Iceland · Natural Wonders
Iceland's
Waterfalls
Discover 200+ spectacular waterfalls — from thundering glacial cascades to hidden highland gems. Walk behind Seljalandsfoss, witness Europe's most powerful Dettifoss, and explore remote bridal veils.
200+
Named waterfalls
Free
Most free entry
24/7
Year-round access
8
Regions to explore
200+
Waterfalls
8
Regions
6
Road Trips
Free
Entry to All
Year-Round
Most Open
10
Experiences
Discovery
Explore Iceland's Waterfalls
Discover waterfalls across Iceland — select a pin for details.
Must See
Iceland's Most Famous Waterfalls
The bucket-list cascades that define Iceland
Brúarfoss Waterfall
Blue-water waterfall on the Brúará river, reached by official walking access in the Golden Circle area.
Kvernufoss
30-metre waterfall in a narrow gorge near Skógar, with a path behind the cascade in suitable conditions.
Dynjandi
Dynjandi, also known as Fjallfoss, is the Westfjords' majestic 100-meter tiered waterfall, fanning out like a bridal veil.
Skógafoss
Broad 60-metre waterfall by Skógar with viewpoints at the base and above the falls.
Folaldafoss
A powerful cascade tumbling over dark basalt cliffs, Folaldafoss is an Eastfjords' hidden gem.
Seljalandsfoss
60-metre South Coast waterfall with a path behind the cascade when conditions allow.
Gullfoss
Two-stage waterfall on the Hvítá river and one of the main stops on the Golden Circle.
10 hours 30 minutesSouth Coast Tour - Black Sand Beach, Plane wreck, Skogafoss, Seljalandsfoss guided in Chinese冰岛南岸黑沙滩飞机残骸中文一日团
Magic Iceland Travel
From
18,480 ISK
11 hoursSouth Coast Waterfalls, Black Beach and Glacier Adventure | Small Group Day Tour
Nicetravel
From
17,900 ISK
10 hours 30 minutesSouth Coast & Plane Wreck Black Beach ATV Adventure
Reykjavik Excursions by Icelandia
From
47,499 ISK
10 hoursDT 302 Private Superjeep South Coast & Katla Ice Cave
Superjeep
From
289,400 ISK
11 hoursPrivate Ice Cave Katla, South Coast Waterfalls & Black Sand Beach
Glaciers and Waterfalls
From
285,000 ISK
10 hoursSouth Coast | Private Tour | Photo Package included
Icelandic Roamers
From
240,000 ISK
9 hours 30 minutesSouth Coast tour from Reykjavík in minibus
Iceland Everywhere Tours
From
19,200 ISK
11 hoursPrivate South Coast Fire & Ice: Lava Show & Glacier Viewpoint | Private Day Tour
Hidden Iceland
From
350,000 ISK
10 hoursSouth Coast Tales! A Spanish-Language Tour
EastWest
From
20,990 ISK
Waterfall Explorer
121 of 121 waterfalls — search, filter or find falls near you
Browse by Experience
What kind of waterfall are you looking for?
Walk Behind
Waterfalls you can walk behind
2 waterfalls →
Hidden Gems
Off the beaten path — few tourists, pure Iceland
21 waterfalls →
Most Powerful
Raw glacial force — Europe's mightiest falls
18 waterfalls →
Highest
Iceland's tallest drops
3 waterfalls →
Family Friendly
Easy paths and safe viewpoints for all ages
5 waterfalls →
Easy Access
Steps from the parking lot
7 waterfalls →
Photography
Rainbows, reflections and epic compositions
3 waterfalls →
Short Hike
Earn the view — under 2 hours round trip
6 waterfalls →
Highlands
Remote falls in the wild interior (4×4 season)
6 waterfalls →
Winter
Frozen curtains and northern lights backdrops
59 waterfalls →
Waterfall Road Trips
Curated routes — one click loads every stop into your Trip Planner
South Coast Waterfall Trail
The classics in one day — walk behind Seljalandsfoss, find hidden Kvernufoss, stand under Skógafoss and hike to Svartifoss.
Skógafoss
Svartifoss
Golden Circle Waterfalls
Gullfoss and the blue wonder Brúarfoss, then detour into Þjórsárdalur for Háifoss and Hjálparfoss.
Brúarfoss Waterfall
Hjálparfoss
North Iceland Waterfall Route
From Goðafoss to the basalt columns of Aldeyjarfoss and Europe's most powerful waterfall, Dettifoss.
Goðafoss
Aldeyjarfoss
Selfoss Waterfall
East Iceland Waterfall Trail
Hike to Hengifoss above the basalt-framed Litlanesfoss, with Fardagafoss and Gufufoss by Seyðisfjörður.
Litlanesfoss Waterfall
Fardagafoss
Westfjords Hidden Falls
The bridal-veil giant Dynjandi and the falls almost nobody visits along the Strandir coast.
Dynjandi
Djúpavíkurfoss
Rjúkandi
Kerlingarfoss
Ring Road Waterfalls
The ultimate circle — every must-see waterfall on Route 1, from the south coast to the north.
