Sigöldufoss waterfall is one of those strange beasts in the Icelandic landscape that has been transformed by an enormous engineering project. For hundreds and thousands of years, the waterfall was part of the glacial river Tungnaá, where a large volume of glacial water forced its way downstream, carrying with it all the mud, ashes, dirt, small rocks, and a load of other substances to the shore. However, when Sigalda Power Plant was installed some decades ago, the glacial water was diverted from the river into a tunnel to drive the hydroelectric turbines to produce electricity. What was left was a small river (compared to the enormous force from the glacial river) of spring water, and this part of the river mainly became a spring water stream.
Changes to the waterfall:
Although the former waterfall was quite impressive as the vast volume fell six meters, it could be argued that it is much more beautiful today. The water is less, but clear. After probably thousands of years of a mighty glacial river falling off the cliffs, a deep place formed in front of the waterfall. Today this translates into a water body with turquoise blue color, which bestows the waterfall and its environment an extra charm. And with the green vegetation and the cliffs and the canyon, the place became a beautiful little natural wonder, almost as if the power plant took it through a cosmetic remake.Consequently, we got an incredible waterfall that was a joy to view in the process. For those who would like to see the former waterfall, the power plant needs maintenance every 20 years or so; at that time, the glacial river is reunited with the waterfall. The last maintenance was in 2009.
Although in the Highland, Sigöldufoss is quite accessible:
An asphalt road that goes farthest into the Icelandic Highland to Hrauneyjar and Sigölduvirkjun Power Plant is right next door to the waterfall. Therefore, it is relatively easy to visit, even into October. This makes access to Sigöldufoss quite simple. On the Ring Road Nr. 1, you take a turn north on Landvegur (Road Nr. 26). After about 63 kilometers, you take a left turn on Sprengisandsleið (F26). Then, after 22 kilometers, you take a right turn on the Nyrðri Fjallabaksleið (F208) and stop a few kilometers farther between the bridges; you can't miss the waterfall on this route.