Ultimate Guide to Waterfalls in Iceland

Are you planning the adventure of a lifetime in Iceland? You may be interested in the various natural sites you can see across our remarkable country. Luckily, Iceland is home to around 10,000 waterfalls of varied sizes and beauty that attract thousands of tourists per year. It is impossible to see them all, but there are some that are more well-known than others. Our ultimate guide to waterfalls shows you where to find some of the biggest and most impressive waterfalls in the country.

With so much to see and do in Iceland, it can be difficult to plan where to go and what you are going to see on your trip around the country. One thing you should make time for, though, is getting to see some of the most amazing Icelandic waterfalls. You can schedule these into your plans on the way to see other attractions, as there are waterfalls spread out all over the country.

How Many Waterfalls Are There in Iceland?

With so many stunning glaciers, tall mountains, copious precipitation, and a freeze/thaw climate, waterfalls are abundant in Iceland. Estimates suggest that there are over 10,000 waterfalls around Iceland, and over 200 of them have been recognized with an official name. 

11 Stunning Waterfalls In Iceland

We have put together an ultimate guide to waterfalls in Iceland, featuring some of the following waterfalls;

• Gullfoss – Most Popular Waterfall in Iceland
• Morsárfoss - Tallest Waterfall in Iceland
• Dettifoss – The Most Powerful Waterfall in Europe
• Seljalandsfoss – Walk Behind the Water Flow
• Skogafoss – Rainbow Waterfall
• Glymur – Second Tallest Waterfall in Iceland
• Svartifoss – Waterfall Surrounded by Black Columns
• Hraunfossar – Lava Waterfalls
• Godafoss – Waterfall of the Gods
• Bruarfoss – Bright Blue Waterfall
• Dynjandi – Remote Waterfall

We have also included some lesser-known waterfalls in Iceland for you to really escape the crowds and find something unique during your time here! But first, let’s explore the most famous falls in the country.

Gullfoss Waterfall – South Iceland

Distance from Reykjavik: 116 km

Approximate travel time: 1h 44 min

This is widely considered the most popular waterfall in the country and is regarded by many locals to be the most beautiful. One of the reasons it is the most popular is likely due to its close proximity to the Golden Circle and Reykjavik. It is fairly easy to get to and can be reached from Reykjavik by car in just under 2 hours. The translation of the fall's name actually means Golden Waterfall, and being so close to the Golden Circle route it makes for an easy pit stop. It's an impressive two-tiered waterfall that you can view from many angles.

You can visit Gullfoss throughout the entire year, however, summer is most definitely the best time to view the fall. The warmer months give you full-volume meltwater-thunder, whereas in the winter, the canyon becomes encrusted with frost and ice. This means that access can be fairly limited during colder periods when the access path freezes.

Morsárfoss - South East Iceland

Distance from Reykjavik: 246 km

Approximate travel time: 4h (to Route 1 viewing spot)

With an impressive recorded height of 228 meters, Morsárfoss now holds the title of Iceland’s tallest waterfall. The fall, which was discovered in 2007 when the Morsárjökull glacier began to melt, is nestled in the Skaftafell Nature Reserve within the national park of Vatnajökull. 

The remote location of Morsárfoss means that it can be difficult to explore and getting up close means a hike over a moving glacier - which we wouldn’t recommend! If you want to view Morsárfoss then the safest option is to hike the 11.1-mile Kristínartindar Peak Ascent, a trail which isn’t for the faint-hearted. You may be lucky enough to spot it from Route 1, a 4-hour drive from Reykjavik, but at a distance of over 12 miles away, you’ll need to bring your binoculars. 

Dettifoss Waterfall – North Iceland

Distance from Reykjavik: 539 km

Approximate travel time: 7h 7 min

If you are looking for raw power, then you should definitely head to this awesome waterfall in the northern part of Iceland. Located not too far from Akureyri, it is Iceland’s most powerful waterfall, with a huge volume of water cascading down every second. Although it isn’t one of the tallest waterfalls at just 45 meters tall, it is 100 meters wide and really is an amazing sight. It was also seen at the beginning of the film Prometheus by Ridley Scott. The road can be closed in the winter, so check first before heading to the fall.

Seljalandsfoss Waterfall – South Iceland

Distance from Reykjavik: 128 km

Approximate travel time: 1h 47 min

If Gullfoss is the most popular waterfall in Iceland, then this could be a close second. Seljalandsfoss is one of the most visited waterfalls in the country, due to the fact that you can actually walk around the waterfall and stand behind the water flow. This offers a unique opportunity that you wouldn’t find in many other places in the world. The mist from the fall can cause the path and visitors to get slightly wet, so beware of slipping and make sure you are wearing appropriate clothing. It is close to the ring road, and you can drive there yourself by heading east on Route 1 from Reykjavik.

Take your time to explore Seljalandfoss from every angle, and become transfixed by the ever-changing dynamic between the light and water. This waterfall is known as a photographer’s favorite due to its mesmerizing nature. You can even get up close and personal to the water to capture some amazing pictures. 

Read our blog on The Best Photography Spots in Iceland to discover some more otherworldly locations in our country.

Skógafoss Waterfall – South Iceland

Distance from Reykjavik: 156 km

Approximate travel time: 2h 10min

This is another waterfall located in the south of Iceland and is just a short drive away from Seljalandsfoss, so you could visit both waterfalls on the same trip. Skógafoss is sometimes referred to as the rainbow waterfall because a rainbow is always visible here when the sun shines. It can be seen from the ring road and, much like Seljalandfoss, you can walk right up to the waterfall itself. You can also hike up to see different sides of the waterfall or see it from above, too. You can walk along the river that leads up to the falls when weather conditions allow. The Skógá River, where Skógafoss is located, is said to have over 30 other waterfalls within its banks. 

