, which ensures the place is not crowded like other Icelandic waterfalls, such as Skogafoss and Gullfoss. The closest settlement to the waterfall is Djupivogur, a small coastal town with a population of around 400 people. 

Sveinstekksfoss Waterfall and Fossardalur Valley

You will find the Sveinstekksfoss waterfall in the Fossa stream of the Fossardalur valley. The attraction's location at the Fossa river is why some call it, Fossarfoss waterfall. 

Due to its location in the Fossardalur valley, which means waterfall valley, you can also easily visit nearby waterfalls, such as Mulafoss and Stekkasfoss. It's also the last fall in the Fossa stream before it falls into a narrow gorge that pours into a small lagoon before entering the Atlantic Ocean. 

Features of the Sveinstekksfoss Waterfall 

At 49 feet (15 meters) tall, Sveinstekksfoss is a moderately-sized waterfall. Due to its height, some may think it less impressive than other waterfalls, such as the Dynjandi waterfall of the Westfjords. However, what makes it unique is the topography that surrounds it, including mountains, which creates a photogenic view.

Cliffs of varying heights surround the waterfall while it flows on dark-layered basalt covered with moss and various plants. The strong contrast between the wild waters of the waterfall amidst the dark rocks creates an excellent image, much loved by photographers. Also, the often uncrowded surroundings make it a perfect place to take pictures. 

Getting to Sveinstekksfoss Waterfall 

Sveinstekksfoss waterfall is a bit of a hidden gem, so it's often excluded in many East Iceland guided tours. However, the beautiful attraction is easily accessible by car, so it's a perfect place to visit if you're on a private East Iceland tour or a self-drive tour. 

The waterfall is about 10 miles (16 kilometers) northwest of Djupivogur town, usually only 15 minutes away by car. The settlement is also easily accessible via the famous Ring Road, or Route 1, so it's a good stop if you're coming from the South.

After driving just under 10 miles (15 kilometers) from the town, you'll see a gravel road, Eyjolfsstadir, where you'll turn left. Continue following this path until you reach a short steep hill with a sharp bend to the right. You can park your car here and go for a short walk to better view the waterfall. 

Nearby Attractions

Sveinstekksfoss waterfall's location in the Eastfjords ensures you won't be short of attractions to visit while in the area. The waters of the Eastfjords are already known to be incredibly beautiful and a great place to view sea creatures.

During your stopover at Djupivogur, you can take a kayaking tour and see the fantastic scenery of East Iceland. 

Around 45 miles (73 kilometers) north of the waterfall, you can visit the Vok Baths. These pools form the largest geothermal spa in this part of the country and sit within the spectacular Lake Urridavatn.