How many waterfalls do you think there are in Iceland?
Fed by abundant glacial rivers, with ample rain and snow in the mix, there are thousands of falls in all forms and sizes scattered around the country. But the precise number of Iceland’s waterfalls isn’t known, as there are just too many to count!
The good news is that if you’re planning a self-drive tour around Iceland, you’re guaranteed to cross paths with plenty of these natural wonders.
We’ve compiled 10 of the top waterfalls in Iceland here. For your geographical convenience, they are listed in a counterclockwise order around the country, starting from southwestern Iceland (where Reykjavík is located).
1. Gullfoss
Gullfoss, or “Golden Falls”, is one of the 3 must-see attractions of the famous Golden Circle route in southwestern Iceland. This two-tiered waterfall drops 32 metres (105 feet) into a narrow, deep canyon, creating an impressive spray of mist that often produces rainbows in sunny weather.
You'll find a footpath leading from the parking lot to a viewing platform where you can experience the waterfall in all its glory.
As well as Gullfoss waterfall, you can visit the famous Geysir hot spring and Þingvellir National Park when touring the Golden Circle.
- Check out Golden Circle self-drive packages
- Related: All you need to know about driving Iceland’s Golden Circle
2. Seljalandsfoss
This towering cascade in South Iceland is impressive to look at from a distance, but its wow-factor lies in the footpath leading behind the tumbling water.
This means you can admire Seljalandsfoss from multiple angles and enjoy the exhilarating experience of walking behind it. It’s no wonder why so many feel that this is one of the best waterfalls in Iceland!
If you visit Seljalandsfoss, make sure to wear good hiking shoes and a waterproof coat. There's a lot of spray and potential slippery spots on the path.
3. Gljúfrabúi
After exploring Seljalandsfoss, you could discover another unusual waterfall nearby. Walk a little further on to reach Gljúfrabúi, or Gljúfrafoss (“Dweller of the Gorge” in Icelandic). Many simply call it “the hidden waterfall”.
Living up to its name, Gljúfrabúi is something of a hidden gem in Iceland. You have to wade into a small stream and enter a narrow opening in the cliff to find these mysterious falls.
Once you enter you’ll be surrounded by mossy rock on all sides, the water pouring in from an opening high above. It feels like you’re in a scene from a fantasy movie here.
- Visit these waterfalls on a South Iceland tour
4. Skógafoss
Prepare to be amazed by Skógafoss, a jaw-dropping, 60-metre (197-foot) high waterfall on the south coast of Iceland.
According to legend, the first Norse settler in the area hid treasure in the cave behind the cascade.
You can get up quite close to this popular waterfall as the ground beneath it is flat. Or climb the staircase to reach the observation deck at the top.
During your time here, you might like to explore the Skógar Folk Museum. This open-air site is home to an original turf farm that shows how the locals lived hundreds of years ago.
5. Svartifoss
Meaning “Black Falls” in Icelandic, Svartifoss is named for its cliffs of hexagonal basalt columns. They may remind you of those seen at Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland or Reynisfjara beach in southern Iceland.
Svartifoss waterfall is located in Skaftafell, a nature reserve that forms part of Vatnajökull National Park. Here you can also embark on glacier hikes and take in the beautiful landscape, characterised by canyons, hanging valleys, and glacial rivers.
You’ll need to hike to reach this waterfall. From the Skaftafell visitor centre, it’s about a 5.5-kilometre (3.4-mile) round trip on a marked trail.
- Explore waterfalls and glaciers on an active Iceland tour
- Related: Best ways to experience glaciers in Iceland
6. Hengifoss
After driving along the south coast from Reykjavík, you’ll reach East Iceland, where you’ll encounter untouched nature and quirky little towns.
One of the must-see sights in East Iceland is Hengifoss, thought to be the third highest waterfall in Iceland at 128 metres (420 feet). Watch the water cascading into a dramatic gorge, surrounded by bright red clay. Scientists have actually discovered fossilised trees in the rock here.
There’s another, smaller waterfall to visit nearby: Litlanesfoss. You’ll want to stop to admire the falls tumbling between basalt columns – it’s a spectacular sight.
- Discover East Iceland on a tour crafted by local experts
7. Dettifoss
Continue on the Ring Road and you’ll enter North Iceland. Don’t miss the chance to drive around the Diamond Circle, where you can explore a canyon, vast lake, whale-watching town, and waterfalls. In fact, one of the top sights on this route is Dettifoss.
This is the most powerful waterfall in Europe, and it’s also Iceland’s largest. Dettifoss pours nearly 200 cubic metres (over 7,000 cubic feet) of water per second into the gorge below. You'll undoubtedly hear its mighty rumble before you even see it from the pathway.
Though accessible by two roads off the main highway, the best viewpoint is on the east bank.
8. Goðafoss
You can discover another stunning waterfall on the Diamond Circle route: Goðafoss. This one is in the shape of a horseshoe, creating a beautiful cascade.
Goðafoss isn't just a pretty sight, it’s also shrouded in myth.
According to legend, the "Waterfall of the Gods" got its name over a thousand years ago. A local chieftain flung his statues of the Norse gods into the thundering water, having converted to Christianity.
- Explore the Diamond Circle on a tour of North Iceland
9. Dynjandi
As you circle back towards the western part of Iceland, you have the chance to drive to the Westfjords. Venturing to this remote region rewards you with beautiful, lesser-visited nature spots, including mountains, fjords, and cliffs where puffins nest in the summer.
Be sure to check out Dynjandi, a waterfall that’s often likened to a bridal veil, or perhaps a multi-layered wedding cake. The water spills over multiple layers of rock over a width of 30 to 60 metres (98 to 197 feet), making it the largest fall in the Westfjords.
On the 15-minute hike to reach Dynjandi from the parking area, you’ll pass 6 other waterfalls that are worth a look too.
- Check out these off-the-beaten-path trips to Iceland
- Related: What to do in the Westfjords
10. Hraunfossar
The beautiful falls of Hraunfossar make for a wonderful detour off the Ring Road in West Iceland, as you head back to Reykjavík. When you gaze upon this one, you might wonder where the water is coming from, as there is no river or lake in sight.
It actually gets its source from rivulets in the Hallmundarhraun lava field, which was formed by a volcanic eruption from beneath the Langjökull glacier.
Be sure to explore the neighbouring Barnafoss falls as well when you make a stop here. And nearby you can go Into the Glacier, walking inside ice tunnels carved out of the Langjökull glacier. This is one of the top things to do in West Iceland.
- Tour West Iceland with help from local travel experts
These are just 10 of the countless waterfalls in Iceland you could visit on your trip.
Perhaps you’d like to head into the highlands to see Haifoss, tucked away in the Þjórsárdalur valley. Or stop by Glymur waterfall in West Iceland en route to or from Reykjavík. There are many more awaiting you in the Land of Fire and Ice!
Opt for a self-drive adventure around Iceland to travel at your own pace. Or let someone else do the driving and choose from privately guided, small group or multi-day tours of Iceland.
You could explore Iceland in summer to make the most of long daylight hours and marvel at waterfalls in remote parts of the country. Or take a winter trip to Iceland for the chance to see these natural gems surrounded by frost and snow, and to chase the northern lights.
The Iceland travel experts at Nordic Visitor can help. They are based in the capital, Reykjavík, and will use their insider knowledge to plan your trip. Meanwhile you can relax and look forward to seeing the stunning marvels of Iceland.
Get in touch with them to make your travel dream a reality.
