Rjúkandi

Rjúkandi is a wide, powerful waterfall on the Jökulá á Brú river in the East Highlands, cascading in several distinct steps over a broad shelf of dark lava. The name means “steaming” or “gushing,” and the sheer volume of water tumbling over the falls lives up to it — the spray cloud is visible from some distance on the F-road approach.

The setting is magnificently remote, with the Vatnajökull plateau visible to the south and vast empty highland moorland in every direction. The falls lie close to Route 910 (the Austurleið highland road) and make a natural rest stop on the dramatic drive between East Iceland and the Highlands interior.

Access requires driving on the F910 highland road, which requires a genuine 4×4 and is open only in summer, typically July to September. No facilities are present at the site. Combine with a visit to Snæfell mountain or the Kárahnjúkar reservoir area nearby.