Mjóifjörður and Klifbrekkufossar
A series of seven stunning waterfalls cascading down a remote East Iceland fjord, offering a truly magical and serene escape.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better road conditions
Mjóifjörður and Klifbrekkufossar
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better road conditions

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A series of seven stunning waterfalls cascading down a remote East Iceland fjord, offering a truly magical and serene escape.
"It was absolutely breathtaking and looked a bit somehow like Rivendell from The Lord of the Rings."
🚗 AWD Recommended
While not always essential in summer, AWD or 4x4 provides peace of mind on the steep, gravel road .
💧 Be Prepared to Get Wet
Hiking near the base might involve crossing streams; waterproof gear is a good idea .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Klifbrekkufossar Waterfalls
Mjóifjörður Fjord
A breathtaking series of seven cascading waterfalls, offering a truly magical and serene experience.

Scenic Fjord Drive
Mjóifjörður
The winding gravel road down into the fjord provides stunning panoramic views, making the journey as memorable as the destination.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Road Conditions & Vehicle Choice
Embrace the Serenity
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 AWD Recommended
While not always essential in summer, AWD or 4x4 provides peace of mind on the steep, gravel road.
💧 Be Prepared to Get Wet
Hiking near the base might involve crossing streams; waterproof gear is a good idea.
📸 Drone Friendly
Capture unique aerial perspectives of the falls and fjord, but fly responsibly.
🗺️ Check Road Conditions
Always check road.is before heading out, especially outside of peak summer.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 AWD Recommended
While not always essential in summer, AWD or 4x4 provides peace of mind on the steep, gravel road.
💧 Be Prepared to Get Wet
Hiking near the base might involve crossing streams; waterproof gear is a good idea.
📸 Drone Friendly
Capture unique aerial perspectives of the falls and fjord, but fly responsibly.
🗺️ Check Road Conditions
Always check road.is before heading out, especially outside of peak summer.
🤫 Seek Solitude
Arrive early or late to experience the profound quiet and have the falls to yourself.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the breathtaking beauty and serene atmosphere of Klifbrekkufossar, often calling it an underrated gem. The drive into the Mjóifjörður fjord is also a highlight, offering spectacular views. However, the gravel road requires careful driving and can be challenging for inexperienced drivers, especially outside of summer.
"This place is exactly as described. Be advised that the road to them is not so easy, you have to be careful. It is approx. 20km of gravel road, but well maintained. We were alone at the premises which really allowed to experience the calmness and power. You have to go through water and springs to climb the waterfall, but it is worth it!"
Zoran Kascelan
"It's q gravel road not for a newbie driver. In summer you don't need 4x4, the road is well-maintained, no stones or debris on it. Just drive carefully. The views are unforgetable! There are few wild parking lots nearby, they provide different view. If you hike up, be carefull not to loose the trail, it's not marked at all. Take your drone with you."
Alexandra Dejanovic
"Nice drive out there! Be sure you got AWD.
It was really nice to continue driving this road along the fjord!"
עופר נוימן
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Klifbrekkufossar is located in the Mjóifjörður fjord in East Iceland. The access road (road 953) is a steep, winding gravel road. While many visitors manage with a standard car in summer, AWD or 4x4 is recommended for added safety and comfort, especially if conditions are less than ideal.
No, the road is often impassable during winter due to snow and ice. It's crucial to check road.is for current conditions before your visit, particularly if traveling outside of the summer months.
While some visitors have driven it in regular cars during summer with caution, an AWD or 4x4 vehicle is highly recommended for the steep, gravel, and sometimes uneven terrain.
The drive from the main Ring Road into Mjóifjörður and to the waterfalls can take approximately 30-45 minutes, depending on road conditions and your driving speed. The drive itself is scenic.
No, there are no services available along the gravel road into Mjóifjörður. Ensure you have enough fuel and any necessary supplies before you begin the drive.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Klifbrekkufossar is a natural attraction and there is no entrance fee. You can visit and enjoy the waterfalls and the fjord scenery free of charge.
Klifbrekkufossar is accessible whenever the road is open and safe to travel. There are no set opening or closing hours, as it is an outdoor natural site.
No booking is required. As it's a natural attraction with no entry fee, you can visit spontaneously, though checking road conditions is advised.
