The High Falls

There are over 200 named waterfalls in Iceland. Of the thousands of unnamed waterfalls, many would be deemed worthy of celebration in other countries, but the Icelanders are spoilt for choice. Háifoss (lit. the high falls) and its neighbour Granni comprise two of the top three highest waterfalls in Iceland. Like many rural areas in Iceland, these two waterfalls are steeped in folklore and are said to be home to a particularly cantankerous ogress. This photograph shows Háifoss at 3am on a windy summer morning, as the water crashes down the 122m drop into the river which flows out of the Highlands and into the Atlantic Ocean. If you look closely, you can make out the ogress fishing for trout.