23 Best Waterfalls in Iceland You Can't Miss
Iceland is one of the best countries in the world for waterfall lovers. So here's the list of the top waterfalls in Iceland. From the most famous, beautiful, powerful, and most visited falls to hidden gems, we've got you covered.
Iceland is a country that has some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world.
If you are looking for inspiration on which ones are worth including in your Iceland itinerary, our travel guide might exactly be what you are looking for.
We spent two weeks road tripping in Iceland, and there was not a single day when we did not see at least one beautiful waterfall.
Even though the country has several iconic waterfalls, we enjoyed even those nameless and probably seasonal ones lining the roads.
And sometimes, we still could not comprehend that we don't have to make too much of an effort to reach them.
Iceland is a country that certainly does not have a problem with water, that's for sure.
As we come from the Czech Republic, a country rich in cultural and historical attractions, but a country that lacks spectacular waterfalls, we could not believe our eyes.
And it happened more often than we would be willing to admit.
Even the nameless waterfalls here in Iceland would be considered spectacular in our home country.
But once we learned that Iceland has approximately 10 000 waterfalls, we understood that it is simply not possible to be super-excited from every stream of water running down the slopes.
Well, we still kind of were, but that's a different story.
Waterfalls in Iceland
Iceland is the Land of Fire and Ice. Where did this nickname come from?
The fire represents Iceland's volcanic origin, while the ice highlights the fact that the country has no shortage of glaciers.
When you put together the mix of ever-changing harsh weather, which is only a mild expression of the fact that it rains a lot in Iceland and melting glaciers, it does not come as a surprise that the country has a large number of beautiful waterfalls.
What are the best waterfalls in Iceland you can't miss on your trip?
Even though it is highly individual, we've put together this list of 23 waterfalls we think are worth your precious vacation time.
As we do not feel comfortable grading these waterfalls like in school and deciding which one was better, the list below shows Iceland's best waterfalls in the same order we visited them.
Really, there are no losers or winners.
This elegant solution is a win-win for two reasons.
You can decide what waterfall you like the most without setting the expectations too high beforehand, and you can plan your travel itinerary better, especially if you use our 2-week Iceland itinerary.
And the last thing you should know before we finally get to the point. Foss in the Icelandic language means waterfall, but this is something you would figure out sooner or later.
Oxararfoss
We have a theory.
Even after the trip to Iceland, when you'll be going through all your photos and memories, you will never forget the first waterfall you saw in the country, and you will always have a special bond to it.
The first waterfall we saw in Iceland was Oxararfoss.
Oxararfoss is by no means the highest, widest, or most powerful waterfall, but it does not change the fact it is incredibly picturesque.
Oxararfoss lies within Thingvellir National Park, which has an essential place in Iceland's history because it is where the first parliament was established in the 10th century.
Thingvellir is also a place where you can walk through Almannagja, which is a fissure between two tectonic plates.
As you can see, there are many reasons to add this destination to your itinerary and why you should not miss out on Oxararfoss, this 13 meters high waterfall located in such a superb location.
There are a few parking lots in the national park. If you leave your car on Parking 1, which is near the Visitors Center, the trail to reach Oxararfoss is 1.6 kilometers one way.
It is, of course, possible to park closer to the waterfall, but we recommend you to walk around the rest of the top attractions as well.
Bruarfoss
Bruarfoss waterfall was once one of the essential stops on the Golden Circle.
But since the original driveway that was only a short distance from the waterfall was closed (because of the disrespectful behavior of tourists), and the new trailhead starts 3.5 kilometers from the cascade, Bruarfoss is not as popular as it used to be.
As we do not mind hiking and constantly seek opportunities to escape crowds, we knew we could not miss the Bruarfoss waterfall.
The path to the waterfall leads across private land, so try to make as little impact as possible.
The trail is mostly flat, and even though the beginning is relatively uneventful, once you reach Bruara River, the hike will turn from an ordinary one to an exceptional one.
