The 10 Most Beautiful Waterfalls in Iceland

In the land of ice and fire, water cascades through breathtaking landscapes, creating a tapestry of nature's beauty. Iceland boasts over 10,000 waterfalls, each uniquely stunning, yet how do you choose the best among them? Join us as we explore the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland that you simply cannot miss!

From dramatic falls that tumble like a bridal veil to thunderous torrents roaring through pristine wilderness, Iceland's waterfalls offer something for everyone. Thanks to its abundant snow, rain, and ice, these natural wonders remain magnificent year-round. Ready to embark on a journey to discover the top 10 waterfalls in Iceland? Let’s dive in!

Did you know that the suffixed term -foss means waterfall in Icelandic? If you come across an unpronounceable name ending with -foss on a map, rest assured it's likely to be a spectacular waterfall. While visiting all of them would be an impossible task, especially with limited time, you can certainly make room for a few of the most remarkable.

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So, why are there so many waterfalls in Iceland? They are primarily fed by the vast snow and ice reserves covering the landscape during winter and the extensive network of glaciers scattered across the country. Each waterfall varies in flow, height, and shape, ensuring you’ll be left in awe. If you think we’re exaggerating, keep reading as we unveil the 10+1 best waterfalls in Iceland.

1. Gullfoss

Almost certainly, Gullfoss will be the first waterfall you visit in Iceland. Why? Because it's conveniently located on the Golden Circle, a popular tourist route close to Reykjavik.

Gullfoss translates to "Golden Falls" and boasts a stunning two-tiered drop of 32 meters and a powerful flow. Visiting in winter offers a magical sight as it transforms into a winter wonderland, adorned with ice and snow (don’t forget your crampons!). A raincoat is also advisable, as the area is often windy and misty.

There are two free parking areas providing access to different viewing platforms along the trails, where you can soak in the majestic views. The first viewpoint is easily accessible, offering panoramic vistas, whereas the second requires navigating stairs to get closer to the waterfall (closed during winter). If you prefer a shorter walk, a second parking area brings you close to this viewpoint.

2. Seljalandsfoss and Gljufrafoss: A Two-for-One Waterfall Experience!

Continuing to the south of Iceland, we arrive at the unique Seljalandsfoss. Here, you can not only admire a natural marvel but also walk behind the curtain of water. Remember to wear a raincoat and proper footwear, as icy conditions might close the path.

The surprises don’t end there! Just a five-minute walk from Seljalandsfoss, you’ll discover Gljufrafoss, a hidden gem nestled behind the walls of a small gorge. This gives it the enchanting feel of a secret waterfall. Although the secret is now out, it’s still worth the visit amidst the crowds.

The parking fee for both waterfalls is 1,000 ISK, payable via the Parka app.

3. Dettifoss

Did you know that Iceland is home to the most powerful waterfall in Europe? Meet Dettifoss, a stunning jewel located in the northern region, where torrents of water plunge from a height of about 44 meters. The water originates from the melting ice of the Vatnajökull glacier, the largest in Iceland. Absolutely spectacular.

To access Dettifoss, there are two free parking areas on both the East and West sides, reachable from different roads off the N1. When we visited in mid-April, the eastern access was closed due to snow, so we parked on the western side. From there, a 1 km trail leads to the main observation platform, which took us significantly longer due to the 1.5 meters of snow covering the path. On your way back, you can take a detour to visit the smaller but charming Selfoss waterfall.

The deafening roar of water crashing down creates a misty atmosphere; therefore, bringing a raincoat is advisable, especially if the wind picks up!

4. Skogafoss

Now let’s talk about one of our all-time favorite waterfalls: Skogafoss. Located near the Ring Road, after a quick walk from the free parking area, you’ll be greeted by a majestic 60-meter drop.

One of the highlights of Skogafoss is that on clear days, it’s common to see a rainbow! We weren’t lucky enough to witness one, but the sun did peek through the clouds during our visit. If you’re feeling adventurous, there are stairs leading to a viewing platform at the top of the waterfall, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

5. Godafoss

With a name meaning Waterfall of the Gods, Godafoss easily earns its spot among Iceland's best waterfalls. Located in the north, near the picturesque Mývatn area and conveniently next to the Ring Road, accessing it is a breeze. The facilities are excellent, with free parking, paved paths, and various viewpoints.

