Discover 21 one of the best Iceland Waterfalls – the most powerful, the most scenic, the most original…
I introduce Seljalandsfoss, Skogafoss, Gullfoss, Svartifoss, Dettifoss and many more, with photos, tips and map.
Even if you can’t pronounce their name, you will never forget the waterfalls in Iceland!
Before my tips + photos, here are my favorites for Iceland:
My favorite platform to rent a car in Iceland: DiscoverCars
The unmissable boat tour: Whale Watching
Fun activity: Swimming in Silfra Fissure
My favorite places to stay:
- Reykjavik: see best rated hotels – e.g. Vintage Boutique Hotel
- Lake Myvatn: see best rated hotels – e.g. Hotel Laxa
- Vik area: see best rated hotels – e.g. Hotel Vik i Myrdal
Best waterfalls in Iceland – map & Intro
Before I show you all those beautiful waterfalls in photos, here are a few facts.
Map of waterfalls in Iceland
Wondering how they are spread out? Below is a Waterfalls of Iceland map with the top 9 easiest to reach during your travels (in my opinion).
As you can see:
- many of them are the famous South Iceland waterfalls.
- there are no waterfalls near Reykjavik (within 10min drive) but there are severals not far away (see next paragraph).
If you have limited time… Top 5 not far from Reykjavik – which waterfalls can I see?
If you are limited in travel time, there are magnificent ones you can visit on a day trip from Reykjavik (within 2h30 drive)
- Skogafoss
- Kirkjufellsfoss
- Seljalandsfoss
- Gullfoss
- Hraunfossar & Barnafoss
How many waterfalls in Iceland?
That depends how you count. Some websites state 10000, others 200, some… Since a 50cm drop in a river can be considered a waterfall. Let’s just say there are several. However, if you count significant waterfalls worth visiting and that you can reach, then we can list 30 to 35 Icelandic falls.
Why are there so many waterfalls in Iceland?
To get a waterfall you need 2 factors: flowing water and a precipice in a riverbed
- Regarding the water: Iceland has plenty of water both from the frequent rain due to the climate and from the glacier melting in Summer
- Regarding the precipices: between the work of volcanoes and erosion from the glacier, the landscapes of Iceland are not flat at all, creating many opportunities for water to fall.
Which are the most famous waterfalls in Iceland?
The most famous waterfalls around Iceland are:
- Seljalandsfoss, the one where you can walk behind
- Skogafoss, the impressive 60m shower curtain
- Gullfoss, on the golden circle with its 2 steps giant drop
- Kirkjufellsfoss, on the Snaefellsnes peninsula, because of the mountain behind
- Dettifoss in the North, because it is the most powerful
- Godafoss in the North, because of its easy access by Road 1 and elegant horseshoe shape
Be sure to include them on your Iceland road trip itinerary.
You can find all the major waterfalls in my practical maps, region by region, in the eBook:
Plan your dream trip in Iceland thanks to my guide
- 8 maps to easily plan your itinerary
- 100+ pre-selected locations
- GPS coordinates direct to the carparks
- Tips to make the most of your time
- 130+ original photos to help you choose
9 Iceland Falls with beautiful scenery around
Iceland has some amazing landscapes (see my top 10). And when they are combined with waterfalls, it is fascinating. So, I have decided to start with those. Not the most powerful or unique, but the ones where the scenery is magic…
1. Kirkjufellsfoss Waterfall
Location – On the Snaefellsnes Peninsula
Access – By the side of the road, short walk
Interest – Kirkjufell is an iconic mountain on the peninsula, one of the most photographed. It is elegant and mesmerizing. And not far from its base are 2 waterfalls making the location even more magical.
More info – Photos, info and planning tips on my post about Kirkjufell
2. Svartifoss Waterfall
Location – South Iceland, in the Skaftafell National Park.
Access – Requires some hiking
Interest – The views in the park are already charming, but once you spot the amphitheater of basalt columns looking like organ pipes and the waterfall over it, it turns quite unique – On the hike you can also see Hundafoss.
More info – Photos, info and planning tips on my post about Svartifoss
3. Oxararfoss Waterfall
Location – On the Golden circle, in the Thingvellir National Park
Access – Easy walk from the parking
Interest – In one of the giant Earth crust fissures of the Unesco site of Thingvellir, you can fin Oxararfoss. Quite a unique geological spot.
