Top 10 Waterfalls in Iceland

When arriving in Iceland or even while planning a trip here, it can be daunting to choose where to go, what to see, which top destinations to visit, and what waterfalls to visit. There are many to choose from here. A lot of them are easy to access while driving around Iceland in your rental car, others require a hike to reach but well worth the effort. To help you choose which ones to visit, we have a list for you of ten great waterfalls in Iceland, in no particular order.

1. Seljalandsfoss

Starting our list of Iceland’s best waterfalls is Seljalandsfoss. This waterfall is 65m/213ft and might be one of the most visited waterfalls in the country. No wonder, as it’s just 10 seconds away from the Ring Road with a convenient parking area. The fact that it’s an incredibly beautiful sight is another reason that it’s so popular.  If you leave Reykjavík and drive south on the Ring Road, you will reach Seljalandsfoss after roughly an hour and a half on the road. Weather permitting, you will see the falls on your left side before you pass the right turn taking you to the ferry to the Westman Islands. We recommend you go there very early in the morning or very late in the evening for thiscan become a very crowded spot. If you decide to visit during the day, you might have to share the waterfall with a ton of other tourists.

GPS Coordinates:  63°36’57.07″N   19°59’32.53″W

2. Hraunfossar

These magnificent cascades differ from so many others around the world. This is not just one waterfall but several, where cold, ice-clear water seeps through every crack in a lava field creating an absolutely stunning sight. Just above Hraunfossar “Lava Falls”, you will also find Barnafoss. They are both easy to access from the parking lot, but keep an extra close eye on your children, especially when walking over the bridge to Barnafoss (a 1-minute walk at most). In addition to the amazing scenery and waterfalls in this area, there are a few great and convenient campsites nearby which are ideal if you are keen to spend a night under the stars. There are also plenty of interesting sites in the area, so you can easily fill the next day with an exciting adventure.

GPS Coordinates:  64°42’5.70″N   20°58’43.59″W

3. Skógafoss

Skógafoss is also conveniently located off the Ring Road, just a short drive from Seljalandsfoss. This waterfall is famed for its beauty and is thought to be perhaps one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland. You can see the waterfall from different perspectives too, if time allows.

Many people like to walk up the waterfall on the right side of it and then walk along the river above which is also fantastic, but be prepared for a bit of a hike. If you really want to get the full feel for Skógafoss, you can walk to the bottom and experience the full impact. It’s quite impressive to stand so close to a waterfall but be prepared – bring a raincoat to shield from the spray! If you want to take your time fully experiencing the area and all the views of the waterfall, you may want to stay at a nearby campsite overnight. 

GPS Coordinates:  63°31’37.31″N   19°30’38.65″W

4. Gullfoss

Of course, we can’t discuss Icelandic waterfalls without mentioning the big ones. Gullfoss is within the Golden Circle so it’s one of the most visited waterfalls in Iceland. Thankfully though, it’s a large waterfall with plenty of areas to explore so it doesn’t feel too crowded.

Gullfoss is a mighty waterfall with unbelievable amounts of water cascading down into the gorge below. The path along the falls is impressive and makes for a memorable walk. During winter the path leading down to the waterfall might be closed due to ice. Pay attention to signage, as when it is not safe to walk on the path there will be notices in place.

GPS Coordinates:  64°19’30.14″N   20° 7’30.49″W

 

5. Goðafoss

If you are driving up north then Goðafoss is a must-see waterfall. Goðafoss, which translates to “Falls of the Gods,” is known as Iceland’s little Niagara Falls. A sprawling, horseshoe-shaped waterfall split in two, Goðafoss is about 12m/39 ft across and 30m/98ft wide. Goðafoss also features prominently in Icelandic history and lore. In 1000 AD, the Lawspeaker Þorgeir Ljósvetningagoði made Christianity the official religion of Iceland. After his conversion, Þorgeir threw his statues of the Norse gods into the waterfall.

It’s an easy half-a-kilometer/0.35-mile walk to the waterfall from the parking lot and definitely well worth it.

