Waterfalls in Iceland… where should I even begin? They are absolutely everywhere, yet somehow, each one feels completely different from the next. From enormous, powerful falls to the smaller hidden cascades, Iceland is estimated to have more than 10,000 waterfalls, although only a few hundred of them are officially named.
One of my favorite parts of driving around Iceland was constantly spotting waterfalls along the way. Whether they were famous, like Skógafoss, Seljalandsfoss and Gullfoss, which all have their own character, or just completely unknown (like most of them). We often pulled the car over, parked somewhere safe, and took some time to admire the falls properly.
For me, the variety is what makes waterfall hunting so exciting. Some are incredibly powerful, others feel almost hidden, and a few are surrounded by landscapes that look completely unreal.
If you’re planning a trip to Iceland, I honestly think the waterfalls will end up becoming some of the absolute highlights. That’s exactly why I listed the best waterfalls in Iceland I’ve visited myself, to give my honest opinion about them.
Top Waterfalls in Iceland: My Honest Review
Are you in a rush or don’t feel like reading all the way to the end? I’ll quickly share the waterfalls I personally liked the most and think are well worth adding to your Iceland itinerary.
Short on Time? Check Out My Favorite Iceland Hotel Stays
⚪️⚪️⚪️ Hotel Selfoss – Click to see rates and availability
⚪️⚪️ Paradise Cottages – Click to see rates and availability
⚪️ Ekra Glacier Lagoon – Click to see rates and availability
I’d definitely include Skógafoss, Seljalandsfoss, and Gullfoss, as they’re some of the country’s most iconic stops, so in my opinion non-negotiable.
Skógafoss stands out for its power and scale. I felt so tiny next to this one, which made the waterfall even more impressive.
Seljalandsfoss is unforgettable because it’s one of the few in the world where you can walk behind the cascading water, which gives you an unreal view.
Gullfoss is one of the most famous sights along the Golden Circle.
If you’re already planning to do the Golden Circle, I’d also add Brúarfoss for its insanely striking turquoise water and completely different character.
But now that I’ve got your attention, keep scrolling through the photos of this article and see which other waterfalls might convince you to add a few extra stops to your Iceland itinerary.
Just a quick note: the 10 best waterfalls in Iceland aren’t ranked from most to least beautiful. Each one is impressive in its own way, so the order is purely for structure.
The 10 Best Waterfalls in Iceland You Must Visit
1. Skógafoss
Located in the southern part of Iceland, Skógafoss is undoubtedly one of the most famous, and probably most beautiful waterfalls out of all in Iceland. Standing so close to this massive, 60-meter-tall, powerful waterfall was really one of the most impressive moments of my Iceland trip.
This was actually the first time in my life that I had stood so close to such a loud and powerful waterfall, and honestly, it felt insane. What I loved most was that reaching the best photo spot meant accepting the fact that you were going to get completely soaked.
We basically ran towards the viewpoint, got absolutely drenched within a couple of seconds, quickly took the photo, and then ran back again laughing. It was such a fun experience, and getting hit by so much water was enjoyable as well.
Visiting Skógafoss was part of one of our full-day trips, so unfortunately, we didn’t go upstairs to the viewpoint, as it was already quite busy. Looking back, I really regret not taking more time to experience the view from above. But I won’t miss my chance next time when visiting Iceland, which will be very soon…
2. Seljalandsfoss
Another one of Iceland’s most popular waterfalls is Seljalandsfoss. This one really stands out for a very specific reason: it’s one of the few falls in the world where you can walk completely behind the cascading water. The 60-meter-tall waterfall, closely located to Skógafoss, is such an eyecatcher as it’s easy to spot from a distance.
For me, seeing the waterfall from up close, and especially experiencing it from behind, gives you such a different perspective compared to simply viewing it from the front.
The parking area is very close to the waterfall, and from there it’s only about a five-minute walk before you reach it. One thing to keep in mind is that parking is paid, so make sure you take care of the fee before leaving the parking area.
I’d recommend arriving as early as possible to avoid the hordes of crowds. Once several tour buses arrive at the same time, the path behind the waterfall can become quite busy and you have to wait in line, which will slow down your day trip.
