In the Land of Fire and Ice with its contrasting terrain and incredibly diverse natural wonders, the waterfalls are probably some of its most prominent features. It’s hard to believe that such a small island can play host to more than 10,000 waterfalls, each with distinct and unique characteristics. Some of Iceland’s waterfalls even hold international claims to fame.
This article will serve as the ultimate guide to the spectacular world of the falls in Iceland, we reveal which are considered must-visit places and why these waterfalls are not to be missed, so you can compile the ultimate trip itinerary.
A Complete List of the 20 Most Beautiful Waterfalls in Iceland
Below you will find a comprehensive list of some of the most beautiful and famous waterfalls in Iceland:
Gullfoss Waterfall - Haukadalur, South Iceland
Gullfoss Waterfall translates to “Golden Waterfall” and is one of the most famous waterfalls on the popular Golden Circle road trip route. But this is not where it got its name (it’s actually the other way around).
While some believe that the name stems from the color of the falls and the rainbows it creates when the sun shines on it, others, like us, prefer to believe that Gygur, an old Viking living in the area threw his golden treasure into the waterfall so nobody would be able to inherit his wealth after his death (this is a much more exciting tale after all).
Gullfoss consists of a two-tiered drop, one of 11 meters and another 21 meters, totaling 32 meters. If you take the trail and steps up to the viewing deck, you’ll have a breathtaking eagle-eye view of the waterfall, the rest of the Hvita River, and the surrounding landscape.
Seljalandsfoss Waterfall – Seljaland Farm, South Iceland
Seljalandsfoss Waterfall is famously referred to as “the waterfall you can walk behind” here in Iceland. That’s because this waterfall gives visitors the chance to walk behind its veil of water dropping from a height of 60 meters, giving them panoramic views across the breathtaking Icelandic landscape.
What makes the Seljalandsfoss Waterfall even more impressive is that the cliffs it tumbles down from once marked the Icelandic coastline. Its current position is due to all sorts of geological changes caused by time and the volcanic activity here on the island which caused the coastline to recede.
Skogafoss Waterfall – Skogar, South Iceland
Skogafoss is one of the biggest waterfalls in Iceland, in both height and width, clocking in at 60 meters high and 25 meters wide. It is an incredibly powerful waterfall so you better be prepared to get drenched. Skogafoss is actually famous for quite a few other things than just being a breathtaking sight.
As with Seljalandsfoss, the Skogafoss Waterfall cliffs used to be the Icelandic coastline. One of the most famous hiking trails (a multi-day trek), Fimmvörduhals Pass, also begins at the waterfall. Skogafoss can be viewed from the ground, where you can get pretty close to the waterfall. Or you can climb the 370 steps to the viewing deck to not only get amazing views of the waterfall but also of the Icelandic landscape at large.
Godafoss Waterfall – Roughly Mid-way Between Akureyri and Myvatn, North Iceland
Godafoss is yet another of the biggest waterfalls in Iceland, and certainly one of the most spectacular. The waterfall is in the shape of a horseshoe, falling from just 12 meters high, but at a width of an impressive 30 meters. Godafoss translates to “Waterfall of the Gods”, and is of great cultural significance to Iceland.
It is said that after the leaders gathered in the year 1000 and decided that the country would officially convert to Christianity, the law speaker, Porgeit Ljosvetningagodi, threw all his pagan idols into the waterfall as a symbolic gesture. Due to its location, Godafoss Waterfall is a popular attraction along the Diamond Circle road trip route.
Detifoss Waterfall - Vatnajökull National Park, North Iceland
Dettifoss Waterfall is not only the most powerful of the Icelandic waterfalls but holds the official title as the second-most powerful waterfall in all of Europe! Dettifoss is an incredible 44 meters high and 100 meters wide, and pumps out 11581225 liters of water every minute!
This should not be too surprising, considering that it’s found in the Jökulsa a Fjöllum River, fed by the largest glacier in Iceland: Vatnajökull. There are two vantage points from where you can view Dettifoss: the west and the east, and if you feel a strange sense of déjà vu once you get here, it’s probably because Dettifoss Waterfall is a Hollywood star that can be seen in blockbuster movies such as Prometheus and Oblivion.
Svartifoss Waterfall – Skaftafell Nature Reserve (Now Part of Vatnajökull National Park), South Iceland
Svartifoss is our local muse here on the island. The waterfall is not the tallest here on the island, clocking in at 20 meters high, but that’s not what makes Svartifoss so famous. Its name translates to “Black Waterfall” which refers to the waterfall’s dramatic backdrop of hexagonal black basalt column cliffs.
It’s this unique feature that inspired the design of Hallgrimskirkja, a famous landmark in Reykjavik. Reaching Svartifoss Waterfall will require a hike, but there is an easy trail that’s just over 5 kilometers long back and forth, so you don’t need to be the fittest person in the world or the most experienced hiker to take the route on. It also helps that the views along the way are absolutely stunning.
