Klifbrekkufossar Waterfalls

Klifbrekkufossar is a graceful series of waterfalls in Mjóifjörður, East Iceland. Rather than one single drop, the Fjarðará river steps down a steep green mountainside in multiple cascades, each framed by moss, rock and the broad slopes of this remote fjord. The road through Mjóifjörður runs beside the falls, making them one of the most satisfying scenic pauses on a slow east-fjord journey.

Mjóifjörður is not a place to rush. Its narrow, winding approach, small settlement and steep mountains all ask visitors to slow down. Klifbrekkufossar fits that rhythm perfectly: stop safely, walk only where the ground and signs allow, and let the sequence of falls reveal itself as you look up the valley.

Quick guide to Klifbrekkufossar

A waterfall sequence, not a single viewpoint

The name Klifbrekkufossar refers to a succession of falls, and that is the best way to experience them. Water flows down the mountainside in clear stages: narrow white ribbons, wider shelves and small plunges that appear and disappear between folds of the valley. From the road, the view is already compelling; on foot, a few careful metres can change the entire composition.

This is a place for observation rather than scrambling. The slopes can be wet and loose, and the river is faster than it looks. Use established pull-offs and paths, keep clear of private land and follow any current signs. If a view requires you to step beyond a safe surface, choose another one.

The Mjóifjörður approach

Mjóifjörður is reached by road 923, a scenic mountain route from the East Iceland side. Its remoteness is part of the reward, but it also means that driving deserves your full attention. The road is not a transit shortcut: it is narrow in places, steep, unpaved in sections and subject to weather-related changes.

Travel in daylight, allow generous time and check road conditions before committing to the route. Summer is generally the most reliable period, while snow can close the road outside the main season. If low cloud, rain or wind makes the drive uncomfortable, postpone it rather than trying to keep to a fixed itinerary.

How to enjoy the falls well

Klifbrekkufossar is especially rewarding on a day with mixed cloud and sun, when light moves across the green slopes and the water remains bright against dark rock. In rainy weather the cascades can be particularly full, but footing and visibility worsen at the same time. Waterproof clothing and boots with grip make the stop much more comfortable.

There are no major visitor facilities built around the waterfall. Bring what you need, pack out everything you bring in and avoid blocking the road or passing places when you stop. Give local traffic room and never stop where another driver cannot see around you.

Photography in a narrow fjord

A vertical frame works well for the stacked falls and mountain slope, while a wider composition can place the cascades within the fjord landscape. A polarising filter can help manage glare on wet vegetation, but the most useful tool is patience: wait for a safe pull-off, a clear view and a moment when other visitors are not in your frame.

Respect the setting. Mjóifjörður is a small community and a sensitive mountain landscape. Keep drones grounded unless you have confirmed they are permitted, never disturb birds or livestock, and leave the waterfall as quiet as you found it.

Klifbrekkufossar FAQ