Skógafoss
Svartifoss
Goðafoss
Hraunfossar
Photography Guide
Where and how to shoot Iceland's waterfalls
Best at Sunrise
Seljalandsfoss faces west but glows at dawn from behind; Skógafoss catches first light on clear mornings with almost no crowds before 8 AM.
Best at Sunset
Kirkjufellsfoss with Kirkjufell mountain is Iceland's most photographed sunset frame. Goðafoss turns gold under the midnight sun in June–July.
Rainbow Spots
Skógafoss throws a double rainbow on sunny days around midday. Gullfoss and Dettifoss mist up rainbows whenever the sun is out.
Drone Friendly
Háifoss, Aldeyjarfoss and Strútsfoss allow dramatic aerials with few people. Always check current rules — drones are banned at crowded falls and in national parks.
Long Exposure Tips
Bring an ND filter (6–10 stops), a tripod and a lens cloth — spray is constant. 0.5–2 s exposures give silky water while keeping texture.
Northern Lights Falls
Goðafoss, Kirkjufellsfoss and Seljalandsfoss are the classic aurora foregrounds — dark skies, easy access and parking beside the falls.
Waterfalls Through the Seasons
Each season transforms the falls completely
Spring (Apr–May)
Snowmelt swells every river — waterfalls are at their most powerful. Fewer tourists, but highland falls like Háifoss remain closed until late May.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
Everything is open, including F-road falls like Aldeyjarfoss. Midnight sun means you can shoot at 1 AM with golden light and empty car parks.
Autumn (Sep–Oct)
Golden birch and moss frame the falls, northern lights return, and the summer crowds vanish. Hengifoss and Glymur hikes are at their prettiest.
Winter (Nov–Mar)
Frozen curtains and blue ice at Gullfoss, Goðafoss and Seljalandsfoss. Stick to south coast and Golden Circle falls — many others are inaccessible.
Guided Experiences
Tours & Day Trips in Iceland
Golden Circle, Northern Lights hunts, whale watching, glacier hikes, lava cave tours and more. Explore Iceland your way.
Accommodation
Where to Stay for Waterfall Chasing
Hotels and guesthouses on the South Coast — base yourself here for Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss and Gullfoss
Hotel876 mHótel Skógá
Experience Icelandic tranquility at Hótel Skógá, steps from the majestic Skógafoss waterfall.
Hotel1.6 kmHótel Drangshlíð
Experience rustic charm and stunning South Iceland scenery at Hótel Drangshlíð.
Guesthouse5.8 kmWelcome Edinborg
Charming guesthouse with a rustic wooden deck, nestled amidst the stunning South Iceland landscape.
Rent a car for Iceland's waterfalls
Most of Iceland's famous waterfalls line the paved South Coast — a comfortable car reaches them easily, no 4x4 needed. Browse vehicle types, then search real availability on DiscoverCars.
- Mini / Economy
Search to see available cars
Lowest-cost option for city driving and paved main roads.
Find cars - Compact
Search to see available cars
A little more space and comfort, still easy to park.
Find cars - Intermediate / Family
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Comfortable for longer Ring Road drives with luggage.
Find cars - SUV
Search to see available cars
Higher ground clearance and a confident ride.
Find cars
Category pictures before searching are illustrative images sourced from DiscoverCars, not live availability. Real cards and prices come from your own dated search. GoIceTravel may earn a commission at no extra cost.
Help
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before visiting Iceland's waterfalls
What is the most famous waterfall in Iceland?
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Gullfoss is arguably the most famous waterfall in Iceland, located on the Golden Circle route. Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss on the South Coast are also among the most visited. For sheer power, Dettifoss in North Iceland is Europe's most powerful waterfall.
Can you walk behind a waterfall in Iceland?
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Yes — Seljalandsfoss on the South Coast has a path that allows visitors to walk completely behind the waterfall. It is open most of the year except in icy winter conditions. Bring waterproof clothing as the path gets very wet.
What is the tallest waterfall in Iceland?
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Morsárfoss at 228 metres is technically the tallest, but it is very remote. Glymur at 198 metres is the tallest accessible waterfall in Iceland and is popular for hiking. Hengifoss (128m) and Háifoss (122m) are also among the tallest.
Which Iceland waterfall is best in winter?
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Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, and Gullfoss are all dramatic in winter and accessible year-round. Seljalandsfoss can freeze partially in very cold winters. Kirkjufellsfoss is particularly popular in winter for Northern Lights photography.
Are Iceland waterfalls free to visit?
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Most waterfalls in Iceland are free to visit. Some, like Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, have paid parking areas nearby. Entry to the waterfalls themselves is always free.
What should I bring to visit waterfalls?
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Waterproof jacket and pants (especially for Seljalandsfoss), sturdy hiking boots with grip, camera with lens cloth for spray, and warm layers. In winter, add crampons for icy paths and bring extra batteries as cold drains them quickly.
🌌 See the Northern Lights
Track real-time aurora activity and plan your Northern Lights trip with AuroraVision.
Find Hotels in Iceland
From cozy Reykjavík guesthouses to remote Highland lodges — thousands of properties with free cancellation and best price guarantee.
Tours & Experiences
Explore Activities in Iceland
Guided Experiences
Tours & Day Trips in Iceland
Golden Circle, Northern Lights hunts, whale watching, glacier hikes, lava cave tours and more. Explore Iceland your way.