19 most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland you can’t miss

Did you know that there are an estimated 10,000 waterfalls in Iceland? With so many options, it helps to plan ahead and pick which waterfalls in Iceland are truly worth visiting.

Otherwise, you’ll be stopping your car every five minutes to take a photo of yet another gorgeous waterfall, haha! And no, I’m actually not exaggerating!

In this post, I’ve put together a list of the most impressive waterfalls in Iceland. You’ll find them with photos, descriptions, and locations on Google Maps, so you can easily plan your itinerary and make the most of your trip! Happy exploring!

1. Skógafoss Waterfall

Despite its popularity – it is probably the most visited of all the waterfalls in Iceland – the iconic Skógafoss Waterfall is one of my absolute favorite waterfalls I’ve encountered during my lifetime!

Skógafoss is 60 meters high and 25 meters wide, and it has that almost perfect rectangular shape – it looks so photogenic, yet powerful at the same time.

What I loved most about it is that you can actually get very close to it. However, even standing a safe distance from it felt like being in a cold and wet sauna – that mist is everywhere, and you’ll inevitably get wet.

There’s no way around it, but that’s part of the experience, haha!

Skógafoss is also a bit of a legend, being part of the popular culture and featured in movies and series like Game of Thrones, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, and Thor: The Dark World. Have you watched all of them? I certainly have. 🙂

The waterfall is located a 2-hour drive from Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland. There’s a large free car park right next to it, so it’s an easy stop if you’re traveling along the Ring Road. And it really is a must-see waterfall, so don’t miss it!

We actually spent the night nearby and arrived at Skógafoss pretty early in the morning (photo was taken at 8:20 AM), so we were able to enjoy it without crowds. It made a big difference, as it can get preeetttyyy crowded during the day!

Even though Iceland has bigger and taller waterfalls, there’s just something about the atmosphere at Skógafoss that makes it unforgettable. This is one of my favorite places we visited in Iceland!

Location: Skógafoss Waterfall

2. Kvernufoss Waterfall

If you’re already visiting Skógafoss, you might as well visit its secret brother – Kvernufoss!

Kvernufoss is often overlooked because it sits just next to one of the most famous waterfalls in Iceland. But honestly, that’s exactly what makes it special. It’s quieter, more peaceful, and feels a bit more hidden.

The waterfall drops about 30 meters (~100 feet) down from the cliffs and is fed by the Kverná River. The name Kvernufoss actually comes from the word ‘kvern,’ meaning a mill, because there used to be a small mill in this area that used the river’s power.

To get there, we parked near the Skógar Museum (a short drive from Skógafoss), climbed over the small fence at the start of the trail, and followed the easy path for about 500 meters (third of a mile) up to the waterfall.

The waterfall sits inside a beautiful river canyon with green moss all around it. So beautiful!

The best part? You can walk behind Kvernufoss waterfall along a narrow dirt path. We did it, of course – and yes, it was a wet experience. But I was already wet from visiting Skógafoss, so I couldn’t care less, haha!

Being able to stand behind the falling water and look out through the curtain of the waterfall was pretty cool, if you ask me! You can’t continue past it from behind tho (the path doesn’t lead any further), so you’ll need to return the same way.

Compared to some of the more crowded waterfalls in Iceland, Kvernufoss felt like a little bonus stop that many people miss. And that’s one of the reasons why I loved it.

Location: Kvernufoss Waterfall

3. Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

Seljalandsfoss is easily one of the most famous and most visited waterfalls in Iceland – and for good reason!

This 60-meter waterfall is unique because you can actually walk behind it and come out on the other side. Not many waterfalls in Iceland offer that kind of experience, and it completely changes how you see it.

We first arrived at this waterfall in the afternoon on a sunny day and were lucky enough to see a beautiful rainbow forming in the mist. It looked sooo beautiful! However, it was quite crowded at that time, so we decided not to explore it up close just yet.

