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21+ Best Iceland Waterfalls (Photos + Map + Tips)

Last updated on March 14, 2023 by Claire / this article contains affiliate links (Info)

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 all my photos + tips, here are my favorites to plan your Iceland trip:

car rental

My favorite platform to rent a car in Iceland: Discovercars

hotel

My favorite places to stay around Iceland:

  • Reykjavik, the capital, of course:  Reykjavik Konsulat Hotel 
  • Vik to explore the South Coast: Hotel Vik i Myrdal
  • Lake Myvatn, in the north: Hotel Laxa
  • Borgarnes, between Snaefellsnes and Silver Circle: Hotel Hamar
bus

My favorite bus tour from Reykjavik (Summer): Amazing Snaefellsnes Peninsula

boat

My favorite activity around Iceland (Summer): Whale watching from Husavik (best) or Reykjavik or Akureyri

tips key

My favorite platform to book travel-packages in Iceland: guidetoiceland

Iceland Waterfalls Photos - Iceland Falls - Waterfalls in Iceland - Iceland Travel

Table Of Contents
Best waterfalls in Iceland - map & Intro
9 Iceland Falls with beautiful scenery around
6 most original waterfalls around Iceland
5 powerful Icelandic waterfalls
3 highest waterfalls in Iceland
And many more....
Video - Best Waterfalls in Iceland
Icelandic waterfalls in Winter

// In this article, no ads, no sponsored posts. Just some affiliate links.
If you purchase through them, I get a commission at no extra cost to you (Disclosure).


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).
waterfalls in iceland map

Best waterfalls in Iceland - Map

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)

  1. Skogafoss
  2. Kirkjufellsfoss
  3. Seljalandsfoss
  4. Gullfoss
  5. Hraunfossar & Barnafoss
Best Iceland waterfalls near Reykjavik

Best Iceland waterfalls near Reykjavik

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 road trip in Iceland

Iceland road trip travel guide cover small
  • 8 maps to plan your itinerary easily
  • 100+ pre-selected locations 
  • Tips to make the most of your time
  • 130+ original photos to get inspired
  • GPS coordinates for easy navigation

LEARN MORE


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

Kirkjufellsfoss Waterfall Iceland

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

Svartifoss waterfall Iceland

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

Oxararfoss waterfall Iceland

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

Hjalparfoss waterfall Iceland

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?

directly see the best deals on my favorite platform

How to rent a car in Iceland 2

or see my 36 practical tips to choose the best car to rent for the roads in Iceland (Summer or Winter) and find the best deals

+ car availabilities and offers

5. Hafragilsfoss Waterfall

Hjalparfoss waterfall Iceland

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)

sigoldugljufur waterfalls iceland

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)

aldeyjarfoss waterfall iceland

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)

Thjofafoss waterfall Iceland

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

Glanni waterfall Iceland

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?

Iceland Accommodations

See my selection of all the best areas to stay to enjoy the beautiful regions of Iceland...
+ fantastic accommodation options

+ read more

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

Iceland Waterfall Seljalandsfoss waterfall Iceland

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

Hraunfoss waterfall iceland

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

Selfoss waterfall

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

Gljufrafoss waterfall Iceland

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

Holaskjol waterfall Iceland

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

Dynjandi waterfall Iceland

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!

Iceland road trip Journal

5 powerful Icelandic waterfalls

16. Gullfoss Waterfall

Gullfoss waterfall Iceland

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

Skogafoss waterfall 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

Dettifoss waterfall Iceland

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

Godafoss waterfall Iceland

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

Urridafoss waterfall Iceland

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

Glymur waterfall iceland

Location - North of Reykjavik

Access - Hiking required

Interest - 196m drop, long thought to be the highest / tallest waterfall in Iceland

22. Haifoss Waterfall

Haifoss waterfall iceland


Haifoss waterfall - photo by Jon Flobrant

Location - Central Highlands

Access - 4WD + walking

Interest - 122 m tall in a stunning canyon

23. Hengifoss Waterfall

Hengifoss waterfall Iceland

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

waterfall Iceland
waterfall Iceland 3

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:

Skogafoss in Winter

Skogafoss in Winter

Seljalandsfoss in Winter

Seljalandsfoss in Winter

Gullfoss in Winter

Gullfoss in Winter

Hraunfossar in Winter

Hraunfossar in Winter

Kirkjufellsfoss in Winter

Kirkjufellsfoss in Winter

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:

Plan your dream road trip around Iceland!

Iceland road trip travel guide cover small
  • 8 easy-to-plan maps
  • 100+ pre-selected locations
  • Useful planning tips
  • 130+ large photos 
  • GPS coordinates direct to carparks

LEARN MORE

Ring road Iceland road trip travel guide cover small
  • 2 easy-to-plan maps
  • 30 stops, 10 detours
  • Useful planning tips 
  • 70+ large photos 
  • GPS coordinates direct to carparks

LEARN MORE

And keep track of your own trip!

Iceland road trip Journal

Want to see more of Iceland's beauty?

PREVIOUS: 

7 OFF THE BEATEN PATH LOCATIONS

NEXT: 

BEST ICELAND DAY TRIPS FROM REYKJAVIK

Tourism Iceland Travel Guide

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Iceland waterfalls - video, photos

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Deasy Noel says

    December 31, 2014 at 3:32 AM

    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!

    • Claire Robinson says

      January 1, 2015 at 10:26 PM

      Thanks Deasy. I had no idea as well. I realized it as we were driving around.

  2. Andreas Preecius says

    January 30, 2016 at 9:30 PM

    Your blog has been very helpful, really enjoyed reading it…Thanks you!!

    • Claire Robinson says

      January 30, 2016 at 10:14 PM

      Thanks Andreas. I am happy you found it helpful. Have a nice trip!

  3. Clazz - An Orcadian Abroad says

    May 8, 2017 at 3:36 PM

    Beautiful photos!! Loads of falls I hadn’t heard about before. 🙂

  4. LeeannMyers says

    November 17, 2017 at 2:53 AM

    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?

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