As the most prominent member of a series of waterfalls running from the river Merkjá [ˈmɛr̥cauː], it is also known as Merkjárfoss [ˈmɛr̥caurˌfɔsː]; both names are acknowledged on an on-site signpost.

Known in Icelandic as gluggar, or 'windows',[3] these holes allow observers at the base of the waterfall to see partly obscured water flow.

According to the on-site signpost, the upper half of the waterfall could be seen only through three such vertically arranged holes prior to 1947.

Hekla, roughly 30 km (19 mi) north-northeast, erupted in that year, filling the river Merkjá and the tunnels of Gluggafoss with volcanic ash; this severely diminished the waterfall's exterior visibility for decades.

[2] Small trails on the adjacent hills allow visitors to see both drops of the waterfall up close, and also to obtain a view from above.