What are the 10 most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland?

In alphabetical order: Aldeyjarfoss, Dettifoss, Dynjandi, Glymur, Gullfoss, Haifoss, Hengifoss, Seljalandsfoss, Skogafoss and Svartifoss. Only Ofaerufoss and, to a degree, Aldeyjarfoss need a mountain road, and only Glymur takes a full day of hiking.

Which lesser known waterfalls in Iceland are worth the detour?

Eight of them, in alphabetical order: Bjarnarfoss, Gljufrabui, Godafoss, Hraunfossar, Klifbrekkufossar, Kvernufoss, Morsarfoss and Ofaerufoss.

What is the tallest waterfall in Iceland?

Morsarfoss, at 230 meters, or about 750 feet. It sits beside the Skaftafell Nature Reserve on the south coast, is hard to reach, and its upper or lower part is often hidden by the glacier. The tallest one you can reliably see is Glymur, 198 meters.

Which Icelandic waterfalls can you walk behind?

Seljalandsfoss on the south coast, where a path runs through a small cave behind the curtain of water, and Kvernufoss, about a mile east of Skogafoss. Bring waterproof clothes and boots for both.

Do you need a 4x4 to see Iceland's best waterfalls?

For most of them, no. Gullfoss, Skogafoss, Seljalandsfoss, Godafoss, Dettifoss and Hraunfossar are all reached on paved roads. A 4x4 helps at Aldeyjarfoss and Haifoss and is needed for Ofaerufoss, which lies off the F208 mountain road.

Top 10 Waterfalls in Iceland + 8 Lesser-Known Ones

Waterfalls are surely one of Iceland’s top attractions. In other parts of the world erosion has had enough time to flatten the land and replace waterfalls with less dramatic rivers. But in Iceland, which is still subject to volcanic and glacial activity, waterfalls are in abundance and new ones are still being created.

Iceland’s most beautiful waterfalls [Top 10, alphabetically]

Due to Iceland’s geology, the majority of interesting waterfalls are situated on the outskirts of the island. This is where faults, cliffs and canyons are and thus water can fall. From the list below only Ofaerufoss and, to a certain extent, Aldeyjarfoss require driving on mountain roads (although reaching Haifoss may also prove difficult without a 4×4 vehicle). And only Glymur takes a day-long hiking trip. Otherwise, most of Iceland’s top waterfalls will not take you off asphalt roads.

Map: Top 10 Most Spectacular Waterfalls in Iceland [+8 extras].

It is impossible to choose one waterfall that everyone will consider their number 1. So this Top 10 List of Iceland’s most beautiful and impressive waterfalls presents them in alphabetical order. You decide which one(s) you loved most.

Aldeyjarfoss

Aldeyjarfoss is 20 m (about 65 ft) tall and surrounded by huge basalt columns on all sides. These were formed when lava congealed in a special way (read more here: Amazing volcanic effects in Iceland).

The icy and crystal clear water falls into the mesmerizing churning blue pool below. This very combination of pale blue, frothy water tumbling down among black rock columns makes for a striking vista, placing Aldeyjarfoss among the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland.

This waterfall is located in the north, on the Skjálfandafljót river, about 40 km (25 miles) south of the famous Godafoss, which is situated along road No. 1. Aldeyjarfoss is close to road F26, and to be more precise – very close to the place where F26 changes into road 842. You will need a 4×4 vehicle to reach the parking lot near the viewpoint (the final stretch going from the north or the entire F26 from the south are steep). In a 2×4 vehicle you can get quite close and you’ll have to walk the final 1.5 km (about a mile).

Discover all the details about Aldeyjarfoss here: Aldeyjarfoss – one of Iceland’s most beautiful waterfalls.

Dettifoss

Dettifoss is a powerful waterfall with a flow rate of nearly 193 cubic meters (6,800 cubic feet) of water per second. It is one of Europe’s most powerful waterfalls in terms of energy. Dettifoss is as much as 100 m (330 ft) wide and the huge amounts of water tumble down from a height of about 45 m (150 ft) into the deep canyon of Jökulsárgljúfur. The roaring sound of water you experience here is astonishing, leaving you awestruck at the sheer power of nature.

