Iceland is an incredible country with a unique landscape, home to many volcanoes, glaciers and waterfalls. The first thing I noticed while driving through Iceland was the multitude of waterfalls scattered along the road. Some of them were wider, others taller, but each and every one of them was beautiful.
With an estimated number of 10,000 waterfalls, it was challenging to pick the best waterfalls in Iceland. However, after much research I managed to choose the 25 most beautiful falls in Iceland. Make sure to add at least some of them to your itinerary!
Good to know – Foss in Icelandic means waterfall. You’ll see that many waterfall names end in “foss”.
1. Top waterfalls in Iceland – MAP
Below is a map of the top icelandic waterfalls. Click on the map to see the exact locations.
-> Check out these 20 tips & tricks about Iceland!
2. Best waterfalls near Reykjavik
If you don’t want to drive too far to see some of Iceland’s unique waterfalls, I’ve got you covered. Below are a few incredible falls located close to Reykjavik, the capital city of Iceland.
Tip – while in Reykjavik, make sure to visit the beautiful Rainbow Street!
Glymur Waterfall
Located near Reykjavik, Glymur Waterfall is the second highest and one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland. The only way to reach this amazing fall is by hiking for about 3-4 hours. The path crosses several rivers and goes through a cave, but it’s worth it! You’ll be rewarded with superb views of the waterfall.
The hike is about 7 km long and moderate in difficulty. The impressive Glymur is 198 meters tall and its picturesque surrounding hills make it a unique destination.
- Exact location – click here
- Recommended tour – Paddleboard tour from Reykjavik near Glymur
Oxararfoss
Located inside the Thingvellir National Park and fairly close to Reykjavik, this waterfall can be easily reached from the main road. Although it’s not very high or large, Oxararfoss features many large boulders at its base, smoothed by the water over millennia, creating a unique and interesting landscape. The waterfall is connected to many Icelandic legends, including one that gives it mystical powers.
-> Find out which are the best waterfalls quotes and captions
- Exact location – click here
- Recommended tour – Golden Circle and Waterfalls Tour from Reykjavik
3. Best waterfalls in Northern Iceland
Only tourists who venture on the Ring Road get to visit the beautiful Northern Iceland. Here you can visit Husavik – a beautiful fishing village, Myvatn Nature Baths or the incredible Asbyrgi Canyon.
Here are the top waterfalls in Northern Iceland.
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Aldeyjarfoss
Although not known by many travelers, one of the top Icelandic waterfalls is the fascinating Aldeyjarfoss, located in the northern highlands of the island. Its most striking feature are the basalt columns that make up the ridge from where the river falls 20 meters into a wild pool.
Although it can be reached with a vehicle, you will need a sturdy 4×4 to reach the picturesque lava valley of Bardardalur.
- Exact location – click here
Godafoss
One of the most popular attractions in Iceland, Godafoss is a majestic natural treasure, located in the northern part of the island, close to the Ring Road. A few beautiful legends surround this waterfall, whose name translates to “Waterfall of the Gods”.
It can be easily reached from the main road on foot and it has a special charm, with silky streams of water dropping over the edge of the cliff. Although it only has a height of about 12 meters, the waterfall is spread over 30 meters. Here you can really experience the power of nature.
- Exact location – click here
Selfoss
Located south of the more famous Dettifoss, Selfoss is among the best waterfalls in Iceland. It was formed from countless water streams dropping into the river below from a height of about 10 meters. The sight is quite breathtaking and I recommend including Selfoss on your itinerary. The waterfall is easily accessible after a short walk from the car park.
- Exact location – click here
Dettifoss
One of the best Icelandic waterfalls, Dettifoss can be admired in the northeastern highlands. This spectacular waterfall drops from a river formed from the mighty Vatnajokull Glacier and is considered the most powerful in Europe.
The breathtaking Dettifoss is about 100 meters wide and drops 45 meters, creating a raging spectacle, showing the true power of nature. You will need a 4×4 vehicle to reach the falls from the Ring Road.
- Exact location – click here
4. Best waterfalls in Southern Iceland
This is one of the most visited areas in the country. With beautiful beaches like Vik Beach, stunning waterfalls and impressive churches, Southern Iceland is a must-see. Below are the top waterfalls in Southern Iceland.
Gluggafoss
Also known as Merkjarfoss, this waterfall is located in southern Iceland, just by the 261 road, a few hours east of Reykjavik. It’s considered one of the top waterfalls in Iceland for its two gorgeous drops of water.
The first has an impressive height of 44 meters, while the second one splits into several streams, creating a fabulous sight. There are also several other waterfalls located nearby and the area is rich in local legends.
- Exact location – click here
Seljalandsfoss
One of my favorite waterfalls in Iceland is Seljalandsfoss. This waterfall has a 60-meters drop, but the best part is that you can enter behind it. I advise you to bring a raincoat to keep you dry and a waterproof phone or camera to take photos.
