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+
Waterfalls
8
Regions
6
Road Trips
Free
Entry to All
Year-Round
Most Open
10
Experiences
Must See
Iceland's Most Famous Waterfalls
The bucket-list cascades that define Iceland
south iceland
Brúarfoss Waterfall
Experience Brúarfoss, Iceland's captivating 'Bluest Waterfall,' nestled in picturesque South Iceland.
Explore
south iceland
Gljúfrabúi
Uncover Gljúfrabúi, a powerful 40-meter waterfall hidden within a mossy canyon, accessed by wading a stream.
Explore
west iceland
Glymur Waterfall
Iceland's magnificent second highest waterfall, Glymur, tumbles 198 meters into Botnsdalur valley.
Explore
south iceland
Gullfoss
Witness Gullfoss's immense, two-tiered power from its dramatic upper viewpoint, nestled in Iceland's golden landscape.
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south iceland
Háifoss Waterfall
Experience the majestic Háifoss, a "High Waterfall" nestled in South Iceland's stunning Þjórsárdalur valley.
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south iceland
Kvernufoss Waterfall
Kvernufoss: a picturesque waterfall gracefully nestled within the Kvernugil gorge.
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south iceland
Reykjafoss
Reykjafoss offers a serene escape, where a multi-tiered waterfall cascades into a tranquil, rock-strewn river amidst verdant hills.
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south iceland
Seljalandsfoss
Walk behind the majestic Seljalandsfoss and feel the power of nature amidst vibrant green landscapes.
ExploreWaterfall Explorer
194 of 194 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
5 waterfalls →
💎 Hidden Gems
Off the beaten path — few tourists, pure Iceland
65 waterfalls →
💥 Most Powerful
Raw glacial force — Europe's mightiest falls
29 waterfalls →
📏 Highest
Iceland's tallest drops
5 waterfalls →
👨👩👧 Family Friendly
Easy paths and safe viewpoints for all ages
7 waterfalls →
🚗 Easy Access
Steps from the parking lot
6 waterfalls →
📸 Photography
Rainbows, reflections and epic compositions
6 waterfalls →
🥾 Short Hike
Earn the view — under 2 hours round trip
8 waterfalls →
🌋 Highlands
Remote falls in the wild interior (4×4 season)
7 waterfalls →
❄️ Winter
Frozen curtains and northern lights backdrops
106 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.
Seljalandsfoss Behind-the-Falls Path
Kvernufoss Waterfall
Skógafoss
Svartifoss
Golden Circle Waterfalls
Gullfoss and the blue wonder Brúarfoss, then detour into Þjórsárdalur for Háifoss and Hjálparfoss.
Gullfoss
Brúarfoss Waterfall
Háifoss Waterfall
Hjálparfoss Waterfall
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
Gufufoss
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.
Seljalandsfoss Behind-the-Falls Path
Skógafoss
Svartifoss
Goðafoss
+1 more
📸 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
Waterfall Tours
Guided experiences with transport from Reykjavík — visit multiple waterfalls in one day
Private Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon 2 Day Tour & Glacier Hike
From
$7240
Private 2-Day Glacier Lagoon, Ice Cave and Northern Lights
From
$7400
Glacier Adventure at Sólheimajökull Private Tour
From
$378.51
Reykjavik Private Northern Lights Tour with Pro Photographer
From
$1618.86
Reykjanes Peninsula Private Day Tour - up to 9 passengers
From
$20500
Iceland: Diamond Beach Glacier Lagoon Black Sand Beach 冰岛冰河湖中文一日团
From
$188.51
Accommodation
Where to Stay for Waterfall Chasing
Hotels and guesthouses on the South Coast — base yourself here for Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss and Gullfoss
Hótel Skógá
🏨 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.
Umi Hótel
Welcome Lambafell
Nýlenda
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.