Bjarnarfoss ion Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Bjarnarfoss is a striking waterfall on the southern side of Iceland’s Snæfellsnes Peninsula, just above the historic settlement of Búðir. It falls dramatically over dark basalt cliffs formed by the now-extinct Mælifell volcano.
Bjarnarfoss is about 262 feet (80 meters ) high and falls in two main tiers. The upper cascade is particularly interesting because Iceland's strong winds can actually catch the falling water and blow it sideways—or even upward—across the cliff.
The dark, columnar basalt behind the waterfall is what gives it such a dramatic appearance. The contrast between the black volcanic rock, white water, green vegetation and surrounding mountains makes it an especially photogenic part of Snæfellsnes.
There's also a wonderful piece of Icelandic folklore connected to Bjarnarfoss.
Look carefully at the waterfall and the surrounding basalt, and you may be able to make out a human-like figure. Icelandic tradition identifies her as Fjallkonan—the Lady of the Mountain, a personification of Iceland itself. The waterfall's spray is said to fall over her shoulders like a veil or shawl. The story is particularly appropriate here because the figure is literally part of the landscape.
That gives Bjarnarfoss an added dimension beyond being simply another beautiful waterfall: the landscape itself becomes a symbol of Iceland.
