23rd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Travel
Grundarfjörður Highlands

The valley located directly behind Kirkjufellsfoss on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula in Iceland. The most well-known view is facing Kirkjufell mountain, while this image looks in the opposite direction; where the terrain opens into a broad mossy valley with multiple natural streams and small waterfalls running down the surrounding ridges. The scene reflects the typical geology and weather patterns of the area, with low clouds, glacial runoff, and layered volcanic formations.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 09.2025
Date Uploaded: 11.2025
Photo Location: Grundarfjörður, Iceland
Camera: NIKON D500
Copyright: © Ashley Dowiak