Dynjandi Waterfall – Arnarfjördur Fjord, Westfjords
Dynjandi Waterfall has caused great debate here in Iceland. This waterfall consists of multiple tiers dropping down a total of 100 meters and widens from 30 meters at the top to 60 meters at the bottom, making it one of the largest waterfalls in Iceland.
But it’s this tier aesthetic that has some people saying it resembles a wedding cake, while others say it resembles a bridal veil the most (at least we’re all in agreement that it’s wedding-themed). So, come and check out the waterfall and try to settle the debate for yourself. Either way, this is not a waterfall to be missed. It’s not called the Jewel of the Westfjords for nothing, you know?
Glymur Waterfall - Botnsdalur Valley, West Iceland
Glymur has taken second place when it comes to being the tallest waterfall in Iceland. In fact, it’s only recently been dethroned (but more on the new title holder a bit later). Glymur loosely translates to “loud, echoing rumble” and that’s understandable as a waterfall plummeting from a height of 198 meters.
To reach the waterfall, you’ll need to take a hike. The trail starts at the Glymur Waterfall parking lot, is 7 kilometers long, and will take 3 to 4 hours, depending on your pace. This is not to be confused with the Glymur Waterfall loop trail.
Hraunfossar Waterfall – Hallmundarhraun Lava Field, West Iceland
Hraunfossar is one of the best waterfalls to visit in Iceland if you’re looking for a unique aesthetic. You see, this waterfall appears to be a myriad of small waterfalls running down the cliff face.
Unlike most waterfalls in Iceland, Hraunfossar also doesn’t originate from a river but is actually melted glacier water trickling in streams through the Hallmundarhraun Lava Field before it falls 12 meters down the ledge of the cliffface and into the Hvita River running below. Many think of a visit to Hraunfossar as a 2-for-1 waterfall special here in Iceland because of its sister waterfall nearby.
Barnafoss Waterfall – Borgarfjördur, West Iceland
Barnafoss is the sister waterfall of Hraunfossar and is just a short walk upstream from its location. Barnafoss is what some would rather refer to as a rapid than a waterfall with a total height of only 9 meters. But it’s the story behind the falls rather than its aesthetics that makes it so alluring.
According to legend, Barnafoss was the spot of a family tragedy. Two children were left at home with clear instructions not to leave the house as the adults attended a church service. Sadly, the children became bored, wandered off, and somehow ended up at the waterfall where a stone arch served as a bridge.
From what the adults could gather by following the footsteps after they returned to find the house empty, the children must’ve attempted to cross the bridge, then slipped and fell, never to be seen or heard from again. This is where the name Barnafoss, which translates to “Childrens Waterfall” comes from.
Haifoss Waterfall – Pjorsardalur Valley, West Iceland
Haifoss is one of the top waterfalls in Iceland. Haifoss, which literally translates to “High Waterfall”, is 128 meters high and almost looks like the cliff is straight-up projectile vomiting the most beautiful and impressive water display you can ever imagine.
The water of the waterfall comes from the Fossa River which also feeds another waterfall called Granni nearby (but which is not nearly as famous as Haifoss). Haifoss is usually a favorite stop for those doing a Golden Circle road trip.
Aldeyjarfoss Waterfall – Bardardalur Valley, North Iceland
If you’ve ever heard the saying “presentation is everything”, Aldeyjarfoss Waterfall is the very definition thereof. This waterfall doesn’t have any impressive accolades or official titles, and clocks in at just 20 meters high.
But its breathtaking beauty makes it a favorite among photographers. Water from the Skjalfandafljot River rushes over black basalt column cliffs into what almost appears to be a giant pot of bright-blue water before it continues further downstream.
Oxararfoss Waterfall – Thingvellir National Park, Southwest Iceland
Oxararfoss Waterfall is almost the cherry on top of a wide array of local attractions. Found in Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to things such as Iceland’s first parliament and activities such as snorkeling the Silfra Fissure, Oxararfoss Waterfall has water from the Oxara River tumbling into Almannagja Gorge, yet another natural wonder and famous attraction here in Iceland.
This long list of impressive accolades and its incredible beauty make its short stature of just 13 meters completely irrelevant. In fact, it made such an impression that Oxararfoss was even featured on the popular series, Game of Thrones.
Selfoss Waterfall – Jökulsargljufur Canyon, North Iceland
The magnificent Selfoss Waterfall is another favorite along the Diamond Circle route (that is if people know about its existence). Because its neighbor is Dettifoss (just 1 kilometer away), Selfoss Waterfall is often unfairly overshadowed.
Selfoss is also one of the widest waterfalls in Iceland, stretching across almost 100 meters despite its height of only 11 meters. This is also another waterfall that’s guaranteed to get you wet with all its mist and spray. So bring waterproof, gear and a raincoat with you.