More info – Photos, info and planning tips on my post about Oxararfoss
4. Hjalparfoss Waterfall
Location – Central Iceland, off the beaten path
Access – Accessible by 2WD, short walk from parking
Interest – I was not expecting this waterfall but I really enjoyed it. I appreciated the 2 streams and all the amazing shapes formed by the cooling lava
More info – Photos, info and planning tips on my post about Hjalparfoss
Need to rent a car in Iceland?
My tips:
- Compare prices on my favorite platform: Discovercars.com – one of the best rated comparison sites!
- Prefer a compact car for the narrow streets in villages
- Consider their full coverage option – it for peace of mind!
- Book early to have a large choice of vehicles!
5. Hafragilsfoss Waterfall
Location – North Iceland, East of Myvatn
Access – A little bit of 4WD or hiking from Dettifoss East Bank
Interest – Not as known as its neighbor Dettifoss but well worth the detour with stunning views of the surrounding canyon and the red soil
More info – Photos, info and planning tips on my post about Hafragilsfoss
6. The falls of Sigoldugljufur – Central Highlands waterfalls (4WD)
Location – In the Central Highlands
Access – 4WD road + Easy 45min Walking
Interest – Sigöldugljúfur is a canyon off the path of a 4WD track with many waterfalls flowing on its cliffs. Nature at its best!
More info – Photos, info and planning tips on my post about Sigöldugljúfur
7. Aldeyjarfoss Waterfall (4WD)
Location – North Iceland, West of Myvatn
Access – 1h normal road from Ring Road + 5 min 4WD (F-road)
Interest – Far less visited than Godafoss, Aldeyjarfoss has amazing basalt features and a narrow drop into a large basin. It is so dry, it looks like another planet.
More info – Photos, info and planning tips on my post about Aldeyjarfoss
8. Thjofafoss Waterfall (4WD)
Location – Between Golden Circle and Central Highlands
Access – 4WD and a very good sense of direction
Interest – Located really off the path, Thjofafoss is surrounded by a lava field with some purple rocks creating an interesting scenery
More info – Photos, info and planning tips on my post about Thjofafoss
9. Glanni Waterfall
Location – West Iceland
Access – Near the Ring road, few minutes easy walk
Interest – Very different from most of the other waterfalls, Glanni has 3 main branches and stunning landscapes around it
More info – Photos, info and planning tips on my post about Glanni
Where to stay in Iceland?
My favorites:
- Reykjavik, capital city: see best rated accommodations – or my article on where to stay
- Selfoss, between Golden Circle and South Coast: see best rated accommodations
- Vik, near waterfalls and glaciers: see best rated accommodations
- Höfn, gateway to the East fjords: see best rated accommodations
- Egilsstadir, between fjords and North Iceland: see best rated accommodations
- Reykjahlid, for the wonders of Lake Myvatn: see best rated accommodations
- Akureyri, capital of the North: see best rated accommodations
- Grundarfjordur, on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula: see best rated accommodations
6 most original waterfalls around Iceland
Below are some waterfalls which are out of the ordinary, more than the classic drop.
10. Seljalandsfoss Waterfall – famous South Iceland waterfall
Location – South Coast Iceland
Access – By the Ring Road
Interest – One of the most popular falls. Classic from the front, it reveals its beauty when you walk behind
More info – Photos, info and planning tips on my post about Seljalandsfoss
11. Hraunossar Waterfalls
Location – Between the Golden Circle and the Snaefellsnes peninsula, on the Silver Circle
Access – Close to the parking, Good road
Interest – Hraunfoss (literally Lava Falls) is made of a collection of gentle cascades emerging from between the lava rocks covered with moss
More info – Photos, info and planning tips on my post about Hraunfossar
12. Selfoss Waterfalls
Location – North Iceland, East of Myvatn
Access – Walking from Dettifoss parking
Interest – Elegant horse-shoe shaped Selfoss with many smaller falls around
More info – Photos, info and planning tips on my post about Selfoss
13. Gljufrafoss Waterfall
Location – South Coast Iceland
Access – 5min walk from Seljalandsfoss
Interest – Just a short walk away from Seljalandsfoss flows Gljufrafoss hidden behind a rock wall. Its mystery is full of charm
More info – Photos, info and planning tips on my post about Glufrafoss
14. Holaskjol Waterfall
Location – Central Highlands
Access – 4WD road + short walk
Interest – Holaskjol is surrounded by a lava field and interesting basalt columns. Small pools flow into a big drop which can be admired from above
More info – Photos, info and planning tips on my post about Holaskjol
15. Dynjandi Waterfall
Location – Westfjords
Access – 15min hike to the bottom
Interest – Bridal veil shape with a 99 meters drop + 6 smaller waterfalls below
And keep track of your own trip!
