Perched on the edge of the Arctic Circle is a mystical realm where fire meets ice: Iceland. It’s full of dramatic landscapes of ancient volcanic wonders, winding fjords, world-renowned hot springs, and of course, endless mighty waterfalls. Iceland is a sanctuary for those who seek solace in the arms of nature’s untouched beauty.
Carved by the relentless force of rivers flowing over ancient bedrock, each waterfall in Iceland tells a tale of water and ice sculpting the land over millennia. From the mighty to the meek, Iceland is home to an abundance of majestic waterfalls that you’ll want to check out before you leave.
With so many surging water spots to choose from, deciding which waterfalls in Iceland to visit is a task in itself. So, let us be your guide to the coolest cascades of Iceland.
Wondering how many waterfalls are in Iceland? Some sources state there are more than 10,000!
Luckily, our map of waterfalls in Iceland shows you exactly where the top falls reside.
Some involve a hike to reach, while some can be viewed easily as you drive Iceland’s Ring Road (Route 1, the 1323km/822-mile road that circumnavigates the island). All of them are awesome – the ones we list, plus plenty more that you’ll no doubt encounter on your Iceland travels.
From the thunderous roar of Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall, to the ethereal beauty of Seljalandsfoss, where you can walk behind a veil of water, each stop promises a moment of awe.
Our list features some of the tallest, the biggest, and the best waterfalls in Iceland. We’ve categorized them by location – those that are closest to the capital city, Reykjavík, then the most famous fab falls of each region (with two special waterfall hikes thrown in for good measure).
Setting out on a waterfall trip in Iceland? Here are some helpful tips to ensure your adventure is as magical as the falls themselves!
Visiting these natural wonders can vary from a leisurely stroll to a challenging hike. Always check the trail’s difficulty and distance before setting off, and remember the weather in Iceland can be as unpredictable as it is beautiful.
Waterfall access
If you love hiking and are looking to chase waterfalls in Iceland, you have a huge array of trails to choose from. Seeing waterfalls such as Glymur, Hengifoss, Svartifoss, and Morsárfoss involves hiking, while reaching the prime viewpoints for Dynjandi, Dettifoss, and Öxarárfoss requires you to follow a walking trail for up to 30 minutes.
Other falls are easily reached by a relatively short walk from parking areas: Gullfoss, Brúarfoss, Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Háifoss, Hraunfossar, Goðafoss, Aldeyjarfoss, and Klifbrekkufossar.
There are also longer waterfall hikes ideal for travelers who can’t get enough. See the Waterfall Way for a hike above Skógafoss waterfall in South Iceland, and the Waterfall Circle for a loop of fab falls in a remote part East Iceland.
Road access to waterfalls is also a mix of year-round easy access to 4x4 recommended and only in summer. Get to know the website road.is, to find up-to-date guidance on road conditions.
Note that parking near waterfalls in Iceland can be a mixed bag, from plenty of spaces (free or paid parking) to limited roadside spots. Arriving early or visiting during off-peak times can help you avoid the crowds and bag yourself a good parking spot.
The right gear
Dress in layers and waterproofs to stay comfy, come rain or shine. Even if it’s not raining, waterpoofs are worthwhile to keep you dry from all that waterfall mist!
A good pair of waterproof hiking boots is a must, and in winter, we highly recommend crampons or microspikes to wear over your shoes. With all that water, paths can get super icy and slippery. Crampons can help you stay upright! Cheap versions are available in many places in Iceland.
Obviously, bring a camera to capture those breathtaking falls. Don’t forget a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated, and consider a sturdy backpack for all those tasty Icelandic snacks and other essentials.
