Iceland is one of the most beautiful counteies in the world where nature reigns above all. It is filled with amazing waterfalls that when planning your Icelandic road trip you feel at a loss at which waterfalls you would want to visit.
You can drive for ten minutes, pull over, and suddenly you’re staring at something that looks like a movie set. The problem is to filter out the less beautiful waterfalls and go to the ones are actually worth your time. Don’t be fooled if you see the “underwhelming” waterfalls in Iceland in another country in Europe you will most likely spend around an hour taking photos of it. However the standard is different in this country, the bar is set so high and you will find a range of waterfalls, easily accessible ones, others you can walk up to in normal trainers, and some will quietly turn into a muddy, windy mini-hike that soaks you from head to toe.
This guide is designed to make planning easy: I’m grouping the best waterfalls by area, and for every one I’ll tell you if it’s a walk-up stop or if you’ll need a short hike. These are the best waterfalls in Iceland and if you are doing a full circle around the country it is definitely worth visiting every one of these in addition to all the other amazing spots you can find in Iceland.
Table of Contents
- Waterfalls near Reykjavík and the Golden Circle
- Waterfalls on the South Coast and around Vatnajökull
- Waterfalls in East Iceland
- Waterfalls in North Iceland and the Diamond Circle
- Waterfalls in West Iceland and Snæfellsnes
- Waterfalls in the Westfjords
- What to wear for Iceland Waterfalls
- Conclusion
- Iceland Waterfalls Frequently Asked Questions
Waterfalls near Reykjavík and the Golden Circle
First up are the waterfalls that you can find next to Iceland’s capital, which would be most likely your first stop from the airport. It will also include the Golden circle due to its proximity to Reykjavik.
1. Gullfoss (Golden Circle)
This is one of the waterfalls that fully deserves the hype. Gullfoss is huge, loud, and you’ll probably get drenched even if you think you’re standing “far enough back.” In summer it’s powerful and bright; in winter it’s dramatic and icy and feels like the whole canyon is breathing cold air at you.
Access: Walk-up. You’re basically parked and at the viewpoints within minutes. The paths are easy, but if it’s winter, the spray can freeze on the ground and turn the viewing areas into a skating rink.
What makes Gullfoss special is that you don’t just look at a waterfall — you look into a gorge where the water disappears. You can do it quickly, but if you’re into photos, take your time: the light changes fast here, and the mist can create rainbows on bright days.
Budget note: Gullfoss itself is free to visit, but Iceland works on pay for parking and not the attraction. Unlesss you are visiting with a tour in which you have paid for the tour you will need to pay for parking, which I recommend the Parka app.
2. Brúarfoss (Golden Circle area)
Brúarfoss is much smaller than Gullfoss, but it’s still stupidly breathtaking. The water is that unreal milky-blue that makes you question if someone edited the river in real life. If you want one “wow” waterfall that doesn’t require a huge time commitment, this is it.
Access: Walk-up (with the newer parking option) or short hike (older route).
A lot of older blog posts describe Brúarfoss as a long-ish hike. That used to be the common way. Now there’s a much shorter approach most people use, which turns it into a quick stop which is perfect if you’re doing the Golden Circle and you don’t want to burn half your day. This is only applicable in summer though as winter would be a cram due to the shorter days. Furthermore this new official parking area’s access can still be limited due to snow and icy conditions.
3. Glymur (West of Reykjavík – the “proper hike” waterfall)
If you want one waterfall near Reykjavík that feels like an adventure, it’s Glymur. It’s also one of the only waterfalls in this list that I’d call a real hike rather than a quick wander. You will need to work to see this but you will also get a feeling of immersing yourself in Icelandic nature and not standing with a bunch of other tourists at one stop.
Access: Hike (not a walk-up).
This is not an easy waterfall to get to. It’s a proper half-day outing for most people. In good conditions it’s manageable, but in bad conditions it can be sketchy, especially outside summer. If you’re visiting in winter, take the warnings seriously. This is exactly the kind of trail that turns from “fun” to “stupid dangerous” when ice and river crossings are involved.
If you’re trying to keep your Iceland trip budget-friendly, Glymur is a great choice because it gives you that big “Iceland experience” feeling without paying for a tour. The cost is basically just your fuel and snacks, but the trade-off is time and energy.
Waterfalls on the South Coast and around Vatnajökull
If you only have time for one waterfall-heavy day in Iceland, the South Coast is the cheat code. It’s stacked. You can string these together without huge detours, and the variety is wild: walk-behind waterfalls, canyon waterfalls, classic postcard waterfalls, and the basalt-column type that looks like a fantasy temple. I think this was one of my favourite days in my one week in Iceland.
4. Seljalandsfoss
You can start with Seljalandsfoss one of the more iconic waterfalls in Iceland. The reason why is because you can walk behind it (when conditions allow). That alone makes it feel different from most waterfalls. However as I have visited Iceland in winter, the path behind was inaccesible. There was frozen ice in the paths from the parking so I could imagine what the path behind was like.
Access: Walk-up, with an optional short loop.