The waterfall is easily accessible from the main road and parking lot and you can visit it as a day trip from Reykjavik.
- Exact location – click here
- Recommended tour – South Iceland day tour from Reykjavik
Gullfoss
Out of all the waterfalls that I visited in Iceland, Gullfoss is one of the most impressive ones. You can easily reach it from the parking lot where you can find a restaurant and a souvenir shop.
As soon as I laid my eyes on Gullfoss, I was impressed by its power. Gullfoss is one of the main attractions on the Golden Circle, together with Strokkur and Thingvellir National Park.
- Exact location – click here
- Recommended tour – Golden Circle day trip from Reykjavik
Skogafoss
Located just a short walk away from the main road, Skogafoss is one of the most visited waterfalls in Iceland. I visited it as a day trip from Reykjavik and I was impressed by its beauty.
The waterfall has a width of 25 meters and a drop of 60 meters. If you’re lucky, you can even see the rainbow forming in front of the waterfall during sunny days.
- Exact location – click here
- Recommended tour – South Iceland day trip from Reykjavik
Fagrifoss
Literally called the Beautiful Falls, Fagrifoss has many silky water streams dropping onto the basalt valley below, surrounded by green cliffs. The dramatic valleys around are quite scenic and wild, far from any human settlements.
To reach Fagrifoss Waterfall, you must venture into the island’s southern highlands with a 4×4 car. The gravel roads can be challenging and to get to the falls, you’ll have to cross a few water streams.
- Exact location – click here
Bruarfoss
Known as “Iceland’s Bluest Waterfall”, Bruarfoss requires a one-hour hike from the main road to get to it. I recommend planning about 3 hours in total to visit this incredible waterfall. As an alternative, you can also park your car near the Burarfoss Waterfall Access Bridge and from here you’ll only have to walk 10 minutes to the waterfall.
Bruarfoss is formed from the melted water of Langjokull Glacier. The water is milky-white and the scenery is simply stunning. There aren’t many tourists around at this waterfall, so you can enjoy the views in peace.
- Exact location – click here
- Recommended tour – Golden Circle and waterfall tour from Reykjavik
Kvernufoss
Located close to the more famous Skogafoss, in southern Iceland, Kvernufoss is one of the hidden waterfalls in Iceland, being tucked away in a small canyon close to the Ring Road. The waterfall is quite enchanting, with a 30 meters drop and is almost entirely surrounded by high rocks. You can walk behind the waterfall during the summer and the short hike to reach it takes about 20-30 minutes.
- Exact location – click here
- Recommended tour – Wild South tour from Reykjavik
Hjalparfoss
Located in the middle of a lava field created by Hekla Volcano in the southern highlands, Hjalparfoss can be included in the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland for its unique features.
It is a unique waterfall created through the joining of two separate ones, while they flow into the same pond. It can be easily reached from the Ring Road along the 30 and 32 roads, although a good 4×4 car would be advised.
- Exact location – click here
- Recommended tour – Hot springs and waterfall tour from Reykjavik
Svartifoss
Part of Vatnajokull National Park, Svartifoss is one of Iceland’s epic waterfalls. This waterfall is mostly famous for the lava columns, parallel to the falls. These basalt columns are similar to those you’ll find at Vik Beach.
An interesting fact is that the basalt columns at Svartifoss served as a source of inspiration for designing the famous Hallgrimskirkja Church in Reykjavik.
- Exact location – click here
Gljufrafoss (Gljufrabui)
Located close to the more popular Seljalandsfoss, this stunning waterfall is enclosed within a narrow canyon. To admire this waterfall, you’ll have to hike a bit, but the hike is well worth it.
Make sure to bring waterproof clothes or at least a raincoat because you can stand right behind this waterfall. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can climb the wooden steps to reach a higher viewpoint of Gljufrafoss Waterfall.
- Exact location – click here
- Recommended tour – Southern waterfalls tour from Reykjavik
Ofaerufoss
One of the most spectacular waterfalls in Iceland is located in the southern highlands and it can be reached with a 4×4 vehicle. Ofaerufoss is a multi-tiered waterfall and the lower part used to have a natural bridge over it, creating a magnificent view, but it collapsed a few decades ago.
The area is known as the Eldgja Chasm and this volcanic landscape has an almost surreal atmosphere, giving Ofaerufoss a unique charm.
- Exact location – click here
Haifoss
One of the highest waterfalls in Iceland, Haifoss is 122 meters high and creates a majestic spectacle in the already breathtaking landscape. It is located in Iceland’s southern highlands and can be reached with a 4×4 car or by hiking for a few hours from the main paved road 32.