Godafoss is characterized by its semi-circular shape and is divided by a central islet where the water cascades down. It stands at 12 meters high and 30 meters wide, and while some claim it’s not as spectacular as others, we found it utterly enchanting. A beautiful rainbow graced our visit, making it an unforgettable experience.

Like Dettifoss, Godafoss can be viewed from both sides, each with its own parking area: East Bank (open during our visit) and West Bank, located just a few hundred meters apart.

6. Kirkjufellsfossar

On its own, the Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall may not seem particularly impressive compared to others, but in terms of scenic beauty, few places can rival it. Situated on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula at the foot of the iconic conical Kirkjufell mountain, this waterfall is one of the most photographed spots in Iceland. Are you willing to miss it?

The parking fee is 1,000 ISK, but it allows you to return as many times as you like within 24 hours. This may seem trivial, but if you stay nearby, this is an exceptional spot to capture photographs in various lighting and one of the best locations to catch the auroras borealis, so consider returning at night!

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7. Svartifoss

Located in the Skaftafell National Park, Svartifoss is unique for its striking columns of dark hexagonal basalt that frame the waterfall, which is why it’s named “black waterfall.”

Parking is fee-based (1,000 ISK), but there’s a Visitor Center with a restaurant and facilities. From there, a 2 km uphill trail leads to the waterfall, which can be a bit tricky after rain (allow about 30-40 minutes). If time permits, there’s a short trail leading to a viewpoint of the Skaftafell Glacier, making it a perfect two-for-one experience.

8. Stjórnarfoss

Although it often doesn’t make the lists of Iceland’s most beautiful waterfalls, we were enchanted by Stjórnarfoss. It’s different from the others, being lower and longer, with a natural pool at its base that must be delightful for a refreshing dip in summer.

Conveniently located just off the main road, it’s a great spot to stretch your legs after a long drive. If you’re traveling with children, you’ll find a playground and picnic area next to the free parking lot, making it a pleasant stop during spring and summer. When we visited, it seemed rather desolate and didn’t invite swimming.

9. Urriðafoss

After completing our Golden Circle route, we visited Urriðafoss and experienced one of the highlights of our trip. It started as a rainy and cold day, but by late afternoon, the skies cleared, and a beautiful rainbow welcomed us to the waterfall.

This less-frequented spot is mostly visited by locals fishing for trout and salmon, yet it’s one of the most voluminous waterfalls in the country and truly worth the visit. If you bring a snack, you can use the picnic tables for a luxurious break amidst nature.

10. Kvernufoss

Saving the best for last, Kvernufoss might surprise you not for its height or volume but for its distinctive surroundings and hidden charm. The waterfall drops about 30 meters, and you can actually walk behind the curtain of water, stepping into a cave formed over millennia by erosion. A hidden gem! It’s located very close to Skogafoss, so definitely make time for this visit.

Getting there takes about a 10-minute walk from the paid parking (1,000 ISK), but the final portion of the path winds through a beautiful canyon, and upon arrival, you’ll be astounded!

10+1. Dynjandi

We didn’t make it to Dynjandi on our trip, as it’s located in the West Fjords, but it’s marked on our map for future visits. This waterfall is among the largest in the country, cascading down a series of steps and is affectionately called “the bride's veil” due to its delicate appearance (with a hint of imagination!).

The parking here is free, which is always a plus!

Other beautiful waterfalls in Iceland

Clearly, there are countless waterfalls that didn’t make our list but are worth visiting if they’re along your route. Here are a few that we enjoyed (though perhaps not as much as the others) or have noted for our next trip:

• Bruarfoss
• Hraunfossar
• Hengifoss
• Glymur

As we conclude our exploration of Iceland's waterfalls, remember to wear non-slip footwear and, if the wind is strong, keep a good raincoat handy to explore these magnificent sites without getting soaked. Prepare to witness an incredible spectacle of nature!

What has been your most surprising waterfall in Iceland? Do you have a favorite? Which waterfalls would you include in your personal list of Iceland's best? Share your thoughts in the comments!

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