To understand how powerful Dettifoss is, please look closely at the photograph above and find people standing on the other side of the waterfall. Yes, there are some people there, wearing rather vibrant colors.

Another interesting fact about Dettifoss is that the falling water is often greyish in appearance, which is caused by high content of dust.

Read more about the amazing Dettifoss: Dettifoss – Iceland’s most powerful waterfall.

Dynjandi

Dynjandi, also called Fjallfoss, is a true nature’s treasure in the Westfjords region. Its name in Icelandic means “powerful”, which suits this majestic formation perfectly. About 100 m (330 ft) tall, Dynjandi is a gigantic cascade of water flowing down stone steps, with a number of other smaller waterfalls below that belong to the greater whole.

Although Dynjandi’s water flows down the rocky steps rather than falling straight down, many people consider it the most beautiful waterfall in Iceland. Read more about Dynjandi in this article about the attractions of Westfjords: What to see in Westfjords.

Glymur

Glymur is Iceland’s second tallest waterfall, being as tall as 198 meters (650 ft). However, because the number one tallest waterfall Morsarfoss is very difficult to approach in a way that allows you to admire its cascading water, and the water is often concealed inside the glacier, in practice it is Glymur that offers the tallest “water column” you can actually see in Iceland.

But the greatest thing about Glymur must be the lovely one-day hike, full of attractions along the way, that you need to take to reach it. In fact, many people describe this walk as the highlight of their Icelandic adventure…

Glymur is located in the west of Iceland, quite near Reykjavik, so it is a great theme for a 1-day trip while you are staying in the capital. See all the details on how to get there and how to plan your hike here: Glymur – Iceland’s tallest waterfall available to tourists.

Gullfoss

Gullfoss is the must-see of all trips to Iceland. It is on the so-called Golden Circle, practically neighboring the geysers, not far from Reykjavik. Additionally, there is a nice asphalt road leading to it and there are two huge parking areas when you reach the viewpoint. So not surprisingly, this place can get very crowded…
Due to its size (and popularity) you wouldn’t call Gullfoss “pretty”. But its popularity is definitely deserved. No photos or elaborate descriptions will ever convey its grandeur and power. Huge sheets of water create a cool mist as they crash against the rocks, offering visitors a myriad of rainbows with every sunray catching the water. Gullfoss means golden waterfall and it has two cascades – 11 and 21 meters (36 and 69 feet) tall.

Its peculiar sprawling shape, gigantic size and hum of water that drowns all conversations are great illustrations of how powerful nature is. Gullfoss can be admired from the top but you can also take the path to its base. Read more about it here: Gullfoss – a waterfall full of gold.

Haifoss

Haifoss is among the tallest waterfalls in Iceland – it stands over 120 meters (400 ft) tall. It is on the Fossá river, near the Hekla volcano. In fact, Haifoss is a pair of waterfalls: There is a slightly smaller waterfall called Granni (literally meaning neighbor 🙂 ).

The viewpoint at Haifoss can be reached via a rather steep gravel road. It can be admired from below if you decide to go for an approximately 4 km (2.5-mile) hike. Read about the waterfall and how to see it here: Haifoss – a beauty off the beaten track.

Hengifoss

Hengifoss as seen from a drone

Hengifoss is in eastern Iceland and is another very tall waterfall that can be admired from up close. A narrow strip of water falls from a height of about 120 m (400 ft) against the backdrop of a basalt wall crisscrossed with lines of red clay. The red is clearly visible in the black rock and creates an amazing vista. With the right light this waterfall is truly breathtaking.

On your way to Hengifoss, you get Litlanesfoss – smaller but equally beautiful – included in the package. Read more about these waterfalls and how to see them in this article: Hengifoss and Litlanesfoss – a beautiful pair of waterfalls.

Seljalandsfoss

Southern Iceland is where you’ll find Seljalandsfoss, which formed in a place where cliffs had once towered over the coast.