Before you reach Bruarfoss, there are a couple of more cascades you can admire, and in our opinion, the whole trail is much more attractive thanks to it.
Bruarfoss is exceptional thanks to strikingly blue glacier water cascading down black lava rocks that make this place very photogenic.
If you are looking for a slightly off-the-beaten-path waterfall and want to stretch your legs, Bruarfoss is definitely worth your time.
Gullfoss
Without any doubt, Gullfoss is the best waterfall on the Golden Circle.
This 300 kilometers long loop from Reykjavik features plenty of must-visit attractions, including the famous Geysir Geothermal Area.
Still, Gullfoss, alias the Golden Waterfall, is the absolute highlight of this road trip.
It is one of the most impressive waterfalls in Iceland, and thanks to the easy accessibility from Reykjavik, it is also one of the most visited ones.
Gullfoss is located in Southwest Iceland in the canyon of the Hvítá river, and it will amaze you not only by its power but also by its width.
At one point, the canyon stretches to unbelievable 243 meters.
Immediately when we got off the car, we could feel the spray on our faces. It's better to come prepared this time.
If you plan to photograph the waterfall up close, you should wear a rain jacket, possibly rain pants, and bring a waterproof dry bag to protect your valuables.
That is actually the best gear for almost every single waterfall in Iceland.
By the way, here you can find tips on what to pack for Iceland.
The official parking lot is on the west side of the Hvita River, and the short trail will take you to the best viewpoints.
The area is roped off for safety reasons. Do not go behind the ropes by any means.
One of the explanations where the name of Gullfoss came from says it is because of the golden hue that often appears in the evening.
Hopefully, the weather will play along on the day of your visit to photograph this unique natural phenomenon.
Gluggafoss
Gluggafoss, also called Merkjarfoss, was precisely one of those cute surprises we were looking for.
Tourism in Iceland has been lately booming, and every year it is harder to find a place that is not visited by masses.
Gluggafoss waterfall was exactly the natural sight that is not included in the list of South Coast's top attractions. Therefore it is overlooked by eager travelers chasing only the must-visit places.
The South Coast of Iceland is well-known for some of the best waterfalls in the country (more about them later).
Therefore, we hoped to find a few hidden gems before we hit the part of the Ring Road that is sometimes also nicknamed Waterfall Driveway.
That's why, after visiting Keldur Turf Houses on the second day of our road trip, we did not rush back to Road 1 but followed side Road 261, which led us to Gluggafoss.
The empty parking lot proved that our plan was right.
Gluggafoss has two main drops, the total height is 52 meters, and even though the higher cascade is a bit further away, the lower waterfall tumbling down in three primary channels is quite spectacular.
There are no ropes, so carefully follow the well-trodden path around the waterfall.
Seljalandsfoss
Without any doubt, Seljalandsfoss is the most photographed waterfall along the South Coast of Iceland.
What is the reason behind its popularity, and why is it different from other waterfalls you can see while driving the iconic Ring Road?
Yes, Seljalandsfoss is relatively high, approximately 60 meters. But this is not the reason why this waterfall made it to the very top of every Iceland bucket list.
Seljalandsfoss is one of the waterfalls you can see from behind.
That means there's a trail leading inside a deep depression in the rock that circumnavigates the whole waterfall.
This is also one of the reasons why this place is super-crowded during the sunset - it is a well-known spot among photographers.
Seljalandsfoss is truly magical, but the true highlight of the visit is to encircle the waterfall and get completely drenched.
The path can be really muddy all year round (and icy and slippery in the winter), so do not underestimate this short and easy hike.
Wear hiking boots and possibly a rain poncho.
In summer, only one section was quite slippery, and we had to use our hands to climb a few rocks.
Otherwise, it is an activity for all ages and abilities.
If you are uncomfortable in these situations, you can walk as far as you feel comfortable and return the same way.
Skogafoss
Once you leave the parking lot of Seljalandsfoss, it does not take long, and there's another waterfall that will catch your attention.
It is possible to see Skogafoss from the main road, but it would be a bit mistake not to take this short detour.
Skogafoss is a mighty waterfall, 60 meters high and 25 meters wide.
It is also one of the film locations from Game of Thrones, and both the natural and cultural background attracts people.
Even though it is possible to park your car only a short walk from the waterfall itself, we recommend you extend your visit and climb the stairs to a viewing platform overlooking the cascade from above.
Here also starts a hike called Waterfall Way.
It is a part of a much longer, one-day hike that leads to the other side of the valley.
But the great thing about it is that you can walk as far as you want - we decided to walk for one hour, and then returned back.
Yes, Skogafoss is the main highlight here.
But this walk is also incredibly scenic, and as you walk along the deep gorge, you'll see a large number of smaller or bigger waterfalls along the way.
Kvernufoss
We feel that Kvernufoss, a waterfall only a few steps away from Skogafoss, deserves more attention.
It was one of those places we could not believe why it was so deserted.
On one side, you have overcrowded Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss (their popularity is absolutely justified, though), and only a few kilometers away is Kvernufoss, an equally beautiful waterfall that awaits to be discovered.
We understand that the south coast of Iceland is dotted with must-visit places.
Therefore many travelers are in a rush and don't have time to see every waterfall on the Ring Road, but we genuinely think it is worth it to give Kvernufoss a chance.
It takes approximately fifteen minutes to reach the waterfall from the parking lot, but once you get close to it, you'll understand how special this waterfall is.
Even though it is not possible to encircle Kvernufoss fully, you can still walk behind it.
Despite this slight disadvantage, this is the spot where the unbelievable scenery opens up. A word of warning.
There are no ropes, and walking behind the waterfall might be dangerous due to falling rocks.
If you are heading east and you are tired of waterfalls, you can hike to Solheimasandur Plane Wreck or see puffins on Dyrholaey Peninsula.
Mogafoss
If there's one thing you can take for granted in Iceland, it is that there is always a canyon with a stunning waterfall nearby.
Mogafoss has only one teeny-tiny problem. We would say that about 99% of visitors travel to this attraction not because of the waterfall but the canyon.
Even after the visit, people probably do not know the name of the waterfall that feeds the canyon with water.
The name of the canyon is Fjadrargljufur, and you've probably heard about it before or know it is under its nickname, Justin Bieber Canyon.
Yes, the canyon was featured in one of the singer's music video clips and since then became excessively popular.
In fact, Fjadrargljufur had to be closed for a while to heal from overtourism.
But back to the point.
Once you enjoy the stunning views, follow the path that leads to the last viewing platform.
From this point, you can see the incredible canyon on your left and the splendid Mogafoss waterfall on your right.
Mogafoss is a splendid waterfall, and we believe it's worth a visit.
You'll most likely have Fjadrargljufur on your itinerary anyway, and it would be a shame not to kill two birds with one stone.
Svartifoss
Skaftafell National Park offers many excellent hiking trails and stunning viewpoints.
One of the most popular trails in the park will take you to the Svartifoss Waterfall, which attracts even travelers who are not exactly fans of hiking.
Svartifoss is also nicknamed the Black Waterfall because it is surrounded by dark lava columns that were formed by volcanic activity thousands of years ago.
You may have already seen similar lava formations on Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach.
The hike to Svartifoss will take you approximately 45 minutes, and if you have more time, we can only recommend you hike the entire loop via the Sjónarnípa viewpoint.
Sveinsstekksfoss
Another hidden gem in East Fjords, Sveinsstekksfoss, is worth a short drive from the main Ring Road.
As we spent the night in Djupivogur, this was our first stop in the morning while heading north towards Egilsstadir.
A narrow and steep road led us to a small parking lot with a nearby viewing platform. On top of that, the road was gravel to make the climb more fun.
We didn't have any issues getting there in summer in a 2WD campervan.
However, be super careful when driving there in winter.
A proper 4WD would be probably required during this period, not only for this place but also for the whole trip.
Here you can find the best deals on rental cars in Iceland.
Sveinsstekksfoss was only a quick stop but still worth the short detour. We stretched our legs a bit, took some pictures, and were back on the road in fifteen minutes.
And one last thing, don't forget to turn around while you're there.
The views of Berufjördur, a twenty kilometers long fjord, from the higher ground are pretty spectacular.
Now it's time to explore East Fjords even closely.
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Gufufoss
Many waterfalls in Iceland benefit from being in the other-worldly landscape.
One of the perfect examples is Gufufoss Waterfall, which is on the way to Seydisfjordur.
Seydisfjordur is a remote but picturesque small town in East Fjords.
The drive from Egilsstadir is very scenic, and by now, you probably cannot be surprised that the local scenery would not be complete without a waterfall.
Yes, Gufufoss is a must-visit waterfall if you drive to Seydisfjordur, but you will probably do more stops than just this one.
There's a small parking lot right off the road, and a short trail will take you to this powerful waterfall that plunges in a small pool.
Actually, some people are brave enough to take a dip into the refreshing water, so if you need to cool down, this might be your spot.
Litlanesfoss
Before you leave East Fjords, there are two more waterfalls you should not miss.
Luckily, Litlanesfoss and Hengifoss, which we will introduce you to next, are close to each other, basically on the same trail.
Therefore, this lovely hike will check two beautiful waterfalls off your list at once.
The Litlanesfoss hike is relatively short and easy, as it takes twenty to thirty minutes to get there, depending on your pace.
However, you should be prepared that the path leads uphill, meaning it won't be entirely without effort.
Litlanesfoss consists of two cascades that together measure around 30 meters.
But this waterfall is attractive not only for its height but because geologically significant features surround it.
Before it reaches a narrow canyon, the water flows over basalt columns that are several meters high. And when you put it all together, you get a stunning result.
The trail is perfectly safe, but do not go too close to the edges because there are no barriers.
Hengifoss
If you continue past Litlanesfoss, the trail leads uphill to one of Iceland's highest waterfalls, Hengifoss.
With 128 meters, it is the third tallest waterfall in Iceland.
The hike to Hengifoss takes approximately an hour one way, but it is very rewarding.
Yes, you will also see Litlanesfoss that is along the way, and views of the valley behind you are well-worth the effort.
It seems that Hengifoss is a bit more popular among locals than international travelers, so try to visit it on weekdays if you have a chance.
Same as Litlanesfoss, Hengifoss is geologically significant.
Even from a great distance, you can spot layers of red clay between basaltic layers, making this waterfall even more exceptional.
When staying at Egilsstadir, don't forget to visit a puffin colony in Borgarfjordur Eystri.
Dettifoss
It's not very surprising when we say that Iceland's waterfalls on this list are natural gems.
Some of the waterfalls are among the highest ones. Some of them are incredibly wide or have many cascades.
Dettifoss is also unique in its own way because it is the most powerful waterfall in Iceland and one of the most powerful waterfalls in Europe.
Dettifoss is located on Diamond Circle in North Iceland, a loop that navigates travelers around the top attractions of this region.
Once you reach the waterfall, you can hear the deafening sound of gushing water and feel the spray on your face.
Dettifoss is also one of those beautiful waterfalls that creates the perfect rainbow thanks to the sun's rays touching water spray.
It is possible to visit Dettifoss from two sides, as there are two roads along the canyon.
We opted for the west side and think it is slightly better than the east one, even though we did not have time to explore both of them.
However, we can say for sure that it's way more accessible.
No matter which side fits better in your itinerary, the visit to Dettifoss will be one of the most memorable ones.
When in the area, don't forget to take a whale watching tour in Husavik and dip into Myvatn Nature Baths.
Selfoss
Selfoss is a waterfall that is very close to Dettifoss.
Even though these two waterfalls are only a few hundred meters away, Selfoss is entirely different and worth your time.
It is easy to incorporate Selfoss in your itinerary, and it even makes more sense to do so.
The reason behind it is that it allows you to make a loop instead of returning to the parking lot the same way (we talk now about the west side of the canyon).
Selfoss is only 11 meters high, but its width is more than 100 meters, which means only one thing.
Selfoss is mighty and super-photogenic.
Edges can be slippery and sometimes collapse, so pay attention and don't go near them to stay safe, especially if you crave a perfect photo.
Godafoss
Twelve meters high, thirty meters wide, the shape of a horseshoe, and the incredibly blue color of the water of glacial origin, this is Godafoss, alias the Waterfall of the Gods.
The waterfall sits between Lake Myvatn and Akureyri, Iceland's second-largest city.
Because of the convenient location just off the Ring Road, we doubt there's a traveler who doesn't make here a compulsory photo stop.
How did Godafoss get its name?
The story is closely connected with the beginning of Christianity in Iceland.
Around the year 1000 AD, most of the country still believed in pagan gods, but there was pressure from Norway, which threatened Iceland that they either choose Christianity or Norwegians will invade the country.
After days of meditating, pagan priest Thorgeir decided on Christianity, and he supported his decision by throwing idols of the Norse Gods in the waterfall.
Therefore, this fall has been known as Godafoss, the Waterfall of the Gods, ever since.
As this attraction is a must-include place for most tour groups, if you want to have this place only for yourself, arrive either early in the morning or later in the evening.
Migandifoss
Migandifoss is one of the lesser-known waterfalls in Iceland.
We found this stunning waterfall while driving around the Trollaskagi Peninsula, a remote corner of Iceland near Akureyri.
As we were heading up north, we spotted Migandifoss from the window of our car.
However, we missed the almost non-existent parking spot and had to turn the car around several kilometers later.
One of the main reasons you should include Migandifoss on your list of the most beautiful waterfalls is that it drops directly from the cliff to the ocean.
And that's something you don't see every day, not even in Iceland.
We are not sure whether this waterfall is seasonal or not, but it is definitely at its best when glaciers melt or after rain.
The Trollaskagi Peninsula itself is a detour from the Ring Road, but it's worth exploring if you have spare time.
Not only for the Migandifoss Waterfall but also its epic scenery and one of the most beautiful pools in the country, Hofsos Infinity Pool.
There are some guesthouses along the way to stay overnight, such as Country Hotel in Hofsstadir.
Kolufoss
When you hear the name Kolufoss for the first time, it probably does not ring a bell. No worries, we had the same reaction.
Vididalsa, a famous salmon river, makes its way up north, and in this very spot, needs to overcome a drop. Today this place is known as Kolufoss Waterfall.
The truth is that Kolufoss itself would probably not make it on the first page of Iceland's top waterfalls.
But the combination of the cascading water plunging into the narrow gorge is very attractive.
As we like to inspire you to visit places that are also beyond the well-trodden path, we hope you decide to make it to Kolugljufur Canyon and Kolufoss Waterfall as well.
Dynjandi
Only one out of ten tourists make it to Westfjords.
This remote part of Iceland is a world of its own, and we can only recommend you to include it in your itinerary.
Ideally, you should spend at least two days in Westfjords, but the region will reward you tremendously regardless of the length of your visit.
Except for Latrabjarg Cliffs and Isafjordur, another must-visit place in Westfjords is Dynjandi Waterfall.
Dynjandi is the most beautiful waterfall of Westfjords, and you should have it high on your list of places you want to visit.
Dynjandi resembles a bridal veil as it is wider at the bottom.
To say it correctly, Dynjandi is a series of cascades, but the most famous waterfall is the highest one.
Even though you can see this waterfall from the parking lot, climb the well-maintained path around six smaller cascades.
If you like stats, you may appreciate that Dynjandi is 100 meters high, 30 meters wide at the top, and 60 meters at the bottom - quite a reason to visit, right?
Dynjandi is kind of in the middle of nowhere, between Patreksfjordur and Isafjordur, and if you plan to explore the area in two days, you should book a room in one of these small villages as the demand in the summer is high.
Here you can find the best deals on accommodation in Westfjords.
Kirkjufellsfoss
Kirkjufellsfoss is one of the few waterfalls that are the main reason to visit a location. Why?
You've probably already seen a photo of Mount Kirkjufell, the most photographed mountain in Iceland.
The photo is literally everywhere.
On the internet, in the travel magazines, when you land at the airport, in the stores selling outdoor gear, car rental offices, and we could go on and on.
This uniquely shaped mountain is one of the top attractions in the Snaefellsnes Peninsula and overall in Iceland.
And Kirkjufellsfoss, that somehow happened to be in the forefront, makes the scenery even more beautiful.
When we saw Kirkjufellsfoss for the first time, our first thought was that it is pretty tiny and not that much to write home about, at least after we've seen some mighty waterfalls in Iceland already.
But once we reached the viewing platform from where it is possible to see the waterfall with the mountain, it all clicked together.
However, the hype is real here, and our advice is to lower the expectations to avoid disappointment.
Also, Kirkjufellsfoss is a popular spot for sunset or sunrise photography.
Therefore, it is worth planning your travel itinerary accordingly if you want to arrive here during this time of the day.
By the way, don't also forget to read our guide on the best time to visit Iceland.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
Glanni
When we created this list of the best waterfalls in Iceland, we discussed whether to include Glanni waterfall or not.
But even though this is probably not a typical must-see attraction, sometimes we have a soft spot for a place for reasons that are hard to articulate.
And Glanni Waterfall was one of them.
Indeed, this waterfall can't compete in its size or power with its more famous counterparts.
But that also means that most of the travelers skip it. And that's the beauty of it.
We arrived at the parking lot on a beautiful sunny day, and the brush surrounding the trail provided us with shelter against a cold morning breeze.
It might have been pure luck, but there were no people around except for some golfers in the parking lot (yes, there is a golf course nearby).
So our visit was very peaceful.
The blue color of the river was, on this particular day, mind-boggling, and we quickly understood why the Nordura River is an excellent spot for salmon fly fishing.
Hraunfossar
Even though we are slowly getting to the end of our list and our trip around Iceland, we still have one or two aces up in the sleeve.
Iceland taught us there is always one more waterfall that is entirely different from all others, which is why we were motivated to see as many of them as possible.
Hraunfossar is a waterfall in west Iceland that in translation means Lava Falls.
What is the origin of Hraunfossar? It's not very surprising.
When a volcano nearby erupted, it created a lava field covering the area.
Water from the Langjokull glacier now makes its way through a porous rock covered with moss.
Smaller and bigger creeks flow to the Hvita river and create an unusual sight highlighted by the contrast of black lava and turquoise water.
The result is absolutely breathtaking.
By the way, farther upstream is another waterfall called Barnafoss.
Glymur
Glymur Waterfall is a former highest waterfall in Iceland and a perfect ending to our article about the most beautiful waterfalls in this country.
Unlike most of the waterfalls on the list, you have to put some effort into seeing this one. Glymur hike is approximately a 7-kilometer roundtrip trail with an elevation gain of 400 meters.
However, a moderately fit person can finish the hike.
When the conditions to cross the river are safe, you can do this hike as a loop.
We hiked the Glymur hike loop counterclockwise, and it was a great decision. Based on our experience, we recommend you follow this direction.
It's good to know that when you follow the east trail, you need to cross the Botnsa River on a log and then wade across the river once you climb above the waterfall.
In case you don't mind returning via the same trail. Wading the river is optional.
It might be difficult after rain or even impossible in winter (without proper gear, of course).
The western part of the trail doesn't require any river crossings. However, once you get to the top, you will see only a cascade of Botnsa River, not the Glymur itself.
Glymur parking lot is only an hour's drive from Reykjavik, which is perfect for day-trippers who want to enjoy the outdoors.
And if you are looking for more day trips from Reykjavik, we've got you covered.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
