By Travila.site | Updated 2025

If you’ve ever dreamt of visiting a place where nature still rules, where towering cliffs spill glacial water into lush green valleys, and where misty rainbows dance through the crisp Icelandic air—then Iceland’s waterfalls are calling your name.

Whether you're a nature photographer, hiking enthusiast, or someone who simply wants to witness Earth's raw beauty, this detailed guide explores more than 10 of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland, each one unique, breathtaking, and worth the journey.

1. Gullfoss Waterfall – The Golden Queen of Iceland

When people talk about Iceland's famous Golden Circle route, Gullfoss almost always tops the list—and for good reason. Known as “The Golden Falls,” Gullfoss plunges in two spectacular stages into a rugged canyon, with an average flow rate of over 100 cubic meters per second.

What makes Gullfoss so iconic is not just its power, but its unusual two-tiered cascade, creating a sharp turn that gives the illusion the river disappears into the Earth itself.

Highlights:

Located in southwest Iceland, part of the Golden Circle
Very accessible with parking and paved walkways
Surrounded by geysers and volcanic landscapes

Travel Tip: Visit on a sunny afternoon for the best chance to catch the magical rainbow arching across the mist.

Nearby Attractions: Þingvellir National Park, Strokkur Geyser
Coordinates: 64.3275° N, 20.1218° W

2. Skógafoss – Iceland’s Most Photogenic Waterfall

Located just off the Ring Road near the town of Skógar, Skógafoss is one of Iceland’s most beloved and photographed waterfalls. It falls dramatically 60 meters (197 ft) over a cliff once part of the coastline, into a flat valley where you can walk right up to the base.

Why visit Skógafoss?

Constant mist creates vivid rainbows on sunny days
You can hike up the staircase to see it from above
The start of the famous Fimmvörðuháls hiking trail

Fun Fact: Legend says a treasure chest filled with gold is hidden behind Skógafoss, left by one of Iceland’s first Viking settlers.

Coordinates: 63.5321° N, 19.5113° W

3. Seljalandsfoss – The Walk-Behind Waterfall

Have you ever walked behind a waterfall? Seljalandsfoss lets you do just that. Dropping 60 meters over a mossy cliff, the waterfall is famous for its picturesque shape and accessible walking path that circles behind the curtain of falling water.

Don’t miss:

Visiting at sunset for a magical golden glow
Wearing waterproof gear (you will get misted!)
Visiting Gljúfrabúi waterfall just a short walk away

Great for: Families, photographers, and Instagram lovers

Coordinates: 63.6156° N, 19.9922° W

4. Dettifoss – Europe’s Most Powerful Waterfall

With a title like the most powerful waterfall in Europe, Dettifoss doesn't just trickle or fall—it roars. Located in North Iceland’s Vatnajökull National Park, this 100-meter wide, 45-meter tall beast of a waterfall is a true force of nature, plunging with unbelievable energy into a canyon of black basalt.

Best experienced by:

Adventurers seeking raw power and epic views
Road trippers exploring the Diamond Circle
Anyone ready to be humbled by nature’s strength

Nearby Natural Wonders: Ásbyrgi Canyon, Hverir Geothermal Field
Coordinates: 65.8145° N, 16.3840° W

5. Goðafoss – The Waterfall of the Gods

Goðafoss is not only beautiful but historically significant. It translates to “Waterfall of the Gods,” and it’s said that in the year 1000, the pagan chieftain Þorgeir threw his statues of Norse gods into the waterfall when Iceland converted to Christianity.

Why it stands out:

Easily accessible from Akureyri and the Ring Road
Wide horseshoe shape with vivid turquoise waters
Illuminated at night during the winter months

Great stop along: The Arctic Coast Way
Coordinates: 65.6839° N, 17.5502° W

6. Háifoss – Iceland’s Towering Secret in the Highlands

At an impressive height of 122 meters (400 feet), Háifoss is one of Iceland’s tallest waterfalls—and among the most dramatic. Located in the Þjórsárdalur Valley, Háifoss tumbles into a steep gorge carved out by volcanic activity, with its sister waterfall, Granni, just beside it.

Why it’s unforgettable:

Remote and less crowded, offering peaceful views
Accessible by 4x4 in summer months
Overlooks ancient lava fields and nearby hiking trails

Local Tip: Combine your visit with Gjáin, a nearby lush green oasis filled with smaller waterfalls and lava formations.

Coordinates: 64.2064° N, 19.6828° W

7. Svartifoss – The Black Waterfall Framed in Basalt

Located within Skaftafell Nature Reserve in Vatnajökull National Park, Svartifoss is a masterpiece of contrast. Its name means “Black Falls” and it pours elegantly over a wall of dark, hexagonal basalt columns that have inspired many Icelandic architectural designs—including Hallgrímskirkja in Reykjavík.

What makes it special:

Unique lava-formed basalt backdrop
Surrounded by hiking trails and scenic viewpoints
Close to Vatnajökull Glacier and glacial lagoons

Hiking Info: 45-minute hike from the visitor center through picturesque terrain

Coordinates: 64.0239° N, 16.9752° W

8. Hengifoss – Towering Falls with Striped Red Cliffs

East Iceland’s hidden gem, Hengifoss is the country’s third-highest waterfall at 128 meters. It dramatically flows down a sheer cliff lined with red clay and black basalt layers, revealing Iceland’s volcanic geological history in living color.

Why it should be on your list:

Geological beauty with striking red streaks
Scenic 2.5 km uphill hike (about 1 hour)
Passes Litlanesfoss, another waterfall surrounded by basalt columns

Perfect for: Geology buffs, hikers, and landscape photographers

Coordinates: 65.0956° N, 14.8899° W

9. Kirkjufellsfoss – The Postcard Waterfall of Iceland

This might be Iceland’s most photographed scene: the three-tiered Kirkjufellsfoss flowing gracefully in front of the cone-shaped Mount Kirkjufell on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. It’s the stuff of dreams—and Game of Thrones fans will recognize the setting too.

Why it’s iconic:

Near-perfect symmetry between mountain and waterfall
Gorgeous in all seasons, especially under the Northern Lights
Easy access from nearby Grundarfjörður

Travel Tip: Visit early morning or late evening to avoid crowds and catch golden hour shots.

Coordinates: 64.9311° N, 23.3064° W

10. Oxarárfoss – A Historic Waterfall in Þingvellir National Park

While smaller than others on this list, Öxarárfoss has a unique location—it pours down into the Almannagjá fault in Þingvellir, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Iceland’s most important historical areas.

Highlights:

Flows between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates
Just a short walk from the Þingvellir Visitor Center
Peaceful atmosphere in a land steeped with Viking history

Don’t Miss: Walking the trail through Almannagjá to fully appreciate the rift valley

Coordinates: 64.2733° N, 21.1183° W

11. Dynjandi – The Jewel of the Westfjords

Dynjandi, also known as “Fjallfoss,” is a multi-tiered waterfall that spreads out like a giant bridal veil. Located in the remote Westfjords, Dynjandi falls 100 meters in dramatic stages, with smaller waterfalls like Göngufoss and Hæstahjallafoss below.

Why it’s worth the detour:

One of the most picturesque and unique waterfalls in Iceland
Series of smaller falls create a magical trail
Remote, rugged location adds to the experience

Tip: Bring sturdy shoes; you can hike right up to the main fall's base.

Coordinates: 65.7331° N, 23.2005° W

12. Gljúfrabúi – The Hidden Waterfall Next to Seljalandsfoss

Often overshadowed by its neighbor Seljalandsfoss, Gljúfrabúi is a hidden treasure tucked behind a narrow canyon wall. You’ll have to wade through a shallow stream to reach the base, but the reward is a fairytale-like waterfall echoing in a moss-covered cave.

Why it's a must-see:

Feels like a secret tucked away from the crowds
Only a 5-minute walk from Seljalandsfoss
Incredible acoustics and light for photography

Great for: Explorers and off-the-beaten-path adventurers

Coordinates: 63.6170° N, 19.9859° W

13. Fagrifoss – The Beautiful Highland Waterfall

As its name suggests (“Fagri” means beautiful), Fagrifoss is one of Iceland’s most scenic and untouched waterfalls. Found in the highlands near the Lakagígar crater row, it’s accessible only by F-roads and a 4x4 vehicle.