5 powerful Icelandic waterfalls
16. Gullfoss Waterfall
Location – On the Golden Circle Iceland
Access – View from parking, or walk to the edge
Interest – Gullfoss is one of the most visited sites in Iceland: shape and power, we understand why
More info – Photos, info and planning tips on my post about Gullfoss
17. Skogafoss Waterfall – famous waterfall in South Iceland
Location – South Coast Iceland
Access – Short drive from road 1
Interest – a classic curtain waterfall with a beautiful constant flow. Classics never disappoint
More info – Photos, info and planning tips on my post about Skogafoss
18. Dettifoss Waterfall
Location – North Iceland, East of Myvatn
Access – Short walk from parking
Interest – Considered the most powerful waterfall in Europe, the biggest waterfall in Iceland in terms of power. It can be admired from both banks of the canyon and from up-close
More info – Photos, info and planning tips on my post about Dettifoss
19. Godafoss Waterfall
Location – North Iceland, East of Myvatn
Access – Right by the Ring road
Interest – Very elegant horse-shoe shaped waterfall with many viewpoints on both sides
More info – Photos, info and planning tips on my post about Godafoss
20. Urridafoss Waterfall
Location – South Coast Iceland
Access – Short drive from Ring Road
Interest – Urridafoss does not have a big drop but is still very powerful as you can see in the video.
More info – Photos, info and planning tips on my post about Urridafoss
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3 highest waterfalls in Iceland
The tallest recorded waterfall in Iceland is actually at the edge of the Morsárjökull glacier. The 228m drop was measured in 2011 (see the news article). It can be seen when the glacier recesses.
However, the tallest one you can access is Glymur.
21. Glymur Waterfall
Location – North of Reykjavik
Access – Hiking required
Interest – 196m drop, long thought to be the highest / tallest waterfall in Iceland
22. Haifoss Waterfall
Location – Central Highlands
Access – 4WD + walking
Interest – 122 m tall in a stunning canyon
23. Hengifoss Waterfall
Location – North Eastfjords
Access – Hiking required
Interest – 118m high with intriguing colors behind and a fantastic canyon around
And many more….
Along the road, or hidden in nature, you can see many more small falls. These are still very pretty, but not transformed into big touristic attractions. Below are 2 examples
Video – Best Waterfalls in Iceland
Let’s start with a 3-minute video I created to show you the rush, elegance and power of some of the best Icelandic waterfalls. Pictures are beautiful but a video helps you realize the power of their flows. I hope you will enjoy it.
Icelandic waterfalls in Winter
The waterfalls are also worth visiting in Winter. Some of them partially freeze creating Winter wonderland.
Have a look:
If you are interested in traveling around Iceland in Winter, check out my dedicated articles.
Want to see more of the best Iceland has to offer?
- Tips to plan your Iceland road trip – read article
- Tips to rent a car and drive around Iceland – read article
- Itinerary suggestions – read article
- 45 Most beautiful landscapes in Iceland in pictures – read article
- The best stops on the Ring Road – read article
- Top 5 places to see around Myvatn – read article
- 5 best Lava Fields in Iceland – read article
- The 5 most beautiful black sand beaches in Iceland – read article
- Where to stay in Reykjavik: see my selection of best hotels
Planning a trip to Iceland?
Check out my travel guides to help you plan:
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- 8 easy-to-plan maps
- 100+ pre-selected locations
- GPS coordinates
- Useful planning tips
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- 2 easy-to-plan maps
- 30 stops, 10 detours
- GPS coordinates
- Useful planning tips
- 70+ large photos
And keep track of your own trip!
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Wow, beautiful post! I am DYING to go to Iceland. I didn’t realize they had so many waterfalls, and they all look sooo beautiful!
Thanks Deasy. I had no idea as well. I realized it as we were driving around.
Your blog has been very helpful, really enjoyed reading it…Thanks you!!
Thanks Andreas. I am happy you found it helpful. Have a nice trip!
Beautiful photos!! Loads of falls I hadn’t heard about before. 🙂
This is my wish for me and my kids to see…. Thank you for sharing our dream of seeing in life.. that’s so awesome.. it makes me think of their dad when he was with us he loved to experience life….
…thank you?