Top 10 Waterfalls in Iceland
Some of Iceland’s most beautiful natural attractions are its waterfalls. The varied landscapes and geology of the country mean a wide range of heights, widths, and water volumes of waterfalls all around the country. But which ones should you visit?
There are so many to choose from, we’ve selected 10 of the prettiest waterfalls in the country. While many of them are easy to access via parking lots, some require a short hike to reach the best viewpoints. Find out where these waterfalls are, why you should visit, and how to get there.
1. Seljalandsfoss
Location: South West Iceland
GPS Coordinates: 63°36’57.07″N 19°59’32.53″W
Height: 65 m / 213 ft
Starting our list of Iceland’s best waterfalls is Seljalandsfoss. This waterfall is 65m/213ft high and might be one of the most visited waterfalls in the country. No wonder, as it’s located mere seconds away from the Ring Road, with a convenient parking area. The beauty of Seljalandsfoss is undeniable, and it’s famous for being the waterfall that you can walk behind. Standing behind the sheet of water is a breathtaking experience that should not be missed!
Seljalandsfoss is an easy stop on the Golden Circle. 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 towards the ferry to the Westman Islands. Due to its popularity with tourists, we recommend you visit very early in the morning or very late in the evening because of the crowds. If you decide to visit during the day, you might have to share the waterfall with a large number of other tourists.
2. Hraunfossar & Barnafoss
Location: South West Iceland
GPS Coordinates: 64°42’5.70″N 20°58’43.59″W
Height: 12 m/ 39 ft
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. Both waterfalls are 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.
3. Skógafoss
Location: South West Iceland
GPS Coordinates: 63°31’37.31″N 19°30’38.65″W
Height: 60 m / 197 ft
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 one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland. There are a number of different ways to see the falls too, with a small hike to find a better vantage point.
Many people like to walk up to the top of the waterfall via steps on the right side. Once above the waterfall, you can then walk along the river, which is a fantastic addition to the sightseeing stop, but be prepared for a bit of a hike. If you really want to get the full feel for Skógafoss, you can walk all the way round 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.
4. Gullfoss
Location: South West Iceland
GPS Coordinates: 64°19’30.14″N 20° 7’30.49″W
Height: 32 m / 105 ft
Of course, we can’t discuss Icelandic waterfalls without mentioning the big players! Gullfoss is included 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 vantage points from which to view it so it doesn’t feel too crowded.Gullfoss is a truly powerful 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 is often closed due to icy conditions. Pay attention to signage, as when it is not safe to walk on the path there will be notices in place.
5. Goðafoss
Location: North East Iceland
GPS Coordinates: 65°41’9.36″N 17°32’18.29″W
Height: 12 m / 39 ft
If your Icelandic adventure will take you to the North of the country, then Goðafoss is a must-see waterfall for your itinerary. 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 tall and 30m/98ft wide. This waterfall is also very accessible, with a parking lot available and an easy walk of about half a kilometer to the falls.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 as a symbolic gesture to renounce them.
6. Dettifoss
Location: North East Iceland
GPS Coordinates: 65°49’7.97″N 16°22’45.17″W
Height: 44 m / 144 ft
When it comes to sheer water volume, Dettifoss is Europe’s most powerful waterfall. A massive amount of water, 93 cubic meters per second to be precise, plunges into the gorge below, producing a deafening noise. Dettifoss is truly impressive to witness up close, so this is definitely one to include on your road trip around Iceland.
Depending on the season, the road leading to the parking lot ½ a kilometer away from the waterfall might be closed. If you are visiting during any season other than summer, make sure the road is open for traffic before heading off on your trip. Previously, you needed a 4X4 to pass this road, however now it is no longer classed as an F-Road so you can visit Dettifoss in any vehicle.
7. Brúarfoss
Location: South West Iceland
GPS Coordinates: 64°15’53.74″N 20°31’0.24″W
Height: 5 m / 16 ft
Slightly off the beaten path of the Golden Circle, you will find Brúarfoss, a relatively small waterfall but a fascinating one to visit. The bright color of the water is truly surreal, 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!
Brúarfoss lies between Þingvellir and Geysir, 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, 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 to the falls.
8. Háifoss
Location: South West Iceland
GPS Coordinates: 64°15’53.74″N 20°31’0.24″W
Height: 122 m / 400 ft
Háifoss is one of the highest waterfalls in Iceland, reaching an impressive 122m/400ft. To get to Háifoss from Reykjavík, head out 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 a 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.
9. Hjálparfoss
Location: South West Iceland
GPS Coordinates: 64° 6’51.95″N 19°51’12.94″W
Height: 10 m / 33 ft
Located near Háifoss, you will find Hjálparfoss, another waterfall that’s worth visiting in the southwest of Iceland. This unique, 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 travelers, hence its name which translates to “Help Waterfall” in English. Brave locals can also be seen swimming below the falls in good weather.
Hjálparfoss is also easy to access via vehicle. The parking lot for the falls is just 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 ancient rock formations. The valley is also home to many picturesque and convenient campsites if you want to spend some more time in the area.
10. Glymur
Location: South West Iceland
GPS Coordinates: 64°23’7.09″N 21°17’41.38″W
Height: 198 m / 649 ft
Glymur is the second-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. You can 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.
The driven route will take you to the very bottom of the fjord before you make a right turn, where you’ll 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, as there is some risk involved. In one section of the route, you’ll cross the river on a firmly bolted log that has a steel wire above for you to hold on to while crossing the log.
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!
Happy exploring! #GoIceland
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