Best for:

Remote travel lovers seeking hidden gems
Photographers wanting dramatic foregrounds
Combining with a trip to Lakagígar and Eldgjá canyon

Coordinates: 63.8942° N, 17.8708° W

🗺️ Map of Iceland’s Best Waterfalls

To help you plan your ultimate Icelandic road trip, here’s a mapped overview of the top waterfalls:

Waterfall | Region | Nearby Route

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1: Gullfoss | Southwest Iceland | Golden Circle (Route 35)

2: Skógafoss | South Coast | Ring Road (Route 1)

3: Seljalandsfoss | South Coast | Ring Road (Route 1)

4: Dettifoss | Northeast Iceland | Diamond Circle (Route 862)

5: Goðafoss | North Iceland | Ring Road

6: Háifoss | Highland Interior | F-roads (4x4 required)

7: Svartifoss | Southeast Iceland | Skaftafell Nature Reserve

8: Hengifoss | East Iceland | Route 931

9: Kirkjufellsfoss | Snæfellsnes Peninsula | Route 54

10: Oxarárfoss | Southwest Iceland | Þingvellir National Park

11: Dynjandi | Westfjords | Route 60 (4x4 recommended)

12: Gljúfrabúi | South Coast | Short walk from Seljalandsfoss

13: Fagrifoss | Southeast Highlands | Near Lakagígar via F206 (4x4)

Use Google Maps to plug in coordinates for offline navigation. Many areas have no mobile signal!

🌤️ Best Time to Visit Iceland’s Waterfalls

Iceland's waterfalls change with the seasons—and so does the experience.

Summer (June–August)

Midnight sun = more daylight for exploring
Best time for hiking and camping
Easier road access to remote waterfalls

Winter (November–March)

Frozen waterfalls create stunning crystal formations
Potential for Northern Lights viewing
Some falls like Gullfoss look completely different, cloaked in snow and ice

Shoulder Seasons (May & September)

Fewer crowds
Balanced weather and cheaper travel costs
Still good road access before snow returns

Tip: Always check road.is and vedur.is for weather and road conditions.

Suggested Iceland Waterfall Itineraries

5-Day South Coast & Golden Circle Adventure

Day 1: Gullfoss + Þingvellir + Seljalandsfoss
Day 2: Skógafoss + Gljúfrabúi + Fimmvörðuháls hike
Day 3: Svartifoss + Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Day 4: Vik + Kirkjubæjarklaustur waterfalls
Day 5: Return west with stops at hidden gems

10-Day Ring Road Explorer

South: Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Svartifoss
East: Hengifoss, waterfalls near Djúpivogur
North: Dettifoss, Goðafoss, Hverir area
West: Kirkjufellsfoss, Dynjandi, Hraunfossar
Optional: Westfjords extension with Dynjandi

What to Pack for Iceland Waterfall Hunting

Don’t be caught unprepared! Iceland’s wild nature demands good gear.

Essentials:

Waterproof hiking boots
Rain jacket + quick-dry layers
Thermal base layers (yes, even in summer)
Gloves + beanie (weather changes fast!)
Reusable water bottle
Camera + tripod
Power bank
Headlamp (especially in winter)
4G SIM card or GPS device
Swimsuit (for hot springs nearby!)

Bonus Tip: Pack crampons in winter for icy trails.

Safety Tips for Visiting Waterfalls in Iceland

Iceland may look peaceful, but nature here can be wild. Always:

Stay on marked paths (cliffs can be unstable)
Never cross rope barriers
Watch out for slick rocks and sudden gusts
Don’t turn your back to a waterfall on narrow paths
Keep kids close and pets leashed

Emergency number in Iceland: 112

Photography Tips for Capturing Iceland’s Waterfalls

Want those dreamy Instagram shots? Here’s how to get them:

Gear:

DSLR or mirrorless camera
ND filter for long exposures
Tripod for stability
Microfiber cloth (waterfalls = mist)

Best Practices:

Use slow shutter speeds (0.5–2 sec) for silky water
Frame with surrounding cliffs or foreground moss
Visit early or late to avoid crowds and harsh light
Look for rainbows in the mist (usually mid-morning)
Fly a drone (legal in many areas—check local rules!)

Iceland’s Waterfalls Are the Soul of the Land

Whether it’s the thundering power of Dettifoss, the fairy-tale magic of Gljúfrabúi, or the epic beauty of Dynjandi, Iceland’s waterfalls aren’t just scenic—they’re spiritual. Each one tells a story of earth’s power, history, and fragile beauty.

Ready to plan your trip? Bookmark this guide and explore even more natural wonders like the Top Lakes to Visit in Switzerland.

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