Ketubjörg Waterfalls and Cliffs Hike

The short hike to the Ketubjörg Cliffs and their two waterfalls may be one of the best-hidden treasures in Northern Iceland.  Amazing sea cliffs and two beautiful waterfalls falling directly into the ocean below.

One of the two Ketubjörg waterfalls, with the Cliffs in the background.

Located on the Skagi peninsula, Ketubjörg is one of the most visited locations in northern Iceland. Perhaps it should not be much of a surprise because the area is quite remote. You just don’t pass by this location on your way to some other place.

Still, the long detour is worth it, especially if you are looking for a location away from the main tourist routes and the busy locations. You’ll definitely find no tourist buses here.

Table of Contents

Overview of the Ketubjörg Hike

This is an easy hike, even if you decide to walk between the two waterfalls. Great care should be taken though, as some parts of the cliffs are at risk of collapse.

The beautiful cliffs are well worth a visit even if there were no waterfalls here.

How to get to the Ketubjörg Waterfalls and Parking

The two waterfalls are at the opposite end of the cliffs, so you can’t see them both at the same time. You could either hike above the Ketubjörg cliffs, or you could visit each waterfall separately and drive between the two. If you are looking for car rental options, I can recommend Blue Car Rental for cars and CampEasy for Camper Vans.

• Driving Directions: If you are coming from the east, you would first need to turn onto Road 74 from the Ring Road. Drive through the small town of Sauðárkrókur and continue on Road 744, then onto Road 745 until you see the Ketubjörg road sign. The drive is about 2/2.30 hours from Akureyri. If you are coming from the west, turn onto Road 74 after Blönduós. Then onto road 744 and then road 745. The drive e is about 4 4.30 hours from Reykjavik. Click here for the location on Google Maps.
• Parking: There are some small pullout areas next to each one of the two waterfalls.
• Public Transport: Nothing gets close to this location, not even private tours.

Road 744 is a gravel road, but it’s in good condition. If you are planning to visit from October to May, check the road conditions on Road.is before heading there.

Road 744.

The Ketubjörg Waterfalls and Cliffs Trail

While there isn’t an official trail, you can easily walk between the two waterfalls. You will not see either of them from the road or from the trail until you are almost upon them.

This location is on private ground and there is a service road across the cliffs you can follow to get to the other waterfalls and to the top of the Cliffs.

Alternatively, if you decide to drive between the two waterfalls, you can just hop over the ladder across the fence and walk five minutes to each one of the two waterfalls.

The trailhead, right by the small pull-out area

Again, in case you missed it earlier, word of warning: be careful when visiting the cliffs. Some areas are at risk of collapse, especially up on the Cliffs.

The Ketubjörg Waterfalls and Cliffs Hike Photos and Photography Tips

This is obviously a great seascape location, as well as a waterfall one :) There aren’t many places where this is possible – I only know of three other similar ones in Iceland. Still, this is definitely the best one. You get two waterfalls too!

Here are both:

The first Ketubjorg Waterfall, coming from the east.

The second one, or first if you are arriving from the west.

Photographically speaking, I think this location has a lot of untapped potential. In summer, this should be a great location for sunset and sunrise as it faces north.

I can also imagine the drama potential on stormy days and with powerful waves crashing against the cliffs.

And what about it under the northern lights? I personally will be coming back probably more than once, to capture this beautiful location under several different conditions.

Also, provided you are complying with locale regulations, it is possible to fly a drone here. Quite a fun location too. Still watch out for wildlife, birds especially, and avoid flying during nesting season.

The Sea Cliffs, next to the first waterfall

the beautiful cliffs are well worth a visit even if there were no waterfalls here.

Drone photo.

Another drone photo, where you can also see the parking area as well as a little black speck (myself).

Ketubjörg Drone Video

Here is a short drone video of the Cliffs and one of the two waterfalls

Map of the Ketubjörg Hike

Here is the map of the hike:

Where to stay

The accommodations nearby are in Skagaströnd, Sauðárkrókur, or Blönduós. However, I think it makes sense to stay in the area only if you are planning to visit for sunrise/sunset or if this is your last stop of the day. Or the first one on the following day.

Additional Resources

• Check out more Photo Hikes in Iceland here.
• Discover the best hiking books and guides on Iceland.
  

  Car or Camper Van Rentals

  I can definitely recommend two companies here:

  • Cars: Blue Car Rental, which is the largest Car rental company in Iceland, and for good reasons. Free Cancellation, Unlimited mileage, 24-hour breakdown assistance, SCDW, CDW, TP, and GP insurance are included in the price. Blue Car Rental is also located within walking distance of the Keflavik Airport, so you can be on your way to explore Iceland right away. I’ve always been happy with my rentals there, which is why I’m happy to recommend their services here on my blog.
  • Camper Vans: CampEasy. With CampEasy, you can rent 2WD or 4×4 campers alike. With a raised Chassis, larger tires, and extra insurance with reduced liability for river crossing, their 4X4 campers are the best choice for your trip into the Highlands. Their Website also provides extensive information about roads you can take and instructions on river crossings. Perfect choice for a hiking holiday in the highlands!

  These are my two favorite companies in each respective rental area, which I why I am happy to recommend both here. If you also like this blog, booking through them is a great way to support it. I’ll get a small commission fee at no additional cost, so you can essentially support the running costs of this blog for free too.