There is another waterfall nearby called Granni and together with Haifoss these are some of the most spectacular sights in this part of Iceland. If you’re planning to drive on the Golden Circle, I recommend including these waterfalls in your itinerary.
- Exact location – click here
- Recommended tour – Super jeep day trip from Reykjavik
5. Best Waterfalls in Western Iceland
Western Iceland, also known as the western fjords, is full of natural wonders. Here you can visit the ice caves, lava caves or geothermal baths. However, if you’re looking for the best waterfalls in Western Iceland, read more below.
Kirkjufellsfoss
Kirkjufellsfoss Waterfall and the nearby mountains with the same name are some of the most famous and photographed attractions on the island, especially on the Snaefellsness peninsula.
As one of the unique waterfalls in Iceland, Kirkjufellsfoss is quite small. However, the nearby imposing mountain shaped like a cone creates a spectacular scenery.
- Exact location – click here
- Recommended tour – Snaefellsnes Peninsula day trip from Reykjavik
Hraunfossar
Among the best waterfalls in Iceland, Hraunfossar is truly special. It’s comprised of a series of small streams of water flowing through a lava field and into a raging river.
Hraun means lava in Icelandic and the water actually comes from a nearby glacier. There are several smaller waterfalls along the river, making this place truly magical. Hraunfossar can be reached in about one and a half hours from Reykjavik and the roads are quite good.
- Exact location – click here
- Recommended tour – Silver Circle & waterfalls tour from Reykjavik
Barnafoss
Located right upriver from the Hraunfossar Waterfall, Barnafoss translates into “waterfall of the children”. According to local legends, two local children fell into the water from a natural bridge that existed over the waterfall.
Unlike its neighbor, Barnafoss is a lot wilder as it rages through a narrow lava canyon into the river. It can be easily reached from the capital and there are many walkways and vantage points to admire the falls from various angles.
- Exact location – click here
- Recommended tour – Silver Circle & waterfalls tour from Reykjavik
Dynjandi
Definitely one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland, Dynjandi is less known by tourists due to its location in the remote Westfjords area. It can be reached after a short and steep hike of about 15 minutes. You’ll pass by many charming smaller waterfalls on the way.
The first glimpse of this splendid natural wonder is truly breathtaking. The first fall gently wraps the mossy rocks and then the water continues downstream into a series of smaller waterfalls.
- Exact location – click here
6. Best waterfalls in Eastern Iceland
Eastern Iceland is an incredible area with beautiful scenery. I recommend visiting Seydisfjordur with its beautiful Blue Church and Rainbow Street. There are also many beautiful hikes in the area that lead to stunning viewpoints, but if you’re looking for the top waterfalls in Eastern Iceland, please read below.
Gufufoss
One of the incredible Icelandic waterfalls can be found in the Eastern Fjords area, close to the 93 road. The falls create a fine mist that gives it an enchanting look and its name (Steam Waterfall). It is just one of the dozens of waterfalls created along this small river and the area is extremely beautiful. It takes only a few minutes to reach this amazing waterfall from the road.
- Exact location – click here
Hengifoss
Located in the charming Fljotsdalur Valley, Hengifoss is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland and one of the highest – about 128 meters tall. To get to the waterfall, you’ll need a 4×4 vehicle.
After parking your car, you’ll have to continue hiking for about one hour to reach this spectacular sight, with impressive scenery along the way. The waterfall drops from a high ridge into the valley below. The basalt rocks with red clay between them create a unique view.
- Exact location – click here
Klifbrekkufossar
There are hundreds if not thousands of waterfalls in Iceland and each one is unique, but the lesser-known Klifbrekkufossar is an astonishing series of waterfalls that is worth visiting. Located in the Eastern Fjords area, at the base of the Mjoifjordur, the falls are relatively small, but they drop one onto another, creating an incredible natural area.
The best viewpoint to admire Klifbrekkufossar is right by the side of the road. A 4×4 vehicle would be advised in the area. You can also hike to the falls, but the view is not as impressive.
- Exact location – click here
7. Final thoughts
Iceland is a beautiful country with a lot to offer. Among the most stunning natural sights in Iceland are its waterfalls. From less-visited ones to popular waterfalls, you can find many epic places in Iceland.
I hope that you liked this guide. These are just some of the top Icelandic waterfalls. There are many other equally beautiful that deserve to be visited.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask me in the comments section below. May the travel bug bite you!
Aurelia Teslaru is a professional travel blogger and the writer behind Daily Travel Pill. With a 4-year experience as a travel writer and photographer, Aurelia only shares travel guides about destinations that she visited.
She has been to more than 40 countries during the past 10 years and aims to explore 50 countries before turning 30 years old. Aurelia is a digital nomad who transformed her passion for travel into a lifestyle. Read more about her here.
To follow her adventures, check out her Instagram and Facebook pages!