The access road is gravel and can be uneven. While you can view the falls from near the roadside, hiking closer or to the base may be challenging for those with mobility issues.
Visiting in winter is generally not recommended due to road closures and hazardous conditions. The road is often impassable and lacks winter service.
📸 📸 Photography
The most spectacular views of all seven waterfalls are often seen from the roadside as you descend into the fjord. Various wild parking spots offer different vantage points.
Yes, a drone can capture incredible aerial perspectives of the cascading falls and the dramatic fjord landscape, offering unique shots not possible from the ground.
Late afternoon during the 'golden hour' can provide beautiful lighting on the waterfalls and fjord. However, any time of day offers stunning views, and even a rainbow can appear, enhancing the magic.
Look for opportunities to capture the full series of seven falls in one frame. The drive itself offers many scenic photo stops along the fjord.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the grandeur of the falls and fjord. A sturdy tripod can be useful for longer exposures, especially if there's mist or low light.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
Yes, it's possible to hike closer to or to the base of the falls. Be aware that trails are not always marked, and you may need to navigate over rocks and through water.
Allow at least 1-2 hours to fully appreciate the drive, the various viewpoints of the waterfalls, and perhaps a short hike. Some visitors spend longer soaking in the atmosphere.
The best experience often comes from having the place to yourself, allowing you to appreciate the silence and power of nature. Driving down the fjord and stopping at different points offers varied perspectives.
No, there are no facilities such as restrooms or visitor centers at Klifbrekkufossar. It's a remote natural site, so be prepared and plan accordingly.
Wear sturdy, waterproof hiking shoes or boots. Layers are recommended, and waterproof outer layers are essential, as the weather in Iceland can change rapidly.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Once at the falls, the sheer spectacle of seven waterfalls can captivate young imaginations. While a full hike to the base might be challenging for very young children, there are accessible viewpoints near the road where they can safely marvel at the cascades. Pack snacks and drinks, as there are no facilities. Waterproof clothing and sturdy shoes are a must, as the area can be damp and the ground uneven.
🚗 Road Trip Enthusiasts
This destination is perfect for travelers looking to escape the crowds and discover truly underrated natural beauty. The drive itself is a significant part of the appeal, with stunning fjord vistas. Plan to spend ample time exploring the various pull-offs and viewpoints along the road, and consider bringing a drone for unparalleled aerial shots of the falls and the fjord.
📸 Photographers & Drone Pilots
Drone pilots will find this location particularly rewarding, with the potential for breathtaking aerial shots that showcase the full scale of the waterfalls and their integration into the natural environment. Remember to fly responsibly and be aware of any local regulations. The changing light throughout the day, especially during golden hour, can create magical photographic moments, and even a rainbow can add an extraordinary element to your shots.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Enchanting Drive into Mjóifjörður
As you wind your way down, the anticipation builds for the sight of Klifbrekkufossar. The road is not just a means to an end but a visual feast, showcasing the rugged, untouched beauty of East Iceland. Be prepared for sharp turns and varying road surfaces. Checking road conditions on road.is is paramount, particularly outside of the summer months, as the road can become impassable in winter.
Beyond the waterfalls, continuing along the fjord road offers further opportunities to appreciate the dramatic coastal landscape. This remote fjord is a testament to Iceland's wild and untamed nature, providing a sense of discovery and solitude that is increasingly rare in popular travel destinations.
Experiencing Klifbrekkufossar: A Sensory Journey
While the main viewpoints offer stunning vistas of the entire cascade, many visitors enjoy hiking closer to the base. This can involve navigating over rocks and through shallow streams, so waterproof footwear is highly recommended. The effort is rewarded with a more intimate experience of the waterfalls' power and beauty. The feeling of peace and awe that washes over visitors here is a recurring theme in reviews, highlighting its status as a place to 'feel' rather than just 'see'.
For photographers, Klifbrekkufossar presents a dream scenario. The multi-tiered falls offer dynamic compositions, and the surrounding landscape provides ample opportunities for capturing the grandeur of East Iceland. Bringing a drone can unlock unique perspectives, showcasing the full extent of the falls and their integration into the fjord. The chance of witnessing a rainbow framing the scene, as one visitor did, adds another layer of magic to this already captivating location.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit