17-01-2024
Iceland’s waterfalls are some of the most impressive, unique and beautiful in the world. Glacial rivers flowing across volcanic landscapes make the ‘Land of Ice and Fire’ home to some of the most spectacular waterfalls imaginable, cascading into canyons and sometimes even creating an amazing double-drop effect.
Before we dive into our list of the best waterfalls in Iceland to visit, let’s take a look at some important information about Iceland’s incredible waterfalls.
First of all, if you’re wondering ‘what is a ‘foss’ in Iceland?’, we can clear up any confusion for you right now by letting you know that ‘foss’ simply means ‘waterfall’ in Icelandic. This means anytime you see a word ending in ‘foss’, it’s referring to a waterfall.
Here are some key facts about the famous falls across Iceland:
How many waterfalls are in Iceland? – Over 10,000!
What is the largest waterfall by volume in Iceland? – Dettifoss Waterfall
What is the tallest waterfall in Iceland? – Morsarfoss Waterfall
Read on for more information about these epic Icelandic waterfalls, as well as more about the best and most famous waterfalls all across the country. Without further ado, let’s take a look through the top 20 waterfalls in Iceland to visit!
Located in the Golden Circle, Gullfoss Waterfall is one of the most popular and iconic waterfalls in Iceland. Flowing from the Hvita River, the water of the famous 32-meter high Gullfoss Falls plunges over two tiers, creating an impressive double-drop spectacle.
The name ‘Gullfoss’ translates to ‘Golden Falls’, so-named due to the golden hue the waterfall takes on during sunny days. You might even be able to spot a rainbow in the waterfall’s spray if you’re lucky!
If you want to visit some Icelandic waterfalls near Reykjavik, Gullfoss is definitely one for your list, as this famous Icelandic waterfall is easily reachable from the capital, taking around 1 hour and 45 minutes by car. Part of the famous Golden Circle tourist route near Reykjavik, Gullfoss is a must-visit destination on your Iceland trip.
Situated along the southern coast, Skogafoss is a majestic waterfall that boasts a 60-meter drop. One of Iceland’s biggest waterfalls, this powerful, 25-meter-wide cascade is known for the rainbows that appear almost every time the sun shines, due to the incredible amount of spray coming off the waterfall.
As well as being a photographer's dream, Skogafoss Waterfall is also popular with hikers, as you can climb the stairs to the top for an incredible view of the waterfall and the surrounding landscape. One of the most famous falls in Iceland for good reason, Skogafoss flows from the Skoga River and can be seen from the main Ring Road in Iceland.
Just 30 minutes away from another famous waterfall in Iceland (Seljalandsfoss – next up on our list!), Skogafoss is well-worth a visit while you’re taking a tour of South Iceland. You can walk right up to the waterfall at ground level, although be prepared to get drenched by the spray!
Just a 30-minute drive along Route 1 from Skogafoss, you'll find Seljalandsfoss, another of the most famous waterfalls in southern Iceland. Dropping an impressive 60 meters over steep cliffs, Seljalandsfoss actually marks the place where Iceland’s coastline used to be. This narrow waterfall flows from the Seljalandsa River, originating from the Eyjafjallajokull Glacier, which is the ice cap covering the volcano that erupted in 2010, causing widespread disruption across European airports.
Seljalandsfoss is unique because visitors can actually walk behind the waterfall, allowing you to witness the waterfall from a unique perspective. Make sure to wear your waterproofs when visiting Seljalandsfoss to enjoy this incredible once-in-a-lifetime experience!
Another Reykjavík waterfall you can easily visit when staying in the Icelandic capital, Seljalandsfoss is 1 hour and 50 minutes from the capital by car. To get there, you simply need to drive on the main Ring Road in Iceland (Route 1). Many visitors rate Seljalandsfoss as the best waterfall in Iceland due to its stunning beauty and the amazing opportunity you get to walk behind the falls.
A gem of North Iceland, Godafoss, or the ‘Waterfall of the Gods’, is both stunning and historically significant. With a width of 30 meters and a drop of 12 meters, Godafoss may not be the tallest or widest waterfall in Iceland, but its unique horseshoe shape and historical importance make it a must-see.
Godafoss is said to be the site where, in 1000 AD, an Icelandic lawspeaker named Thorgeir threw his pagan idols into the water as a symbol of Iceland’s conversion to Christianity. Part of the Diamond Circle route in North Iceland, Godafoss is one of the most famous waterfalls in Iceland due to its incredible beauty and mythical relevance.
Just 30 minutes by car from the coastal city of Akureyri and 40 minutes from the fishing town of Husavik, which is a famous whale-watching destination, Godafoss is a perfect stop along your North Iceland road trip. Located along Route 1, Godafoss is easy to get to, making it another must-visit waterfall in Iceland.
Nestled within the picturesque Vatnajokull National Park, Svartifoss is a striking waterfall surrounded by dark, hexagonal basalt columns that inspired its name, which means ‘Black Falls’ in Icelandic. The contrast between the white water and the dark basalt rock creates a dramatic scene that draws hikers and photographers alike.
To enjoy this dramatic scenery and soak in the sights and sounds of the cascading waters at Svartifoss, you can take the 45-minute hike to the falls. Along the way, you’ll be treated to excellent views of the surrounding landscape.
For a unique glimpse into Iceland’s volcanic geology, combined with the powerful flow of glacial meltwater, Svartifoss is the waterfall to visit! Situated along Route 1, Svartifoss Waterfall is around 4 hours from Reykjavík by car and only 45 minutes away from the famous Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon.
Located in the northeastern part of Iceland, Dettifoss holds the title of the most powerful waterfall in Europe. Fed by the glacial waters of the Vatnajokull ice cap, Dettifoss has a staggering average flow rate of 193 cubic meters per second, generating an immense display of force and beauty!
As the biggest waterfall in Iceland in terms of flow rate, Dettifoss has definitely earned its nickname of ‘The Beast’. Standing 44 meters high and expanding to 100 meters wide, the waterfall's power can be felt as you stand on the viewing platforms, making it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring North Iceland.
Part of the Diamond Circle route, Dettifoss flows from the second-largest river in Iceland, Jokulsa a Fjollum, which is fed by the Vatnajokull Glacier. When visiting Dettifoss, you can enjoy an unparalleled (and quite scary!) view from the top of the canyon, witnessing the powerful cascade of water down the cliffs.
Situated in the remote Westfjords, Dynjandi is a series of waterfalls that cascade down a mountainside, creating a beautiful and dramatic scene. The main waterfall, also called Dynjandi, resembles a bridal veil, with a total height of 100 meters.
Flowing from the Dynjandisa River, this impressive waterfall is the tallest of the series of 7 waterfalls that make up Dynjandi. This majestic waterfall is 30 meters wide at the top, expanding to 60 meters at the bottom. The term ‘dynjandi’ means thunderous in Icelandic, accurately capturing the roar of noise the water makes when cascading down the cliff.
You can walk along a scenic path that takes you by all the smaller waterfalls that are part of the series to reach Dynjandi, which will take you around 15 minutes. Make sure to bring your camera to capture the beautiful sights of all the waterfalls in this area, ending with the jewel of the Westfjords, Dynjandi itself.
As the second-highest waterfall in Iceland, Glymur stands at an impressive height of 198 meters. Located in a narrow canyon in West Iceland, Glymur requires a moderately challenging hike to reach, but the reward is a breathtaking view of the waterfall and its surroundings. The hike takes approximately 3-4 hours round-trip and includes some river crossings, so be prepared for an adventure!
Located in Hvalfjordur Fjord, this gorgeous waterfall can be found falling among lush greenery, with birds nestling into the rocks around the falls. Because the highest waterfall in Iceland (Morsarfoss) is difficult to access, Glymur is more commonly visited and is more likely to be the highest waterfall in Iceland you’ll see during your trip.
Only 1 hour and 10 minutes from Reykjavík by car, Glymur Waterfall is easily reachable during a day trip from the capital. While in the area, you might like to explore more of the wonderful and wild West Iceland.
Although relatively small compared to other waterfalls on this list, Kirkjufellsfoss is famous for its picture-perfect backdrop of Kirkjufell Mountain. Located on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula in West Iceland, this waterfall stands in front of the most photographed mountain in Iceland. The combination of the waterfall, the mountain and the sky creates a stunning scene that you'll surely want to capture, especially during sunrise or sunset.
Translating to ‘Church Mountain Falls’, the name Kirkjulfellsfoss comes from its nearby, distinctly-shaped mountain, Kirkjufell, which famously looks like a church. Dropping a short 16-meters, the best view of Kirkjufellsfoss is, for sure, one with the mountain in the background.
One of Iceland’s most iconic sites, this famous waterfall can be reached by driving for 2 hours and 30 minutes from Reykjavik. You’ll need to take Route 1 then Route 54 to reach this impressive waterfall and mountain duo from the Icelandic capital.
Haifoss, or the ‘High Falls’, is one of the tallest waterfalls in Iceland, with a drop of 122 meters. Situated in the Thjorsardalur valley in South Iceland, Haifoss sits among a dramatic landscape of rugged cliffs and vibrant green moss.
Close to Hekla Volcano, Haifoss is actually accompanied by a smaller waterfall called Granni, which flows over the neighboring gorge. Flowing from the longest river in Iceland, the glacial Thjorsa River in the Icelandic Highlands, Haifoss is a truly impressive waterfall in Iceland to visit.
As it’s located on the southern edge of the Icelandic Highlands, Haifoss Waterfall is best reached by a 4x4 vehicle, followed by a hike to the viewing area. The 3.7-kilometer hike will take around an hour to complete and you’ll need some sturdy hiking shoes as the path can be rocky in places.
Tucked away in East Iceland, Hengifoss is the third-highest waterfall in the country, with a drop of 128 meters. Known for its striking red clay and black basalt strata, Hengifoss offers a unique and colorful sight to visitors.
Running from Hengifossa River, this stunning waterfall is located within the largest national park in Iceland: Vatnajokull National Park. The hike to the waterfall takes around 2 hours round-trip, providing ample opportunity to appreciate the natural beauty of the area. In fact, Hengifoss Waterfall hike is one of the most popular hikes in all of East Iceland!
Before you reach Hengifoss, you’ll pass by a smaller waterfall named Litlanesfoss, which is also well-worth a visit. The incredible geology of Hengifoss Waterfall, surrounded by towering basalt columns and lined by horizontal layers of red clay, makes this a must-see waterfall during your Iceland trip.
Located within the historical Thingvellir National Park in southwestern Iceland, Oxararfoss is a modest yet picturesque waterfall. Fed by the Oxara River, the waterfall drops 20 meters into a rocky pool, which gets very icy during the winter season.
Easily accessible by a short walk from Thingvellir National Park’s main parking area, Oxararfoss is a convenient place to stop while exploring the park's cultural and geological significance. This UNESCO World Heritage-accredited park is full of incredible natural wonders, including the place where two tectonic plates meet.
One of the most visited waterfalls in Iceland, Oxararfoss is in prime position as Thingvellir is part of the world-famous Golden Circle route. It’ll only take you around 50 minutes to reach Oxararfoss from Reykjavík – perfect!
Another stop for your tour of Iceland’s South Coast, the 40-meter tall Gljufrabui Waterfall sits within a narrow ravine close to Seljalandsfoss Waterfall. This hidden gem of a waterfall is often missed by travelers as it remains hidden within a canyon, surrounded by bright-green moss.
Fed by glacial meltwater from Eyjafjallakojull, Gljufrabui can be easily reached from the nearby parking lot, with the hike taking only 5 minutes. From here, you can enjoy an impressive view from the top of the waterfall down into the canyon. If you’d like to look up at the waterfall instead, you can choose to wade across the river on the ground to be rewarded with an incredible view of Gljufrabui. Just make sure to be careful of ice if attempting this hike in the winter months.
You can reach Gljufrabui by taking Route 1 from Reykjavík for around 1 hour and 45 minutes. Otherwise, you can reach Gljufrabui Waterfall by driving just 2 minutes, or taking an 11-minute walk, from the nearby Seljalandsfoss Waterfall.
Another beautiful waterfall on the Diamond Circle route in North Iceland, Selfoss Waterfall, is around 100 meters wide and 11 meters tall. A powerful waterfall flowing from the Jokulsa a Fjollum River, Selfoss is right next to the famous Dettifoss Waterfall, so you can easily visit both of these waterfalls at the same time.
While in this area, you might also like to check out the famous Lake Myvatn and its geothermal surroundings. As the water that flows into Selfoss Waterfall originates at Vatnajokull Glacier, the water flow of the falls depends on various environmental and geographical factors, including volcanic activity and the season/weather conditions.
When visiting these falls, make sure not to confuse Selfoss Waterfall with the town of Selfoss in South Iceland when typing the name into Google Maps or your GPS.
Located in the remote highlands of North Iceland, Aldeyjarfoss is a beautiful waterfall that combines the power of cascading water with stunning basalt columns. Surrounded by rugged lava fields, Aldeyjarfoss is a bit more challenging to reach, requiring a 4x4 vehicle and a sense of adventure. However, the journey is well worth it, as you'll be rewarded with a spectacular sight and fewer crowds.
Flowing from the fourth-longest river in Iceland, Skjalfandafljot River, the falls drop from a height of 20 meters. The basalt columns surrounding Aldeyjarfoss are part of the 9000-year old Badardalshraun lava field – wow!
An often overlooked waterfall in Iceland due to its remote location, Aldeyjarfoss is one for the intrepid adventurers out there. You can reach Aldeyjarfoss by taking Route 1, turning onto Route 842 and eventually Highland F-Road F26.
Hraunfossar, or the ‘Lava Falls’, is a series of small waterfalls in West Iceland that emerge from a porous lava field and flow into the Hvita River. The turquoise water contrasts beautifully with the dark lava rock, creating a serene and picturesque panorama against the Hallmundarhraun lava field.
You’ll also find a series of hidden caves around Hraunfossar, as this site used to see continuous volcanic eruptions, which shaped the landscape into a fascinating area dotted with deep caves. This 900-meter long series of waterfalls flowing along the river bank makes for an epic photo opportunity.
Hraunfossar may not be as well-known as some of the other waterfalls on this list, but its unique beauty definitely makes it worth a visit during your Iceland vacation. As it’s a little-known Icelandic waterfall, you’ll be able to escape the crowds when visiting Hraunfossar.
With not one, not two, but seven drops, the impressive Klifbrekkufossar Waterfall in East Iceland falls 295 meters and is fed by the 5-kilometer-long Fjardara River. This incredibly clear spring water makes Klifbrekkufossar Waterfall a wonderfully pure Icelandic foss.
Located in the remote and rugged Eastfjords, Klifbrekkufossar Waterfall is a definite-hidden wonder of this area of Iceland, being one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the country. Reaching Klifbrekkufossar Waterfall is particularly difficult, with the waterfall only accessible in the summer when weather conditions are favorable.
You’ll need a 4x4 vehicle to drive the narrow gravel roads that lead to Klifbrekkufossar Waterfall. To give you an idea of the remoteness of this waterfall, the nearest village of Mjoifjordur is home to only 7 people!
Faxafoss, also known as Faxi Waterfall or Vatnsleysufoss, is a small waterfall on the Tungufljot River in South Iceland. Only 7 meters in height but an impressive 80 meters wide, this incredibly beautiful waterfall is arguably the best hidden gem on this list of top Icelandic waterfalls.
Surrounded by sweeping green plains and majestic mountains, the vibrantly blue Faxafoss is a wonderful waterfall to visit during your time in Iceland for a truly breathtaking view of an untouched natural wonder in Iceland.
Located on the renowned Golden Circle but not part of most guided tours along this route, Faxafoss Waterfall is easy to visit when exploring the nearby and better-known Gullfoss Waterfall, which is only 12 kilometers away.
Discovered in 2007, Morsarfoss is the tallest waterfall in Iceland, with an estimated height of 228 meters, thus knocking Glymur Waterfall off the top spot. Located in the southeastern part of Vatnajokull National Park, Morsarfoss is not easily accessible, requiring a long hike or a guided tour to reach the falls.
Nonetheless, for the dedicated adventurer, the experience of witnessing Iceland's tallest waterfall is undoubtedly worth the trip! As the largest waterfall in Iceland by height, Morsarfoss is super impressive to behold, with a single drop falling off the cliffs framed by glacial ice.
Located just above Skaftafell Nature Park in South Iceland, Morsarfoss is close to Svartifoss, or the ‘Black Falls’. Morsarfoss formed due to the rapidly receding Morsarjokull Glacier, which is an arm of the larger Vatnajokull Glacier.
The 40-meters high, double-drop Ofærufoss Waterfall cascades over a mountain into the Eldja Canyon. Located in the western part of Vatnajokull National Park, Ofærufoss is surrounded by epic, beautiful and untouched natural landscapes.
Ofærufoss, or the ‘Impassable Waterfall’, is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Icelandic Highlands. These falls had a natural bridge running over them until it collapsed due to natural causes in the 1990s.
Reaching Ofærufoss Waterfall from Reykjavik requires taking Route 1 until Katla Geopark, then Route 208 and finally the famous Highland Road F208 into the Icelandic Highlands. This unpaved mountainous road requires a 4x4 vehicle to drive on but is well-worth the effort when you reach the legendary Ofærufoss.
Whether you choose to take an Iceland waterfalls winter tour to admire the frozen falls in all their snowy and icy glory, or you prefer to experience the cascading falls among the summer sun and lush greenery, your trip to Iceland’s waterfalls is sure to be unforgettable.
Iceland's waterfalls are a testament to the country's extraordinary natural beauty and geological diversity. With thousands of waterfalls to discover, ranging from the world-famous to hidden gems, there's no shortage of awe-inspiring sights to experience.
To explore these breathtaking sights at your own pace, consider a car rental in Iceland for the ultimate freedom and flexibility. So pack your bags, grab your camera and get ready to embark on an incredible ‘foss Iceland’ adventure exploring the best, biggest and most famous Icelandic waterfalls – let’s go!