This waterfall is not known for its height (about 60 m, or 200 ft) or water volume. But what it offers is equally exciting and so much more unusual. It is one of the very few waterfalls that you can see from behind without getting all wet! There is a small cave behind the cascade. Still, be sure to have waterproof clothes and boots because even though you are not expected to go through the falling water, the mist that forms around the waterfall – depending on the strength and direction of the wind – can really get you wet.

Right next to Seljalandsfoss there is another interesting waterfall — Gljúfrabúi — hidden in a narrow cave-like canyon that you can enter. Read more about these waterfalls here: Seljalandsfoss and Gljufrabui – two beauties.

The road that leads to Seljalandsfoss will also take you to one of the most beautiful regions of Iceland’s interior: Thorsmork. If you have a good 4×4 vehicle and are not afraid of crossing streams, it is totally worth visiting. Of course, crossing the Krossa is a completely different ballgame but a hike in this canyon Stakkholstgja or this campsite Basar Hut are not as extreme and really worth a try (check these links to articles for details).

Skogafoss

Skogafoss is another famous waterfall in the south of Iceland, very close to main Road No. 1. And this one is not known for its height or flow rate either. It is “just so” and this is what makes it so charming.
It is located at one end of the river Skógá that flows from two glaciers: Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull. The two streams meet and reach their end by falling from over 60 meters (200 ft), creating plenty of fine mist. All it takes is just a few sunrays and you can admire amazing rainbows (often double). The rocks surrounding the waterfall, covered in vivid green moss, only add to the beauty of this place.

Another nice thing about it is that there are special metal steps leading to the top of Skogafoss. This gives you a unique chance to see not only the waterfall but also the lovely surrounding area from the observation deck up there. However, for this very reason the place is quite popular and the campsite at the foot of the waterfall can be crowded.

Read more about it here: Skogafoss – spectacular waterfall on the south coast.

Svartifoss

Svartifoss with basalt columns

Svartifoss is located inside the Skaftafell Nature Reserve which belongs to the Vatnajökull National Park in southern Iceland.

An easy, 2-km (1.2-mile) hike from the parking lot will take you right to the waterfall. Its name literally means black waterfall – and for a good reason. Svartifoss is set in basalt columns — an effect caused by congealing lava. Interestingly, the tall hexagonal pillars were the inspiration behind Hallgrímskirkja church in Reykjavik.

The list above can surely serve you as a general overview of Iceland’s most beautiful waterfalls and help you select your must-see places on your trip to this enchanting island.

There are some additional places worth visiting in the immediate vicinity, including the TALLEST waterfall in Iceland – Morsarfoss. Learn all you need to know about Skaftafell from this article: Svartifoss – waterfall in the Skaftafell Nature Reserve.

[Bonus] Less popular but beautiful waterfalls in Iceland

Additionally, take a look at this bonus list of eight places that may not be as spectacular as the ones above but are equally worth visiting:

Bjarnarfoss

Bjarnarfoss lies in the southern part of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula in western Iceland. This slender waterfall surrounded by basalt pillars is nearly 80 meters (260 ft) tall and can be seen from a very long distance. It looks splendid falling from a moss-covered bluff. As you drive around Snaefellsnes, take a moment near Budakirkja to admire this slim cascade of water. If you happen to have a bit of spare time, it is a good idea to take a walk to see it up close. Find more about this waterfall here: Bjarnarfoss – a gem of Snaefellsnes.

Gljufrabui

This lovely waterfall often gets overlooked by tourists, while they never fail to visit the nearby Seljalandsfoss. It is a bit of a mistake. Although Gljufrabui does not offer a peek behind its cascade and it is all hidden among rocks it is definitely special. And if you plan to see Seljalandsfoss anyway, a 10-minute walk north to see this gem is a must. Read more about the waterfall here: Seljalandsfoss and Gljufrabui – two beauties.

Godafoss

Godafoss can be easily considered “one of a thousand”: Compared to the varied and amazing waterfalls of Iceland, Godafoss is quite average to look at.

