Iceland Nature Guide
Waterfalls in Iceland
Iceland has thousands of waterfalls — from accessible Golden Circle giants to hidden highland cascades. Here are the most spectacular.
Iceland's Waterfall Culture
Iceland is home to thousands of waterfalls thanks to its glaciers, volcanic rivers and dramatic terrain. The combination of enormous glaciers melting into fast-flowing rivers, combined with Iceland's sharp cliff landscapes, creates some of the most spectacular waterfall scenery on Earth.
Many waterfalls are easily accessible directly from the Ring Road on the South Coast, including the famous trio of Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss and Gullfoss on the Golden Circle. Others require hiking through remote valleys or driving highland F-roads.
The Icelandic word for waterfall is foss — which you'll notice in nearly every waterfall name: Gullfoss, Skógafoss, Seljalandsfoss. Iceland has more waterfalls per square kilometre than almost anywhere else on Earth.
Waterfalls in Iceland are fed by glaciers, springs, and rainfall. The largest, like Dettifoss, carry glacial meltwater from the vast Vatnajökull glacier. Others like Hraunfossar spring from beneath ancient lava fields in a completely unique phenomenon.
Best Waterfalls in Iceland
Detailed guide to the most spectacular waterfalls — with tips, directions and history
Gullfoss
The Golden Waterfall
Gullfoss is one of the most famous waterfalls in Iceland and a centrepiece of the popular Golden Circle route. The waterfall drops in two dramatic stages — first 11 metres, then 21 metres — into a rugged canyon carved by the Hvítá glacial river. The name means 'Golden Falls', referring to the golden hue of the glacial water on sunny days.
Seljalandsfoss
Walk Behind the Waterfall
Seljalandsfoss is one of Iceland's most iconic waterfalls, located directly on the Ring Road on the South Coast. What makes it unique is the path that allows visitors to walk completely behind the waterfall — one of the most memorable experiences in Iceland. The 60-metre drop is fed by the Seljalandsá river, which originates from the Eyjafjallajökull glacier.
Skógafoss
Powerful South Coast Waterfall
Skógafoss is one of the largest and most powerful waterfalls in Iceland, with a 60-metre drop and 25-metre width. A staircase of 370 steps leads to a viewing platform at the top, overlooking the entire Skógá river valley and the coast beyond. On sunny days, one or two rainbows are often visible in the mist. According to legend, Þrasi Þórólfsson hid a treasure chest behind the waterfall.
Dettifoss
Europe's Most Powerful Waterfall
Dettifoss is widely considered the most powerful waterfall in Europe, with a flow rate of up to 500 cubic metres per second. The waterfall plunges 44 metres into the Jökulsárgljúfur canyon, carved entirely by glacial floodwaters. The thundering sound can be heard from kilometres away and the spray creates a permanent mist cloud visible from a great distance.
Goðafoss
Waterfall of the Gods
Goðafoss — 'Waterfall of the Gods' — bears one of the most dramatic names in Iceland. In the year 1000, when Christianity was adopted at the Alþing parliament, the Lawspeaker Þorgeir Ljósvetningagoði threw the Norse pagan idols into this very waterfall, marking Iceland's conversion. The horseshoe-shaped fall spans 30 metres wide and drops 12 metres across the Skjálfandafljót river.
Svartifoss
The Black Waterfall
Svartifoss — 'Black Waterfall' — is famous for the extraordinary hexagonal basalt columns that frame the 20-metre drop like a natural curtain. Located inside Vatnajökull National Park, the columns are formed by ancient lava that cooled slowly and contracted into geometric shapes. The same columnar basalt architecture inspired many of Iceland's iconic buildings, including Hallgrímskirkja church in Reykjavík.
Kirkjufellsfoss
Waterfall by Kirkjufell
Kirkjufellsfoss is one of the most photographed locations in Iceland — a small but perfectly formed waterfall with the iconic cone of Kirkjufell mountain in the background. The triple-drop waterfall is particularly popular for Northern Lights photography in winter, creating a composition of waterfall, mountain, and aurora that has appeared on countless magazine covers.
Hraunfossar
Lava Field Waterfalls
Hraunfossar is unlike any other waterfall in Iceland. Rather than a single drop, dozens of small springs emerge directly from beneath the Hallmundarhraun lava field and flow into the Hvítá river. The waterfalls stretch for nearly 900 metres and the water has a remarkable bright blue-green colour from its passage through volcanic rock. Nearby Barnafoss is a contrasting violent narrow canyon.
Brúarfoss
The Blue Waterfall
Brúarfoss is known for the extraordinary electric blue colour of its glacial water — unlike anything else in Iceland. Hidden near the Golden Circle route, it requires a short hike to reach but rewards with one of the most unique waterfall experiences in the country. The Brúará river cascades over a series of blue pools and channels carved into grey basalt rock.
Háifoss
One of Iceland's Tallest Waterfalls
Háifoss is one of the tallest waterfalls in Iceland at approximately 122 metres, plunging dramatically into a deep canyon carved by the Fossá river. Nearby Granni waterfall drops into the same canyon from the opposite side, creating a dramatic paired spectacle. The surrounding landscape is particularly striking — volcanic cliffs and highland wilderness visible for miles.
Hengifoss
Red Layer Waterfall
Hengifoss is famous for the striking red and black horizontal layers of volcanic rock visible in the cliffs surrounding the 128-metre drop — among the tallest in Iceland. The red layers are ancient red clay soil deposits between lava flows, making the cliff face look like a giant natural calendar of volcanic history. The shorter Litlanesfoss waterfall nearby features classic basalt columns.
Dynjandi
Westfjords Jewel
Dynjandi — meaning 'the thundering one' — is the crown jewel of the Westfjords and one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Iceland. The 100-metre main fall fans out in a triangular bridal veil shape before continuing down through six smaller waterfalls below. The total height from top to bottom is about 200 metres. Getting there requires driving the remote Westfjords roads — an adventure in itself.
Glymur
Iceland's Second Tallest Waterfall
Glymur is Iceland's second tallest waterfall at 198 metres, hidden in the Hvalfjörður fjord canyon north of Reykjavík. The hike to the falls takes you through a cave, across a log bridge over a glacial river, and up dramatic canyon walls with views stretching to the fjord below. The trail is one of the best hiking experiences within easy driving distance of Reykjavík.
All Waterfalls in Iceland
24 waterfalls in our database — from iconic Ring Road stops to hidden gems
Visiting Iceland's Waterfalls
Best Time to Visit
- •Summer (June–August): Maximum water flow from glacier melt, long daylight hours
- •Winter (Nov–Mar): Dramatic ice formations, possible Northern Lights backdrop
- •Spring (April–May): Rushing snowmelt, fewer crowds
- •Autumn (Sept–Oct): Golden colours, comfortable temperatures
What to Bring
- •Waterproof jacket and trousers — always
- •Waterproof boots with ankle support
- •Camera with UV filter to protect from spray
- •Layers — weather changes fast in Iceland
- •Polarising lens filter for photography
Safety Tips
- •Never cross safety barriers or ropes — accidents happen
- •Don't stand directly under waterfall spray for long periods
- •Wear grippy footwear — wet rocks are extremely slippery
- •Check road conditions before visiting highland falls (safetravel.is)
- •Tell someone your plan if hiking to remote falls
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most famous waterfall in Iceland?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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.
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