Foss á Síðu

Foss á Síðu is a modest but famous waterfall on the southern edge of the lava plateau Síða, tumbling off a cliff just metres from the Ring Road east of Kirkjubæjarklaustur. What makes it extraordinary is its behaviour in the fierce Atlantic gales that sweep across this exposed coastline — the wind can be strong enough to blow the entire waterfall back up the cliff, creating the illusion that water is defying gravity.

Even without wind, the setting is scenic: the white curtain of water drops against dark basalt and a broad view of the South Iceland coastal plain stretching towards the sea. In winter the falls can partially freeze into ice sculptures around the edges.

There is a small pull-off directly on the Ring Road (Route 1) near Foss á Síðu farm — simply stop, step out, and enjoy. No hiking required. Keep an eye on weather forecasts if you specifically want to catch the upward-blowing effect.