But its special meaning hides in the name: Goðafoss, meaning waterfall of the gods. It is said to have been here in the year 1000, after the Icelandic parliament decided to convert the country to Christianity, that one of the leaders threw statuettes of pagan gods into the churning waters as a symbol of departure from the old religion.

This waterfall is on Road 1, where F26 forks off south. There is a large gas station and a snack bar nearby. It really is worth stopping here for a bit to look at Godafoss. Read more about it here: Godafoss – waterfall of the gods.

Hraunfossar

Hraunfossar is an unusual waterfall, or rather a series of waterfalls. It comprises about a hundred small cascades and streams that flow directly from rocks. This waterfall is not formed by water that flows on the surface but by water trapped between layers of rock, which escapes to the surface along a tectonic fault line. Because there are so many streams of water flowing out the name of the waterfall is plural (the plural ending -fossar, instead of the singular -foss). So in translation the name should be Hraunfossar waterfalls.

Hraunfossar never freezes over — the groundwater that feeds it goes across the Hallmundarhraun lava field, owing to which its temperature remains constant throughout the year.
The whole area around Hraunfossar is very interesting and full of attractions (see: Hraunfossar and Barnafoss – a small but unusual pair of waterfalls). This area is located near Road 1 and Reykjavik. A place definitely worth visiting as a nice add-on.

Klifbrekkufossar

Klifbrekkufossar is another interesting and picturesque waterfall that often doesn’t make it to recommendation lists, because it’s located off the main track and it ranks low on any “tallest waterfall” list.

But that doesn’t diminish its beauty – it’s just that Klifbrekkufossar is more of a cascade of 10 or so small falls, each only a few meters high, than a single huge one. But it is exactly the zigzagging cascade that makes it unique, interesting, beautiful and finally: certainly worth visiting. Some even rank it as THE #1 waterfall of Iceland…

Klifbrekkufossar is located in Mjóifjörður, on the east coast (aka the East Fjords), east of the regional capital Egilsstadir and one fjord south of Seydisfjordur, where the main ferry harbor is. It’s road 953, and down in the fjord you can also see the rusting remains of a US Navy LCM landing craft, bought from the Navy by local fishermen after World War II and later abandoned on the shore.

Kvernufoss

Kvernufoss would likely be one of the most popular falls in Iceland if only it wasn’t cursed (or blessed?) with an even more spectacular neighbor – the famous Skogafoss.

Kvernufoss lies about a mile east of Skogafoss and you can walk to it from the same parking lot, if you feel like it (but you can also move your car to a parking lot right at the start of the trail).

The unique quality of Kvernufoss is that it is one of the few waterfalls where you can easily walk behind the column of water and enjoy the views from behind it. It’s a bit smaller than Seljalandsfoss, but it’s located in an absolutely breathtaking gorge, which is worth visiting in its own right. Definitely worth seeing!

Morsárfoss

Morsarfoss

Morsárfoss is in southern Iceland, neighboring the Skaftafell Nature Reserve. It is hard to reach and its upper and/or lower sections are often obscured by the glacier. Although it flows down amazing colorful rocks it is not as spectacular as the ones on the Top 10 list. However, it has one key advantage: it stands 230 meters (750 ft) tall, which makes it the tallest waterfall in Iceland. If you have a chance, do try to see it. Wondering where precisely? Read this article about Svartifoss and Skaftafell Nature Reserve.

Ofaerufoss

Ófærufoss is located in the south of the island, in Eldgja — a stunning, 40-km (25-mile) long volcanic canyon. This picturesque, multilayered waterfall is formed by the river Ófærá with water falling inside the crevice. There used to be a natural rock bridge here but it collapsed due to erosion. Still, this place remains one of the most beautiful spots in the canyon. The F208 mountain road leading to it is not the easiest, mind you (tight with several streams to cross), but if you are driving around in a 4×4 car, you will surely be going to Landmannalaugar nearby so it really makes sense to visit Eldgja and Ofaerufoss while you’re at it. For more details about this awesome place go here: Eldgja and Ofaerufoss – the Canyon of Fire and Impassable Waterfall.