Iceland is the land of fire and ice. It’s also the island where there are many, many waterfalls. Here’s a list of 13 spectacular waterfalls in Iceland that will amaze you.
You may have seen Instagram pictures, but nothing quite compares to actually being there and feeling the spray on your face. Or hearing the thunderous sound, as hundreds of gallons of water cascade over the rocks. Or listening to a gentle trickle of water, as it winds its way downriver.
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Waterfall hunting – north or south?
I’ve been to Iceland five times as of 2021, and one of so many things I love about Iceland, are the spectacular waterfalls. A lot of them are huge and magnificent and this list covers the spectacular waterfalls seen across all my different trips.
My recommendation is to rent a car if you can, because it gives you more freedom. You can choose your own route, and spend as much time as you want in any of the locations.
If you only have a few days to visit, there are more waterfalls in south Iceland, and they are closer together. If you’re not able to rent a car, there are plenty of tour options easily arranged from Reykjavik, which will cover most of the southern sites.
A longer trip will enable you to see the spectacular waterfalls in the north of Iceland. If you are going around the whole ring road, my preference, would be to go clockwise. This way you save some of the really spectacular waterfalls for the end of your trip!
Location, location, location
I hope you’ll be inspired to complete a road trip (or several trips) around Iceland, to see these spectacular waterfalls.
I’ve numbered the map below to show the location of each one. Whilst several are spaced out, particularly up north, there is so much more to this country than just these spectacular waterfalls.
So here is my list of 13 spectacular waterfalls in Iceland that will amaze you.
The bigger spectacular waterfalls
1. Bruarfoss
Bruarfoss was so rewarding for me. I hadn’t even known about it when I came to Iceland in 2015. Once I’d seen pictures, I was determined to find this waterfall. I did attempt to during my June 2017 trip, but was thwarted as the bridge was closed off.
The day after I arrived for my November 2018 holiday, I made it! The route to Bruarfoss is more established, partly due to the number of tourists who have been cutting across private land. There is now a car park specifically for getting to this waterfall, and a signposted route to follow.
It was a crisp morning when I started my trek. The sun had risen by the time I arrived to Bruarfoss waterfall, and I was delighted to find I was alone! The spectacular waterfall in front of me was exactly how I’d imagined it. Photographs on social media capture the place accurately, but it’s never the same as being present and seeing it yourself.
The walk to reach the waterfall is around 1.5hrs from the car park, but it’s worth it. You get to see some pretty sites along the way (partly frozen on the day I went), but the waterfall is the highlight. I perched on a rock to just absorb the atmosphere, and had it to myself for about 10 minutes before other tourists arrived.
For me, this is my favourite waterfall in Iceland. It may have helped that I was alone, or perhaps that having tried and failed to reach it before, I was so happy to finally get here on this trip. I just know this waterfall will stay in my memory for a long time!
Good to know:
- At the time of my visit in November 2018, there were no shops or toilet facilities. You can find petrol stations a short car ride away in both directions if needed. This may change in the future as the popularity of this waterfall increases.
- The route is about 1.5hrs one way, so make sure you come prepared with water and snacks.
- Please be respectful of the route as some of it is on private land.
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2. Gullfoss
I’ve seen Gullfoss waterfall three times now, and each time it is fantastic to witness. It’s part of the Golden circle route so gets very busy, but the stop is worthwhile.
There are a couple of tiers, with a drop over a narrow canyon along the Hvitá River. You have a choice of several viewpoints to take pictures from, all giving you a slightly different angle.
In winter, just mind your step as some of the walkways get slippery. They have areas cordoned off, so please ensure you stay behind any boundaries. This is not only for your safety, but also to protect the fragile land.
Good to know:
- Gullfoss is popular stop with an onsite restaurant and cafe, souvenir shop, as well as toilet facilities.
- It gets very busy both in summer and winter, as it’s one of the main stops on any Golden Circle tour.
- If you have a car, I’d recommend going early to see this spectacular waterfall with as few people as possible.
3. Öxarárfoss
Thingvellir National Park (or Þingvellir as you’ll see it written), is a fab place to visit. As it’s not far from Reyjkavik, if you’re driving your own car, it’s easy to include the park as part of your Golden Circle tour. Some set tours may also stop here.
The park has lots of hiking options, and an amazing snorkeling adventure activity I wholeheartedly recommend!
One highlight in the National Park is Öxarárfoss waterfall. You won’t be able to see it from the side of the road, so you’ll need to park up. It’s then a short hike following the established pathway. At the end of this walkway, is the spectacular waterfall. You’ll be greeted with the sight of a beautiful cascade pouring onto volcanic boulders.
Good to know:
- Öxarárfoss is located off of road 36 in the middle of Þingvellir National Park.
- The waterfall is about a 20 minute walk from the dedicated parking area, and they have installed toilet cubicles nearby.