Instead, we spent the night nearby and came back early the next morning. Despite the fact that the next morning was cloudy, we had the waterfall almost to ourselves and could walk behind it without rushing or waiting for photos.

There’s a proper path that leads behind the cascade, but be prepared – you will get somewhat wet. Even with a jacket on, the mist still finds its way everywhere, haha. Still, it’s absolutely worth it.

Ready for a fun fact? Seljalandsfoss actually falls from what used to be a sea cliff. Thousands of years ago, the ocean shoreline was located right at this exact spot, which is pretty wild to think about.

Even though Seljalandsfoss is very easy to access and can get busy, visiting early in the morning made it one of our favorite waterfall stops along the Ring Road. Definitely a must-see in Iceland!

Location: Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

4. Gljúfrafoss Waterfall

Just a short walk from Seljalandsfoss, you’ll find one of the most fun and unique waterfalls in Iceland – Gljúfrafoss, also known as Gljúfrabúi.

Its name means ‘the inhabitant of the canyon,’ which makes perfect sense once you see it – Gljúfrafoss is hidden inside a narrow gorge, and you reach it by squeezing through a small opening in the cliff.

We definitely had the most fun visiting this one out of all the waterfalls in Iceland!

To get to the waterfall, you have to walk along the river and try to keep your feet dry by stepping from stone to stone until you reach a small canyon with the waterfall inside the cliff.

That said, once you’re inside the canyon, you will get wet because of the mist and splashes from the waterfall – but it’s absolutely worth it.

There’s a large boulder right in front of the waterfall, and I immediately climbed onto it for a couple of photos and a face full of mist. Yes, I was wet. Thankfully, I had a waterproof jacket, so overall I was fine.

Standing there, surrounded by steep walls of the iconic Gljúfrafoss Canyon, and the water crashing down in front of me, felt pretty unreal. This is one of those waterfalls you simply don’t forget. I hope you get to visit this place – it’s an experience for sure!

Location: Gljúfrafoss Waterfall

5. Dynjandi Waterfall

If you make it all the way to the Westfjords, you simply can’t skip Dynjandi Waterfall! It’s easily one of the most gorgeous waterfalls in Iceland and one of my absolute favorites right after Skógafoss!

Dynjandi isn’t just one waterfall – it’s actually a series of waterfalls, with the main one towering about 100 meters (328 feet) high. It starts quite narrow at the top before widening dramatically toward the bottom.

Because of its shape, it’s often compared to a bridal veil. I mean, what do you think by just looking at the picture? I can definitely see a bridal veil!

The name Dynjandi comes from the Icelandic word ‘dynja,’ which means ‘to thunder’ or ‘to make thunderous noise,’ which makes perfect sense when you hear the powerful sound of the water echoing through the fjord.

The waterfall can be accessed by a small uphill path that starts at the bottom right by the parking lot. As you hike up, you’ll pass several smaller waterfalls along the way, each with its own name.

If you’re planning to include the Westfjords in your Iceland itinerary, this is one of those places that truly makes the detour worth it. We drove for hours and hours, but I’m glad we did it. The waterfall is spectacular, and there were only a couple of other people around.

Location: Dynjandi Waterfall

6. Svartifoss Waterfall

Svartifoss is one of the most iconic waterfalls in Iceland, and if you’re chasing the best places to see basalt columns in Iceland, this is a stop you can’t miss.

The name ‘Svartifoss’ literally means ‘Black Waterfall,’ which refers to the dark basalt columns that frame the beautiful waterfall.

Unlike some roadside waterfalls in Iceland, you do have to work a little for this one.

It’s about a 1.5-kilometer (just under a mile) walk from the parking lot, which takes around 20–30 minutes each way. The trail winds through forests and over hills and is very easy to follow.

Once you arrive, the basalt columns immediately stand out. They rise straight up behind the waterfall in these dramatic hexagonal formations. Looks pretty epic!