From the parking area it’s an easy stroll and the “walk behind” part is short, but be prepared to get drenched so wear waterproof gear. This is an early-morning or late-evening stop if you hate crowds. Speaking of getting drenched the upcoming waterfall is one of the more exciting adventures I been on in Iceland.
5. Gljúfrabúi (the hidden neighbour)
Gljúfrabúi is close to Seljalandsfoss, and it’s one of the best “bonus” waterfalls in Iceland. A lot of people skip it because it’s not visible the moment you step out of the car and I would dare say it is not exactly well known. That’s exactly why you should go.
Access: Short walk, with a dip in water final approach.
You walk about 10 minutes left from Seljalandsfoss and then you’re basically heading into a mossy cleft where the waterfall hides inside. Like I said previously, having visited in winter, exercise extreme caution when going inside and down below as the frozen ice on the paths make it extremely slippery. Depending on water levels and season, you may need to step through shallow water or hop rocks to get the best view. You will absolutely get splashed. If you brought waterproof trousers, this is where you’ll feel smug.
I don’t think that the photos does it justice due to the darkness surrounding it all but trust me, this waterfall is one of the most amazing time you will have. It is surreal having water fall inside a cave like environment and you’re just there to enjoy it all!
6. Skógafoss
Skógafoss is another famous waterfall that has to be in everyone’s list of the best waterfalls in Iceland as it is both wide and tall. This is also in the general vicinity of the above waterfalls and you can walk right up to it. It just depends on how brave you are and how much spray you want to get to get the perfect photo without people around.
Access: Walk-up, plus optional stairs/hike above.
The main viewpoint is basically immediate. You can also climb the staircase to the top for a different angle and, if you’re up for it, continue along the trail where you’ll find more waterfalls upstream. I did not find this particularly worth it as the view from up top is very obscure and the main view of the waterfall is far better from the ground down below.
7. Kvernufoss
Kvernufoss is another waterfall which I feel is not that well known. Maybe it is due to the fact that you will need to walk a bit to get to it. However this waterfall is right next to Skogafoss that I feel is a big shame if you decide to skip it. Its experience is quieter, tucked into a narrow gorge and it was quite peaceful as we had the whole waterfall to ourself. It is also a waterfall that we were able to walk behind even in winter!
Access: Short hike.
This is a small, easy hike compared to big Iceland hikes but you’ll still want proper shoes because the ground can be muddy and slick. It only takes around 10-15 minutes from the car park to get right up to the waterfall.
8. Nauthúsagil (canyon waterfall mini-adventure)
If you want a waterfall that feels like you’re exploring, not sightseeing, Nauthúsagil is the one. It’s a small canyon with mossy walls and a stream running through it, and reaching the waterfall feels like a little mission. It is similar to Gljúfrabúi but this one is even more of a stretch to get to it.
Access: Short hike, sometimes involving stepping through water.
I would recommend this as a summer only waterfall. And, yes it comes with the theme you will definitely need winter and waterproof clothing when visiting here.
9. Svartifoss (Skaftafell, Vatnajökull area)
Svartifoss is the waterfall framed by basalt columns, which is the typical Icelandic natural architecture that you see the cathedral in Reykjavik built around it. If you’re already in the Vatnajökull area, it’s one of the most rewarding short hikes.
Access: Short hike.
You’ll need to walk uphill for a bit. It’s not intense, but it’s enough that you’ll feel it if the wind is strong or the trail is icy. The path is well-known and well-used, and most people can manage it with decent footwear.
Waterfalls in East Iceland
East Iceland is quieter, slower, and feels less “ticked off a list.” The waterfalls here often come with a bit more space, a bit more hiking, and a lot less chaos.
10. Hengifoss (and Litlanesfoss on the way)
Hengifoss is one of the most impressive “hike-to” waterfalls in Iceland. The waterfall itself is big, but what makes it memorable is the scenery: layered cliffs, deep colours in the rock, and the feeling that you’ve properly earned the view.
Access: Short-to-moderate hike.
It’s uphill, and it takes time. Not insane, but not a casual five-minute wander either. The bonus is that you get another waterfall (Litlanesfoss) on the way, with basalt columns that look unreal.
11. Gufufoss (near Seyðisfjörður)
Gufufoss is another easy win. If you’re driving to Seyðisfjörður (which is already one of the prettiest drives in the country), this waterfall is a quick stop that feels like a free bonus.
Access: Walk-up / very short walk.
You don’t need a full hike plan for this one. You stop, you walk a little, you enjoy. It’s especially nice if you’re doing East Iceland at a relaxed pace and you want frequent little breaks without burning hours and yet still make the drive enjoyable
Waterfalls in North Iceland and the Diamond Circle
Unfortunately, having traveled in the winter we decided to not risk venturing to the north. North Iceland gives you a different mood: bigger skies, colder air, and waterfalls that feel more raw and powerful. The Diamond Circle area in particular is loaded with famous stops.
12. Goðafoss
Goðafoss is one of the easiest “big payoff” waterfalls in Iceland. It’s wide, it curves beautifully, and it looks good in basically any weather — even when the light is flat and grey.
Access: Walk-up.