- There are wooden walkways leading up to the falls. This wasn’t the case when I visited in March and November 2015, but were in place in June 2017, likely as a result of the influx of tourism.
4. & 5. Barnafoss and Hraunfossar
These two waterfalls are a 20 minute journey outside of Reykholt, and 1.5hrs north of Reykjavik. You can walk to either one first, as there is a connecting boardwalk between them. I chose Barnafoss or Children’s Waterfall first.
On the way to this waterfall, you’ll pass an information board explaining the sad story of how Barnafoss got its name. There are a couple of view point options to see the water rushing beneath an archway. The filter on my camera managed to add a few sparkles, as the sun wasn’t out.
I then walked to Hraunfossar. This waterfall goes on for nearly a mile and is a series of small streams pouring over the volcanic rock. This one is a bit more serene than Barnafoss. You’ll struggle to get the whole length of the falls in one picture, even for a panoramic shot!
Good to know:
- The car park has quite a bit of space, but its not part of the Golden Circle route. I did see some private tour buses stopping here, so if you come early or late, you should be able to park easily.
- There is a cafe on site with toilet facilities, however I didn’t use these on my trip to know if there are any charges.
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6. Kirkjufellsfoss
The mountain Kirkjufell is another of the most photographed sites in Iceland. Possibly more so since it featured in Game of Thrones. Kirkjufell is on the north side of a western peninsula a few hours north of the capital.
You can climb up the mountain if you go with a guide, but on the cloudy morning I was there in June 2017, I chose to just climb the pathway by the waterfalls.
There is a small car park for visitors stopping for the waterfall, and the pathway didn’t take long to reach. It’s just off road 54, which runs between the mountain and the falls. Just mind the wind if it’s strong, as the pathway then becomes quite wet and very slippery!
Good to know:
- This place tends to be less busy in the morning, and the parking area is not that large.
- The waterfalls are just off the road, on the opposite side to Kirkjufell mountain.
- There are no toilet facilities, however this may have changed since I was here in June 2017.
7. Godafoss
Godafoss was around 41km (as they use the metric system in Iceland) from where I was staying in Akureyri. On this particular day the weather was rapidly freezing over. It took me nearly 20 minutes to scrape the ice from my car before I could set off.
There were patches of ice on the roads, and more than a dusting of snow. The wind here was bracing (to say the least), therefore I opted for my full winter gear to brave the short walk from the car park to the look out point.
There are stairs to take you down closer to the river, however as these were icy (and I’m rather clumsy) I stayed on the upper level. A bridge crosses the river so you can get a view from the opposite side. As I was heading onto Aldeyjarfoss waterfall after this, regrettably I didn’t have enough time to cross over.
I did manage to get some photos from the bridge of the ice floes drifting slowing down river. Seeing everything dressed in white makes Godafoss feel quite magical, but if you visit during winter just make sure you prepare for the cold.
Good to know:
- This waterfall is very close to the main number 1 ring road, with plenty of parking, as there are a few spaces in front of the cafe, or a much larger designated area just beyond it.
- You can grab a drink or snack in the cafe – a good option if you need to warm up.
- In November 2018 there was a charge for use of the toilets, which was ISK200.00 or around £1.25).
- There is a shop on site as well, which has typical Icelandic souvenirs.
8. Aldeyjarfoss
Aldeyjarfoss waterfall was a bit of a distance (40km on from Godafoss), but so worth going off road for! You’ll need a 4×4 to visit, unless you have time to walk from the road (but there isn’t much parking on route as it’s mostly private houses and farms).
As this was the same day as Godafoss, the dirt road was quite icy, so I was only going around 30km per hour, to avoid sliding into the ditches. The road follows a river, so I was looking at the sunlight sparkling on the bubbling water as well as frost covered grasses and grazing sheep. It was beautiful!
You’ll need to take either road 842 or 844 (but if you take 844 you need to cross a bridge to join 842), which then turns onto F26. F26 is a restricted road where only 4×4 vehicles are allow, and that’s where things get bumpy!
Once you get to the end of the F-road, there’s a parking area. Opposite to the toilets, is the pathway down to the falls. It isn’t a well established path, so take your time, or you risk falling on your butt like I did! Thankfully no one was there to witness my tumble. But once you’re at the bottom you have an amazing sight in front of you!
Good to know:
- You must have a 4×4 car to make it all the way to the car park for this waterfall, as it is along an F-road.
- There is a dedicated car park at the end of the F-road, but limited parking on the main road.
- There is a toilet available in the car park and the pathway down to Aldeyjarfoss is opposite these toilets.
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9. Dettifoss
This waterfall is past Lake Myvatn (if driving clockwise on the ring road) in the north of Iceland. You can usually get to both sides, allowing you to see the fall from different perspectives. I planned to go to both sides, but with the weather getting worse during my road trip, the east road 864 was closed. Some argue this gives the better view of Dettifoss, as you don’t have the constant spray of water, as the waterfall is at a diagonal angle.