You can see that parts of the columns have broken off and fallen down. I managed to sit on one of the columns for a cool photo. This was one of my favorite places to visit in Iceland!

Fun fact – the shape of these columns actually inspired the design of Hallgrímskirkja in Reykjavík, Iceland’s most impressive church. So if you’ve already seen the church (or plan to), you’ll definitely recognize the resemblance.

Svartifoss might not be the biggest waterfall in Iceland, but the combination of water and perfectly formed basalt columns makes it one of the most unique. If you’re driving the Ring Road and want to stretch your legs, this is the place to do it!

Location: Svartifoss Waterfall – Parking lot

7. Kirkjufellsfoss Waterfall

Kirkjufellsfoss might be a smaller waterfall compared to others on this list, but the view you get here is absolutely iconic – just look at this Iceland postcard!

Fun fact – this is actually one of the most photographed views in Iceland!

The name Kirkjufellsfoss literally means ‘Church Mountain Waterfall,’ which makes sense once you see it sitting in front of the cone-shaped Kirkjufell – the famous ‘Church Mountain’ in Icelandic (463 meter/1,519 feet-high).

Did someone say the mountain resembles Gandalf’s hat? Yeah, that’s what I was thinking too.

Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall drops around 16 meters/50 feet in a few cascades along the Kirkjufellsá River. It is not huge, but we’re here for this classic ‘Iceland postcard’ view anyway, right?

Just pray that the weather is clear because the clouds are very low in this area, and sometimes they cover up the mountain top.

Location: Kirkjufellsfoss Waterfall

8. Hengifoss Waterfall

Hengifoss is one of the tallest waterfalls in Iceland, dropping about 128 meters (420 feet). That makes it the third highest in the country, but the real reason to visit is not just the height – it’s the colors.

Once you arrive there, you’ll notice striking red layers running through the dark basalt rock. Those red stripes are layers of clay formed by ancient volcanic eruptions millions of years ago.

Such a unique feature for a waterfall!

Getting to Hengifoss requires a bit of effort. The trail is around 2 to 2.5 kilometers (~1.5 miles) one way and it’s mostly uphill at the beginning. It’s not technical, but you’ll definitely feel it in your legs.

Hengifoss is located near Lake Lagarfljót in East Iceland, an area that feels much quieter than Southern Iceland. It’s not a hidden gem, but it is definitely less visited just because most tourists don’t travel that far in Iceland.

On the way up, you’ll also pass another waterfall – Litlanesfoss! Read along to find out the unique feature this waterfall has!

Location: Hengifoss Waterfall – Parking lot

9. Litlanesfoss Waterfall

You can’t get to Hengifoss without passing another spectacular waterfall – Litlanesfoss!

Although often overlooked and overshadowed by its more famous neighbor, Litlanesfoss is absolutely worth a stop. And you kind of have to stop by there – you’ll want to catch a breath from all the uphill hiking.

Fun fact – did you know that Litlanesfoss is surrounded by the tallest basalt columns in all of Iceland? Seeing them in person, with the powerful river coming down the cliff, was pretty impressive!

The hike to the waterfall starts from the same trailhead as Hengifoss (see location below), so you can easily combine both waterfalls in one trip. Win-win!

In my opinion, Litlanesfoss is just as impressive as Hengifoss, especially because of the sheer number of hexagonal basalt columns surrounding it. But better go see for yourself!

Location: Litlanesfoss Waterfall – Parking lot

10. Gullfoss Waterfall

If you are doing the Golden Circle (a popular tourist route near Reykjavik), you will end up at Gullfoss Waterfall whether you plan to or not. It is one of the main highlights of this route – and for good reason. It is one of the biggest waterfalls in Iceland!

The name ‘Gullfoss’ means ‘Golden Falls,’ and it actually has two main drops – the first is about 11 meters (36 feet), and the second is around 21 meters (69 feet).

Together they plunge into a deep canyon, and from certain angles it almost looks like the water disappears straight into the earth, haha.