Hrafnbjargafoss Waterfall – Skjalfandafljot River, North Iceland
Hrafnbjargafoss is another of our short waterfalls, measuring just 5 meters high. But this waterfall, which looks like a myriad of waterfalls streaming over the horseshoe-shaped cliffs, makes for quite an impressive sight.
Hrafnbjargafoss translates to “the Raven Rocks Waterfall” which refers to the black basalt cliffs and surrounding rocks along with the black sand lining the river below. If you’ve ever wanted to take interesting photos of Iceland’s waterfalls in winter, this one should be on top of your list.
Hengifoss Waterfall – Fljotsdalshreppur, East Iceland
Hengifoss is yet another of our most unique waterfalls. Visiting this waterfall will have you feeling like you’ve landed on Mars. Hengifoss translates to “Hanging Waterfall”, which makes sense as the 128-meter long plunging water seems to almost lie suspended on the cliff face, seemingly coming out of nowhere if you view it from certain angles.
But that’s not what makes this sight so Mars-like. It’s the streaks of red clay that line the cliff face. The layers of Hengifoss, consisting of clay and black basalt rock, are a testament to its long existence (between 5 and 6 million years).
Kirkjufellsfoss Waterfall – Grundarfjördur, Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Kirkjufellsfoss Waterfall is probably one of the most photographed waterfalls here in Iceland, mostly because of the role it plays in creating one of the most famous picture-perfect views. You see, although the small 5-meter waterfall is undoubtedly beautiful, it’s the most-photographed mountain in the background that usually draws visitors here in the first place.
But add the famous cone-shaped Kirkjufell Mountain and the expanse of Icelandic nature with the waterfall in the foreground and you’ve got the winning recipe for the most idyllic photo opp.
Bruarfoss Waterfall – Roughly 2 Kilometers North of Laugarvatnsvegur, Southwest Iceland
Bruarfoss is yet another of our smaller waterfalls, clocking in just about 3 meters, making it also appear to be more of a rapid than a waterfall. That being said, this is also another go-to spot for incredible winter wonderland waterfall photography.
Bruarfoss translates to “Bridge Waterfall”, which might seem understandable looking at the bridge there today. But this is, in fact, not the bridge that gave the waterfall its name. The original bridge was actually a stone arch that collapsed sometime between the 15th and 16th centuries.
Kvernufoss Waterfall – Evindarholar, South Iceland
Kvernufoss is one of those waterfalls that seem to have jumped out of the pages of a fairy tale book. This 30-meter-tall waterfall is surrounded by a gorge with the most incredible greenery and lush vegetation (visible during the warmer months of the year, of course). It’s also considered one of the island’s best-kept secrets, so you won’t find as much foot traffic here as you would at some of the other famous waterfalls in Iceland.
Morsárfoss Waterfall – Vatnajökull National Park, Southeast Iceland
You have finally reached the official title holder of the tallest waterfall in Iceland! This waterfall has a staggering drop of 228 meters. Morsárfoss officially dethroned Glymur waterfall in 2007 after the Morsarjökull Glacier began to melt, creating the prolific waterfall.
Morsárfoss is not easily reachable and for a time it was even dangerous for research teams to visit due to glacial ice tumbling over its cliff edges. Today, you can actually get quite an impressive view of the fall in all its glory when taking a hike up the Kristinartindar Peaks.
Map of the 20 Most Beautifull Waterfalls in Iceland
FAQs
Below, you will find the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions regarding the waterfalls in Iceland:
How Many Waterfalls are in Iceland?
Although the exact number is unknown, it is believed that there are currently more than 10,000 waterfalls in Iceland.
What is the Largest Waterfall by Volume in Iceland?
Dettifoss is the largest waterfall by volume in Iceland, with 11581225 liters of water tumbling over its cliff edges every minute.
What is a "Foss" in Iceland?
“Foss” is the Icelandic word for “waterfall”.
Can You Swim in the Waterfalls in Iceland?
While there are a few waterfalls in Iceland where locals who are in the know take their dips (even some with warm geothermal waters!) there is absolutely no way that visitors can risk going for a swim in one of our waterfalls, especially none of the ones mentioned in our list of 20 most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland. Water tumbling from such extreme heights and the power of thousands of liters of water rushing toward you will simply obliterate you.
DO Go Chasing Waterfalls!
Here in Iceland, you should go against the advice of TLC and chase all the waterfalls you want. The best way to do that is by going on a road trip since even this comprehensive list of waterfalls lies scattered all across the island. If you want to do this in the most convenient and affordable way possible, we highly recommend that you rent a RV in Iceland (it also adds to the uniqueness of your Iceland adventures).
Pinpoint all the waterfalls you wish to visit, check which of our popular road trip routes best suit your waterfall exploration needs, and hit the road! Perhaps you’ll stumble upon new ones that we can add to the list, or you might even discover the one that dethrones Mosarfoss as the tallest waterfall in Iceland. You’ll never know until you go… chasing waterfalls.