3. Gljúfrabúi
Only a short 500meter walk from Seljalandsfoss, is Gljúfrabúi located. Hidden inside a narrow rock canyon, you’ll find this stunning 40-meter-tall waterfall. Funny fact is that Gljúfrabúi means “canyon dweller” in Icelandic.
To actually see the waterfall, you first have to make your way through a narrow opening in the rock, which is such a cool and unusual way to reach it. Luckily, we were wearing proper shoes, as the stones inside were extremely slippery, especially with all the moisture around. It definitely made the walk more adventurous.
4. Gullfoss
An iconic two-tier waterfall and one of the main landmarks along the Golden Circle route is Gullfoss. It is often labeled as the biggest waterfall in Europe, but that’s actually not true. That title belongs to another waterfall in Iceland: Dettifoss. Gullfoss is, however, definitely one of the most visited waterfalls in the country.
I really enjoyed visiting Gullfoss, it’s one of the main highlights of the Golden Circle. Still, I have to say, it was even more impressive in person than I expected. There’s so much spray coming off the waterfall at the lower viewpoint, so definitely bring a raincoat or waterproof jacket. You can get a much closer look from there, and it really lets you feel just how powerful Gullfoss actually is.
Visiting Gullfoss was actually pretty easy. There is plenty of parking space, and what surprised me most was that both the parking and the waterfall were completely free.
5. Þórufoss (Thorufoss)
Thorufoss is one of Iceland’s lesser-known waterfalls, mainly because it sits slightly outside the usual Golden Circle route, hence why it doesn’t attract the same large crowds. That actually made the visit feel much more peaceful compared to some of the more popular stops.
It was a short drive from our accommodation in Mosfellsbær, so stopping here was an easy addition to our day. We climbed down the hillside to get closer to the waterfall, and honestly, the path was very steep, so I wouldn’t recommend going down if you have limited mobility.
That said, the view from above was already beautiful, so you definitely don’t need to climb down to appreciate it. For us, though, getting so close to the waterfall felt like a real reward after making our way down.
6. Brúarfoss
Wow, this incredibly bright turquoise waterfall was ab-so-lu-tely stunning. Especially when the sun comes out, the color of the water becomes even more intense and almost looks unreal.
For me, the striking blue shade was exactly what made Brúarfoss stand out from many of the other waterfalls in Iceland.
The waterfall itself isn’t the biggest or most powerful one I would say, but I think that’s part of its charm. The water flows through dark volcanic rock, before dropping into a narrow channel, which makes the contrast super impressive.
As it sits along the Golden Circle route, it’s an easy stop to add to your loop, and in my opinion, it’s definitely worth making time for. Only thing is that the road from the main route to the parking area can be quite bumpy, so take it slowly and be careful.
7. Fjaðrárgljúfur
This is definitely one of those places that feel picture-perfect the moment you arrive. I had seen countless photos of Fjaðrárgljúfur online beforehand and honestly wondered whether it could look that impressive in real life.
After visiting it myself, though, I can confidently say that it absolutely lives up to the pictures. I think if you come at the right time of year, when the landscape is lush and green, the scenery is genuinely breathtaking and easily one of the most beautiful places I’ve seen in Iceland.
What made this place even more spectacular for me was how beautifully the waterfall blended into the surrounding landscape, with almost everything covered in deep green moss.
The hiking route usually takes around 30 to 60 minutes, depending on your pace and how often you stop to take in the views. I found the walk quite easy, although I think the trail can become slippery and a little more challenging when the weather turns wet, so proper footwear definitely makes a difference.
8. Kvernufoss
Kvernufoss is a smaller, but seriously an impressive waterfall in the southern part of Iceland, dropping around 50 meters into a narrow canyon. Reaching it requires a short walk through the valley, which took us only about 20 minutes, so I’d say the effort was more than worth it.
What makes this one really fun is that you can also walk behind the waterfall, which gives you a completely different perspective and some great photo opportunities. I personally loved that it was much quieter and more tucked away than famous Skógafoss nearby, where it always gets really crowded during the day.
If you’re already in the area, I’d definitely add it to your route before it becomes just as busy as the bigger names.