But what really stood out to me was the power of Gulfoss. The amount of water crashing down is intense. On windy days, the spray can completely surround you, and yes, you will get wet!

To see Gulfoss best, there are several viewpoints – an upper one for wide photos and a lower path that takes you much closer to the falls (and the mist!).

The lower viewpoint feels more dramatic as you get to see it up close, but the overview from above really shows the scale. It really is large!

Fun fact – in the early 20th century there were plans to turn Gullfoss into a hydroelectric plant. But it was saved thanks to local protests, and today it’s protected. Hard to imagine this place without the waterfall, right?

Gulfoss does get crowded, but some places are famous for a reason, and this is one of them.

Location: Gullfoss Waterfall – Parking lot

11. Glymur Waterfall

If you are looking for an adventure that makes you work a little for the view, the canyon of Glymsgljúfur is where you need to go! Located in Hvalfjörður (the Whale Fjord), this gorge is home to the famous Glymur Waterfall.

Glymur used to be known as the tallest waterfall in Iceland until a new one was discovered in the highlands in 2011. Even though it’s now officially number two, the scale of the canyon and the waterfall here is absolutely mind-blowing!

Once you hear the roar of the water bouncing off the massive 200-meter-high canyon walls, you’ll understand! It is one of those Jurassic Park kind of places!

The hike to see the waterfall is an experience in itself. To get the best views, you actually have to walk through a small cave called Þvottahellir and cross the Botnsá River on a wooden log with only a thin wire to hold onto!

It sounds a bit scary, but it’s actually a lot of fun!

As you climb higher along the eastern side of the gorge, the canyon opens up beneath you. The steep walls are covered in lush vegetation (like moss and wildflowers), with hundreds of birds (most likely fulmars) nesting in the cliffs.

Watching the water plunge 198 meters/650 feet into the narrow, dark depths of the canyon is one of those moments I will never forget from your trip to Iceland!

No rush, no noise – just you and this massive waterfall hidden inside a canyon.

Some hikers do a full loop around the waterfall – up along the east side of the canyon, cross the river at the very top of the canyon, and then descend by the west side.

We did not have that much time, so we only climbed up the east side until we reached a beautiful viewpoint with fantastic views of the waterfall, and then simply walked back down. Worth every second!

Location: Glymur Canyon – Parking lot – Viewpoint of the waterfall

12. Stuðlafoss Waterfall

If you have a plan to visit Stuðlagil Canyon, the most famous canyon in Iceland known for its basalt columns, then Stuðlafoss is a must-stop place for you! It is one of the most beautiful waterfalls with basalt columns in Iceland!

It is a bit of a hidden gem, because nobody actually drives all the way here to see the waterfall – people only know about the famous canyon, so it often goes unnoticed. But it definitely deserves to be explored!

Fun fact – the name ‘Stuðlafoss’ comes from the Icelandic word ‘stuðlar,’ which means basalt columns. So the name basically translates to ‘the basalt column waterfall.’ Very straightforward, and very Icelandic, haha.

Not only is Stuðlafoss super easy to visit (it is located just a few meters from the parking area for Stuðlagil Canyon on the East side of the river), but you can also get really close to the waterfall and explore the basalt columns up close!

It’s actually a rare opportunity compared to other places with basalt columns in Iceland. For example, Svertifoss or other waterfalls have restricted access, so you can’t get close to them, but other spots like Reynisfjara Beach can get very crowded.

Location: Stuðlafoss Waterfall – Parking lot

13. Dettifoss Waterfall

Dettifoss Waterfall is often referred to as the most powerful waterfall in Europe, and when you stand there, you don’t question it. It is about 100 meters (330 feet) wide and drops 44 meters (144 feet) into the Jökulsárgljúfur Canyon below.

The amount of water crashing down every second is just insane!

Dettifoss is located in Northern Iceland along the Jökulsá á Fjöllum river, which flows from the massive Vatnajökull glacier. That glacial water gives the river its grayish color, especially in summer when melting increases the flow.

If you’re doing the Ring Road, this is one of the top places to stop by along the way!

Fun fact – this massive canyon was formed by catastrophic glacial floods due to volcanic activity thousands of years ago. How crazy is that!?

You can access Dettifoss from two sides. The east side is only accessible in the summer months, and because we came here at the end of May, we went to the West side, which, I think, offers better views of the waterfall.

There is a big parking lot with toilets available and a marked path to the waterfall. It is very easy to get to! If you have time, don’t stop at Dettifoss only. A short walk away you’ll find Selfoss.

Location: Dettifoss Waterfall – Parking lot

14. Selfoss Waterfall

Just a short walk upstream from Dettifoss, you’ll find Selfoss – and even though it’s often overshadowed by its powerful neighbor, it absolutely deserves a stop.

Selfoss is about 11 meters (36 feet) high but stretches roughly 100 meters (330 feet) wide across the canyon. Instead of one dramatic drop, the water spreads out in multiple smaller cascades, creating a wide, curved wall of water.

Just like Dettifoss, Selfoss is fed by the glacial river Jökulsá á Fjöllum, which originates from Vatnajökull, the largest ice cap in Iceland and in Europe.

If you’re already making the effort to get to Dettifoss, skipping Selfoss would be a mistake. It’s only short walk away, and it definitely has its own charm.

Location: Selfoss Waterfall

15. Gluggafoss Waterfall

Gluggafoss is one of those waterfalls that many people drive past without even realizing what they’re missing. It was actually one of my favorite waterfalls in Iceland!

Gluggafoss is located in South Iceland, not too far from Seljalandsfoss, but it is much quieter and more relaxed than other popular waterfalls in the area.

The name Gluggafoss means ‘Window Falls’ in Icelandic. And once you see it, the name makes total sense, because the water has carved actual holes – or ‘windows’ – into the rock, and part of the waterfall flows through these openings before continuing down the cliff.

It’s a unique detail and something you don’t see very often.

Gluggafoss is about 44 meters (144 feet) tall. There’s a small parking lot right next to it, and you can even climb up the path alongside the waterfall to see the upper section and those ‘windows’ from a closer angle.

I think, that’s what I liked most about this waterfall – how accessible and peaceful it felt. There are benches and picnic tables near the parking area, so it’s actually a nice place to relax for a bit.

If you’re driving along the South Coast of Iceland and want to stop by a scenic place without big crowds, this is a really good place to add to yout itinerary!

Location: Gluggafoss Waterfall – Parking lot

16. Goðafoss Waterfall 

Goðafoss is one of Iceland’s most legendary waterfalls – and the name says it all. ‘Goðafoss’ translates to ‘Waterfall of the Gods.’

And there’s a story to it.

According to local history, when Iceland officially converted to Christianity around the year 1000, pagan idols were thrown into this waterfall. It was a long time ago, but who knows?

The waterfall itself is about 12 meters (39 feet) high and around 30 meters (98 feet) wide.

Even though it’s not one of the tallest waterfalls in Iceland, the combination of its wide horseshoe shape and the sheer force of the water makes it incredibly photogenic.

There are two main viewpoints – one on each side of the river – so you can get completely different perspectives.

We preferred the east bank, where we could walk down to the water and feel the power of the water, however, the west bank offers beautiful views from above. Both are worth seeing!

Although Goðafoss is quite far from Reykjavik (five and a half hour drive!), it is very easy to access and must be on your itinerary if you’re driving the Ring Road.

Location: Goðafoss Waterfall

17. Mögárfoss Waterfall

Mögárfoss is one of those waterfalls that people often see without even realizing they’re looking at it. It flows straight into the dramatic canyon of Fjaðrárgljúfur, which is the real star of the show here.

The waterfall itself is around 20 meters (65 feet) high and drops gracefully into the winding canyon below. But what really makes this spot special is the setting.