Similar to Seljalandsfoss, Skogafoss can be accessed easily from Iceland’s Ring Road when touring the south coast of the country. If you’re looking for a rental car to get you there, take a look at our wide range of high-quality 4x4 vehicles today.

Glymur Waterfall – West Iceland

Distance from Reykjavik: 40.8 km

Approximate travel time: 1h 8 min

It might seem strange to mention the second-tallest waterfall and not the first, but until 2007, Glymur was considered to be the tallest. Morsárfoss, as described above, was only fairly recently discovered and is quite hard to reach, so many locals still see Glymur as the tallest waterfall. You certainly won’t be disappointed, though, as this waterfall stands an impressive 198 meters high, making it one of the tallest in Europe. You can find the waterfall in the West of Iceland at Hvalfjörður fjord, but it is about a 2-hour hike from the main road.

Svartifoss Waterfall – South Iceland

Distance from Reykjavik: 327 km

Approximate travel time: 4h 21 min

Translated as the black waterfall, this is one of the most unique and photo-worthy waterfalls in Iceland. It is more than likely you would have seen images of the waterfall, with striking black columns surrounding the fall. Located in the southeast of Iceland, you can find Svartifoss in Vatnajökull National Park, and it is well worth a visit. The awesome natural formation has provided inspiration to artists for decades and is thought to be the inspiration behind the famous church Hallgrímskirkja in Reykjavik. It is slightly further to reach than some of the other southern waterfalls, at just over a 4-hour drive from Reykjavik, but it is easy to reach when you arrive.

Hraunfossar Waterfall – West Iceland

Distance from Reykjavik: 126 km

Approximate travel time: 1h 46 min

A unique number of spring waterfalls run from the lava in the West of Iceland, just over a 2-hour drive north of Iceland. It’s a magnificent waterfall that differs from so many others in the world and is more of a collection of lots of small falls that make a picturesque sight. The lava fields in the area surrounding these waterfalls are renowned for their many hidden caves, including the country’s longest cave, Víðgelmir.

It has easy access from the parking lot, and it also sits right next to Barnafoss waterfall, another dramatic fall that you can visit while you are there. 

Goðafoss Waterfall – North Iceland

Distance from Reykjavik: 422 km

Approximate travel time: 5h 22min

The literal translation of its name means the falls of the Gods and has drawn the comparison to a small Niagara Falls due to its horseshoe shape. According to Icelandic folklore and sagas, the chieftain threw the idols of the Old Norse Gods into the falls, which symbolized the nation's conversion to Christianity. This settled a religious crisis in the region, as there was unrest about which religion should be followed.

It is a truly remarkable waterfall and you can find it on the ring road, close to Detifoss, so you might want to visit both on the same trip.

Brúarfoss Waterfall – South Iceland

Distance from Reykjavik: 95.2 km

Approximate travel time: 1h 31 min

One of the smaller waterfalls in our guide, but certainly not any less awe-inspiring, it is also one of the closest waterfalls to Reykjavik, at just over an hour and a half drive. It is a series of smaller waterfalls that lead into one larger pool. It is notable and often visited for its strikingly bright blue waters from the melting Langjökull glacier.

There is easy access and parking near the fall, but you will need to follow the trail some way to find the perfect photo spot.

Dynjandi Waterfall – West Iceland

Distance from Reykjavik: 366 km

Approximate travel time: 5h 4 min

One of the most awesome waterfalls in Iceland is also one of the more remote locations in our guide.  What makes Dynjandi truly remarkable is its shape, which makes it look like a beautiful white bridal veil. The quirky Icelandic geology produces some flamboyant falls that you cannot find anywhere else in the world.

The waterfall is 100 meters high and flows down the side of a cliff that is 60 meters wide at the bottom. Located in the Westfjords, it is more remote, but this simply adds to the appeal of the waterfall. It is one in a row of seven waterfalls in the region, with plenty more to see locally. However, with over a 6-hour drive away from Reykjavik, you should think about staying closer to the Westfjords if you plan on visiting.

In Iceland, it is often said that each waterfall is home to a supernatural being, and the energy that you will find at these sights certainly represents this.

Top 5 Lesser-Known Waterfalls

Want to escape the crowds but still want to see something spectacular? We’ve got you covered. Many of these listed here require a bit of a drive or are perfect to visit as part of a longer road trip in the more remote parts of the country. Let’s dive in.

• Háifoss: Iceland’s 4th-tallest waterfall is actually among the 10 tallest in the whole of Europe. To visit its more remote location in the Thjorsardalur Valley in south Iceland, you’ll need to rent a 4x4 for your trip and get ready for a bit of a hike (4.5 miles / 7.2 kilometers) to reach the falls from the parking lot.
• Hengifoss: Coming 3rd in the list of tallest waterfalls in Iceland, Hengifoss is one of the more dramatic falls found here. After a 1.5-mile (2.4-kilometer) hike within Vatnajokull National Park, you’ll see the stream of water hanging off a basalt cliff, hence the translation “hanging falls” in Icelandic.
• Ófærufoss: Sometimes called the ‘impassable’ waterfall after the rugged surroundings and remote geological area of the Highlands. This two-tiered waterfall is surrounded by lava rock and colorful green moss.
• Kvernufoss: This beautiful waterfall in south Iceland is located close to Skogafoss and half hidden in a dramatic gorge. It is also located just a 20-minute walk from the Skogar Museum.
• Klifbrekkufossar: Located in East Iceland, this hidden gem is a magical zigzag waterfall made up of 7 steps. With no official parking area, you’ll need to park on the nearby gravel road, but only when the waterfall is accessible during the summer months.

To make a road trip out of your time in Iceland, why not hire a car for your trip? This allows you to make the very best of however long you’ve got here. 

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