Paths and viewpoints are straightforward. You can wander around for different angles without committing to a hike. If you’re road-tripping, this is the kind of stop that feels satisfying without taking over your day.
13. Dettifoss
Dettifoss is pure power. This is the waterfall people talk about as the heavyweight of Europe, it’s not delicate or pretty in a cute way, it’s just loud and aggressive and unforgettable.
Access: Short walk, but conditions matter.
You usually have a walk from the parking area, and the ground can be rough, windy, dusty, icy if not all three in one go. The mist can be intense, especially if the wind is pushing it toward you. Protect your camera and accept that your face will get hit with cold spray.
14. Selfoss (near Dettifoss)
Selfoss is close to Dettifoss, and it’s worth doing because it’s the opposite vibe: calmer, wider, and more graceful. People sometimes skip it because Dettifoss steals the attention, but if you’re already there, it’s worth adding on.
Access: Short walk, usually as part of the same area visit.
It’s an easy way to get a second waterfall experience without doing another separate drive. And if you’re photographing, Selfoss often gives you a nicer, cleaner composition than Dettifoss.
15. Aldeyjarfoss
Aldeyjarfoss is another basalt columns waterfall in the north. It’s not just about the drop but the whole setting, with dark lava rock and geometric columns that make it look unreal.
Access: Short walk.
There’s a walk from the parking area down toward the falls. It’s not difficult, but in bad weather it can be slippery, and the road to get there can be rough depending on season and conditions.
Waterfalls in West Iceland and Snæfellsnes
West Iceland is perfect if you want big scenery without committing to the full Ring Road. Snæfellsnes in particular is very popular and even though it was winter we tried venturing here as a day trip from Reykjavik. The weather was horrendous but we still managed to enjoy ourselves and see the main waterfall in this peninsula.
16. Kirkjufellsfoss (Snæfellsnes)
Kirkjufellsfoss is famous because of the mountain behind it – Kirkjufell. This mountain appears most particularly in Game of Thrones and if the weather is right you can combine the mountain and the waterfall together.
Access: Walk-up.
This is one of the easiest waterfall stops in the country. You park, you walk a short distance, and you’re basically already at the best angles. The only thing that can make it annoying is crowds and wind. It was also raining heavily when we visited making the photos to the mountain very hard.
Waterfalls in the Westfjords
The Westfjords are where you go when you want Iceland to feel wild again. Fewer people, longer drives, and scenery that feels more “end of the world.”
17. Dynjandi
Dynjandi is the Westfjords waterfall. It’s not just one waterfall — it’s a whole cascade system, and it looks like a bridal veil spilling down the mountain.
Access: Short hike.
You can’t just step out of the car and be done. You’ll walk up a path, and along the way you’ll pass smaller cascades before reaching the main viewpoint. If you’re only doing one Westfjords waterfall, make it Dynjandi. It’s one of the most memorable in the entire country.
What to wear for Iceland Waterfalls
I think that this has to be taken in a wider what to wear in Iceland rather than specifically for waterfalls. Weather is unpredictable in Iceland and you will need waterproof and windproof gear to make you not care about getting soaked and you can actually go up next to each waterfall to witness their full glory. If you take one thing from this post, let it be this: waterfalls in Iceland are not just “look and leave.” The spray gets everywhere, the wind turns mist into sideways rain, and the ground is often slick even when the sky looks calm.
Start with a base layer that doesn’t stay wet. If you get splashed at Seljalandsfoss or Gljúfrabúi and you’re wearing cotton underneath, you’ll feel cold for hours. A simple synthetic or wool base layer makes a massive difference, especially if you’re moving between stops and sitting in the car with damp clothes.
Your outer layer matters more than your mid layer. A warm hoodie under a jacket is nice, but if the jacket isn’t properly waterproof and the wind cuts through it, you’ll still freeze. You want a waterproof shell that blocks wind, not just “water-resistant.”
Waterproof trousers aren’t optional if you’re doing the walk-behind or canyon-style waterfalls. At Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi, you can get soaked, I didn’t have a waterproof layer for the trousers and had to change once back in the car.
Shoes: wear waterproof hiking shoes or boots with grip. Not because every waterfall is a hike as plenty are walk-up, but because the ground near waterfalls is often slick, muddy, or icy. Iceland is the kind of place where you can slip in a car park.
Conclusion
As you can see the amount of waterfalls in Iceland are endless and it is impossible to view all of them. The image above is a waterfall that just appeared on google maps next to where we were staying and decided to go have a quick look, it was gorgeous. My tip is not to build a whole Iceland itinerary purely around waterfalls but use them as a nice break from driving around the ring road. This is why I grouped the waterfalls by region is that you will have something to see on each day. The waterfalls i mentioned are easy to get to and in my opinion are a must if you are going to the region.
In general I think the south coast is the best place for waterfalls in Iceland they are endless and we spent an entire day exploring each one without getting bored on our day in the South Coast. Other than that it is also worth mentioning Gullfoss in the Golden Circle which in my opinion is a must visit as part of your trip to the Golden Circle.
Don’t forget to dress accordingly to make the most out of your adventure to the country which is out of this world! Contact us if you have any questions about Iceland in general and thanks for reading!