With no option due to the road closure, I drove on 862 and parked up. There were around 10 other cars there, and it’s around 10 minutes to get to the waterfall from the car park. I again put on my full gear and crampons, and started following the pathway.
You should hear the rush of water before you see the waterfall. Dettifoss is one of the most powerful waterfalls in Europe.
Good to know:
- Dettifoss west side car park is around 24km from the route 1 ring road.
- There are two other waterfalls further on from Dettifoss, Selfoss and Hafragilsfoss. Unfortunately I didn’t make it to either of them, but you can access both via the same car park on the west access road 862.
- Toilet facilities are available in the car park.
10. Svartifoss
This narrow waterfall is in Vatnajökull National Park in the south of Iceland. You’ll need to follow the path, which is a bit a of an uphill trek. It took me around 45 minutes, stopping for the views along the way.
Once you get closer to the falls, you will see the basalt columns, which this spectacular waterfall is known for. The hexagonal shapes give this fall a completely different dimension and look to others in the region.
The park rangers have closed off some areas closer to the falls, for a combination of land protection and safety, but you can still take some fab photos here.
Again, I had this fall to myself for the most part, but it is a popular hiking area being situated in the National Park, so visitors may increase depending on the time of year you visit.
Good to know:
- Car parking space is ample but there is a charge (it was ISK750.00 or approx £5 per day in November 2018), but you have access to the whole of the National park.
- There are toilets facilities available for use at the start of the walk, close to the large car park. There aren’t any on route, so go before you start your trek.
11. Skogafoss
Skogafoss should be on everyone’s list to see. This large waterfall has a 60m drop, which is impressive. It is a popular place in the South of Iceland, and is just off the main ring road.
You can take the stairs up the side of the waterfall, to get a view from the top, and complete a hike along the river. Drone photographers have found this a perfect spot to showcase the beauty and magnificence of Iceland.
Be prepared to get a bit wet, as the spray from the power and force of the water, reaches quite far. It can also make the rocks quite slippery.
Good to know:
- Skogafoss is easy to find as it is off of the main route 1 ring road, and there are a lot of car parking spaces.
- There is a restaurant on site, with facilities for paying customers. In 2015, we enjoyed a nice meal here.
- Be prepared to have a lot of visitors in your photos, as this is a really popular spot. I have no idea how this photographer took such a clear shot! I clearly have a lot more to learn about photography!
12. Seljalandsfoss
Seljalandsfoss is another spectacular waterfall you need to stop for. It’s along the ring road in the South of Iceland. The unique feature of this waterfall is that you can walk behind it, if the area is not completely iced over. The reward you’ll get is a completely different viewpoint from anywhere other waterfall I know of.
On my first two trips, both times in winter, the steps up to Seljalandsfoss were thick with ice, and therefore inaccessible. When I came in the summer of 2017, I finally got to go behind the falls. I found it rewarding and enjoyable, despite being wet and muddy!
Good to know:
- There is parking available within a short walking distance from the falls. There is a small charge for this at present.
- As of December 2018, the facilities are being changed and improved to cope with the increasing number of visitors to this area.
- Take waterproof clothing if you plan to walk behind the falls – the spray will soak you quite quickly.
13. Gljúfrabúi
Canyon Dweller is the easier name for Gljúfrabúi. This gem of a waterfall is located just past Seljalandsfoss, and was previously overlooked, but not anymore.
On arrival at around 10:30am on a December morning in 2018, I had the place to myself at first. Snapping picture after picture, I enjoyed gawking at this spectacular waterfall, partially hidden by the opening. Little did I know, after 10 minutes I wasn’t the only one here; I was just blocking everyone else’s view. Oops!
The water in front of the canyon is around a foot or so deep, but my boots weren’t quite high enough to protect against this. If I didn’t have a long drive ahead of me, I would likely have ventured inside. A goal for my next trip for sure…
Good to know:
- You can see both Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi by parking in the main car park. The second waterfall is around 10 minutes walk on from Seljalandsfoss.
- Take good waterproof gear to enable you to head behind the falls or into the Gljúfrabúi cavern to get the full experience.
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Some of the smaller spectacular waterfalls
Þórufoss, Glanni, Selfoss and Stjornafoss…
There were several other waterfalls that I came across, particularly on my two week road trip, some of them just at the side of the road.
If you do want to photograph something you see whilst driving, please pull over in a safe location. The main ring road is mostly a single lane in either direction, with a drop off at the sides.
My favourite of the smaller spectacular waterfalls is the half frozen waterfall. I saw this when I went on a half day excursion from Vik in south Iceland, to an amazing Ice Cave. Another activity I highly recommend!
All of these waterfalls were still spectacular in my view, just on a smaller scale.
Have you managed to visit these spectacular waterfalls in Iceland? Which was your favourite? Let me know if I’ve missed any…
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