The moss-covered cliffs, the curving river, and the depth of the canyon make it feel almost unreal. This place has formed over the course of millions and millions of years, by glacial meltwater after the last Ice Age!

Yeah, it’s another one of those Jurassic Park kind of places (okay, Iceland might be full of them, hah).

The waterfall is easy to get to. From the official parking lot, it’s an easy and short hike to the viewing platform at the canyon edge, where you can see the dramatic winding canyon walls, as well as the beautiful waterfall.

We already had Fjaðrárgljúfur on our itinerary, so spotting a waterfall right there felt like a bonus. While Mögáfoss might not be the tallest or most powerful waterfall on the list, it definitely wins when it comes to location!

Location: Mögárfoss Waterfall – Fjadrárgljúfur Canyon – Parking lot 

18. Múlagljúfur Canyon Waterfalls

If you’re looking for one of those less-visited spots and hidden gems in Iceland, Múlagljúfur Canyon is such a good one. It feels wild and untouched, even though it’s not far from the Ring Road in Southeast Iceland.

Finding the trailhead can be a bit tricky since it’s not well-marked from the main road. Look for a small gravel turn-off shortly after passing the glacier lagoon. The road to the parking area is quite bumpy, but we managed just fine with a regular car.

Then, from the parking area, the hike to the top takes about 45 minutes, and while it’s a bit of an uphill climb and you’ll even have to cross a small river, both the journey and the destination are absolutely spectacular.

The hike leads you to viewpoints over a deep canyon carved by glacial meltwater, and at the end you’ll see two beautiful waterfalls dropping into the valley below.

The larger one is called Hangandifoss, and it’s around 120 meters (almost 400 feet) high. The second waterfall, Múlafoss, is smaller (the one you see in the photo) but it fits perfectly in the whole dramatic scene.

It took us about 45 minutes to hike from the parking lot to the canyon, and it is not technical, but it is steeper in some sections. But once you reach the ridge and see the waterfalls, glaciers in the distance, and the canyon below, it’s one of those ‘WOW’ moments.

What did I say about those Jurassic Park kind of places in Iceland?

If you’re traveling along the South Coast and want something a bit more adventurous and less crowded, this is such a good addition to your Iceland itinerary! I do hope you get to visit this beautiful place!

Location: Múlagljúfur Canyon – Parking lot – Canyon viewpoint

19. Thorufoss Waterfall

If you’re exploring the Golden Circle and want to add a quick stop that not everyone includes, Thorufoss Waterfall, or Þórufoss, is a great little detour.

It’s about 18 meters (around 60 feet) high and sits on the river Laxá í Kjós, which is known as one of Iceland’s famous salmon rivers.

The waterfall itself is wide and powerful, but what makes it special is the setting. The cliffs around it are dark and rugged, and the whole area feels a bit dramatic, even though it’s easy to reach.

Fun fact – this waterfall was used as a filming location in Game of Thrones. If you remember the scene where a dragon swoops down and grabs a sheep, that was filmed right here.

There’s a small parking area, and from there you follow a short path down toward the river. Make sure you walk all the way to the lower viewpoint – it looks much more impressive up close than from above!

It’s not one of the biggest or most famous waterfalls in Iceland, but as a quick and easy stop near the Golden Circle, it’s definitely worth it. Combining tourist hotspots and famous places with lesser-known spots is the best way to travel!

Location: Thorufoss Waterfall – Parking lot

Happy exploring!

We loved exploring all the incredible waterfalls in Iceland! From the thunderous Dettifoss to the elegant Svartifoss, each one has its own unique charm and energy (yep, Skógafoss is still my favorite!).

We spent a few weeks traveling around the country, chasing waterfalls, canyons, glaciers, and those iconic basalt columns, but it still feels like there are many gems to discover and experience to have in Iceland.

What I love most about Iceland is how packed full of natural wonders it truly is and that there’s something for every type of traveler. I hope you get to enjoy this magical country as much as we did! Happy travels!

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