Reyðarfjörður — Barkur

The forest has been protected since the early 20th century, and it includes both native birch woodland and trees planted from other countries to test which species grow well in Iceland. It is a rare reminder of how forested the land once was before settlers cut down much of the original birch. Folklore tells of a monster in the nearby lake.

The town grew in the 19th century as a herring fishing centre and as a base for Norwegian settlers, and many of its wooden buildings date from that period. Today it is known as an art town, with a school and cultural festival. During the Second World War, a British ship was sunk in the fjord, and its remains rest on the seabed.

The waterfall drops about 128 metres, and the red layers are ancient soil that formed between lava flows millions of years ago. These bands record long periods of volcanic quiet between eruptions. The surrounding area is home to Hallormsstaður forest and the long lake of Lagarfljót, which legend says holds a monster.