9. Svöðufoss (Svodufoss)
If you have a few extra days and decide to explore West-Iceland, you’ll come across some incredible waterfalls there as well. Most people focus mainly on the south, which I completely understand, but if your itinerary allows it, please don’t skip the western part of the country.
Svöðufoss can be reached by following a dirt road for around five minutes from the main route until you arrive at the parking area. I had a couple of mental breakdowns wondering whether the car was actually going to make it, as the road was pretty bad. But along the way, we even came across some beautiful Icelandic horses, which made the drive a little more enjoyable.
From the parking area, it’s only a short walk along a well-maintained path to reach the waterfall.
What I really liked here was how peaceful it felt. There were hardly any people around, and you can get very close to the waterfall, which makes it a great place to take photos and simply enjoy the surroundings. We even took some drone shots, and they turned out beautifully!
10. Kirkjufellfoss
Another spectacular stop in West-Iceland is Kirkjufellsfoss, a small series of cascades sitting directly in front of the famous Kirkjufell Mountain. The waterfall itself isn’t that large, but the combination of flowing water, open landscape, and mountain backdrop makes the entire location incredibly photogenic. I really don’t understand why not more people talk about this side of Iceland.
The setting as a whole was what I found quite attractive. You’re not just visiting a waterfall here; you’re getting one of those classic, perfectly Icelandic views. If you’re driving around the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, I’d definitely make time to stop here and walk around the area for a while.
FAQ About Best Waterfalls Iceland
What is the best time to visit Iceland?
The European summer months are perfect for road trips as you’ll have long daylight hours, while late August to April gives you a chance of spotting the Northern Lights. I’d personally choose September for a good balance between both.
When are the waterfalls in Iceland at its prettiest?
I would say around April-May, as the winter is coming to an end and temperatures starting to rise. The heavy snowmelt creates a huge waterflow, which will result in more powerful waterfalls.
What is the most beautiful waterfall in Iceland?
If I only had to pick one, it might be cliché, but I would say Seljalandsfoss. It’s so unique, as there are only a few waterfalls in the world where you can walk behind the cascading water. In real life, it feels even more magical…
What’s the best way to visit Iceland’s waterfalls?
I would 100% choose renting a car over joining a group tour in Iceland, especially if you want to visit the waterfalls. Multiple tour buses often arrive around the same time, which can make the main sights super crowded. With your own car, you can start your day early to avoid the peak hours of a sight and stop at places you would miss out on an organized tour.
Where to park when visiting waterfalls?
Most waterfalls have designated parking areas where you can easily leave your car. Just make sure to check whether there’s a parking fee, cause if you forget to pay, you could end up with an extra charge at the end of your trip. And let’s be honest, Iceland is already expensive enough as it is…
Final Thoughts on the Best Waterfalls in Iceland
So, after reliving all those incredible memories from my trip to Iceland, I honestly want to go back even more. Writing about these waterfalls brought everything straight back: the spray in my face, the freezing wind, the spontaneous roadside stops, and those moments where I just stood there staring at the scenery.
Visiting these waterfalls was easily one of the biggest highlights of my Iceland trip. Seljalandsfoss probably left the strongest impression on me, because walking behind the water felt so unique, and also because the waterfall was massive.
Skógafoss stood out for its powerful spray, and I had so many laughs during the process of taking pictures there.
Overall, I honestly can’t wait to return to Iceland and discover even more of the waterfalls I missed out on the first time. There are still so many places left on my list, and I’m already excited to keep adding new finds here so you guys can add even more unique and unforgettable places to your Iceland itinerary.
Check Out My Other Iceland Blogs
What’s the Best Month to Visit Iceland? My Honest Opinion & Thoughts
What to Pack for Your Iceland Trip? Check My Useful Packing Guide
The 9 Best Activities to Do in Iceland: Things to Do & Which Activities I Would Recommend
5 Days South Coast Iceland Itinerary: My Top Route & Tips
Iceland Budget: Daily Costs & Money-Saving Tips for Your Iceland Trip
Check Out My Other Reykjavík Blogs
Spend 24 Hours in Reykjavík Iceland: What I Did and What I Recommend
Whale Watching Tour in Reykjavík Iceland: My Honest Review
Where to Stay in Reykjavík: My Favorite Areas and Hotel Stays