GPS Coordinates:  65°41’9.36″N   17°32’18.29″W

 

6. Dettifoss

When it comes to sheer water volume, Dettifoss is Europe’s most powerful waterfall. A massive amount of water plunges into the gorge below with a deafening noise. Dettifoss is truly impressive to witness up close, so if seeing waterfalls in Iceland is important to you then you have to visit this one.

Dettifoss is near Goðafoss and many other interesting places in the area, like Mývatn, Dimmuborgir, and Ásbyrgi. Depending on the season, the road leading to the parking lot 1/2km away from the waterfall might be closed. If you are going there during any season other than summer, make sure the road is open for traffic before committing yourself to the trip. Up until 2011, the road was classified as an F-Road but that is no longer the case and it is now passable in ordinary cars.

GPS Coordinates:  65°49’7.97″N   16°22’45.17″W

7. Brúarfoss

Slightly off the beaten path of the Golden Circle, you will find Brúarfoss. It lies between Þingvellir and Geysir and is located to the north of a summer cabin area. Once you pass a blue sign on your right with an arrow pointing to the left (there will be a field on your left), take that left turn and pass the summer house area. There you will see a very small parking lot. Park your car and follow the trail. 

It’s not the biggest waterfall but its charm is incredible. The color of the water is truly surreal and incredibly beautiful, with the added benefit of being a place the tourist crowds don’t tend to visit as frequently. While Brúarfoss can be tricky to locate, the access is easy – make the most of having a rental car and embark upon an adventure to find this wonderful waterfall!

GPS Coordinates:  64°15’53.74″N   20°31’0.24″W

Read more: F-roads in Iceland

8. Háifoss

This is one of the highest waterfalls in Iceland, reaching an impressive 122m/400ft. To get to Háifoss from Reykjavík, drive east on the Ring Road. After Selfoss take a left turn onto Road 30 and drive to Árnes, where you will make a right turn onto Road 32. Just before you reach the power plant called Sultartangi, turn left onto the gravel road which will take you to Háifoss.

When you reach Háifoss, you will be thrilled to see that there is another waterfall located next to it, called Granni. This canyon is a truly beautiful area and worth visiting to experience these amazing waterfalls. 

GPS Coordinates:  64°12’25.39″N   19°40’48.88″W

 

9. Hjálparfoss

Located near Háifoss you will find Hjálparfoss, another waterfall that’s worth visiting. This unique and split waterfall used to provide shelter and grazing for horses during the times people traveled through the highlands by horse. This was the perfect stop to revitalize the travelers, hence its name which translates to “Help Waterfall.” Brave locals can also be seen swimming below the falls. 

Hjálparfoss also benefits from easy access. The parking lot for the falls is only 800m/0.5 miles from Road 32 which is a fully paved road. Both Hjálparfoss and Háifoss lie in Þórsár Valley, by the roots of the infamous volcano Hekla. As a result, you will see evidence of volcanic landscapes all around you, including beautiful scenery and interesting formations. The valley is also home to many picturesque and convenient campsites if you want to spend some time in the area.

GPS Coordinates:  64° 6’51.95″N   19°51’12.94″W

10. Glymur

Glymur is the highest waterfall in Iceland. It reaches a staggering 198m/649ft but it also takes a bit of an effort to get there. The drive from Reykjavík to the start of the trail is not long and takes you along the beautiful fjord of Hvalfjörður.

The route will take you to the very bottom of the fjord before you make a right turn and drive 2.45km/1.52 miles further to the parking lot. The hike to the falls is stunning but should not be attempted by people who are uncomfortable with heights. Many also wear a helmet when walking this trail which is not a bad idea, as there is some risk involved. At one point you cross the river on a firmly bolted log that has a steel wire above for you to hold on to while crossing the log. You can also get to the top of Glýmur and enjoy a stunning view of the waterfall. The hike takes around 4 to 5 hours to complete as a round trip.

GPS Coordinate at the right turn:  64°23’7.97″N   21°21’18.34″W

GPS Coordinates to the parking lot:  64°23’7.09″N   21°17’41.38″W

Can you imagine a better way to experience Iceland than with a road trip ticking off the country’s best 10 waterfalls? Secure your rental car with GO Iceland and start chasing waterfalls!

Read more: Roads in Iceland

Happy exploring!  #GoIceland

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