Have you ever felt humble while out in nature? You will undoubtedly encounter it in Iceland. The combination of Iceland’s waterfalls and northern lights was a fantastic experience, and it amazes one how beautiful nature can be.

There are numerous waterfalls in Iceland to fill your mind with joy and happiness. This article will teach you about the beautiful and mesmerizing Iceland waterfalls.

Iceland, The Country

Iceland, the least populous nation in all of Europe, is an island nation in the North Atlantic Ocean. Iceland is the most significant portion of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge that rises above sea level.

The interior comprises a plateau with mountains, glaciers, sand and lava fields, and many glacial rivers flowing through the lowlands to the sea.

Iceland Travel Planning

Iceland Travel Planning is more difficult than in many other places. Iceland has much to offer, which is unsurprising given the country’s breathtaking volcanoes, lava fields, beaches, and beautiful waterfalls.

Do you believe there are more than 10,000 picturesque waterfalls in Iceland? Which waterfalls in Iceland should you visit?

Here are the country’s incredible waterfalls that top the list of “Best waterfalls in Iceland” and deserve a stop. There are so many outstanding waterfalls in Iceland. Let’s look at some.

Popular Waterfalls in Iceland

1. Glymur Waterfall

Glymur Waterfall is located in Hvalfjörur, about an hour’s drive from Reykjavik and close to the Golden Circle.

For that reason, it’s one of the best Iceland waterfalls to see on a short trip. It features several narrow falls of different sizes cascading down a mountain face.

When you venture off the beaten path to explore Hvalfjordur, you will encounter an adventurous hiking trail that will take you across rivers and along cliff edges to the Glymur waterfall.

Glymur Waterfall is second on the list of tallest waterfalls in Iceland, and its beauty is exemplified by the blooming flora, making it one of the best waterfalls in Iceland.

The 198m high Glymur waterfall takes about an hour to trek, but you must cross a river. There is a river crossing with a single log bridge.

2. Dettifoss Waterfall

Dettifoss waterfall, located on the Jökulsá á Fjöllum River, is Europe’s second most potent waterfall after Switzerland’s Rhine Falls.

The Dettifoss waterfall, located in the Diamond Circle of North Iceland near Húsavík and Lake Mývatnis, is so powerful that it causes the surrounding rocks to tremble, allowing you to feel the vibrations.

Dettifoss waterfall is located inside the Vatnajökull National Park in northeast Iceland.

This powerful waterfall has water sourced from the nearby Vatnajökull glacier, whose sediment-rich outflow gives the water a greyish-white appearance.

The vast Jökulsá á Fjöllum waterfall falls for more than 144 feet, creating a spectacular crashing water spray.

The Dettifoss waterfall appears at the start of Ridley Scott’s film “Prometheus” in the sequence depicting the birth of life on Earth. Dettifoss waterfall is famous for its strength rather than its appearance.

However, the Dettifoss waterfall is spectacular; it is vast, and the mist from the falls and the rainbows that occur in it can be seen from many miles away.

On the other hand, the roar of this mighty waterfall cannot be heard until you are close enough.

3. Svartifoss Waterfall

The name “Svartifoss” translates to “black waterfall” in Icelandic. A hike through Skaftafell, part of Vatnajökull National Park, will take you to the 80-foot Svartifoss waterfall, surrounded by black basalt columns.

The hexagonal columns form within a lava flow, cooling extremely slowly and allowing crystallization.

This waterfall is unique because it cascades over the 3D wall of hexagonal basalt columns. It’s a short hike made even more magical by January’s white snow and ice.

This waterfall is a treat to the eyes of someone who appreciates waterfalls and unusual rock formations. It’s impossible not to be moved by such magnificent art. The waterfall appears to be a meticulously shaped sculpture, almost artificial.

4. Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

You can get behind the Seljalandsfoss waterfall on Iceland’s South Coast. The waterfall drops 60 meters and is part of the Seljalands River, which originates in the Eyjafjallajökull volcano glacier.

You can view the falls from every angle by walking into a small cave behind them. What a breathtakingly beautiful waterfall. From this cave-like vantage point, one gets an entirely different view of the falls. It’s incredible to park about 100 meters away and walk up to the Seljalandsfoss waterfall in winter.

5. Skogafoss Waterfall

Skógafoss is a waterfall on the Skógi River in Iceland’s south, near the cliff that marks the former coastline. It is one of the largest waterfalls on the island; a stop here is a must, and it is a guaranteed swim.

Hundreds of people are almost always gathered near the fall, taking selfies while being sprayed by water rushing down from the 60-meter-high, 25-meter-wide fall.

Skogat Falls is a magnificent waterfall and among the most photographed waterfalls in Iceland. However, photographing is difficult due to many people and the water vapour covering the lens with delicate drops of water.

I was completely frozen, with massive stalactites larger than myself. Skogafoss is not Iceland’s largest waterfall but the most impressive and powerful water stream I have seen.

6. Dynjandi Waterfall

Though most of the attractions in the primordial Westfjords are on the coast, you must travel inland to see the incredible Dynjandi Waterfall.

This beautiful waterfall is a series of seven waterfalls in Iceland, one of the most remote areas in Iceland and a place not many travellers get to see. The total height of all seven waterfalls is 100m.

Dynjandi waterfall is the largest in the Westfjords and truly deserves to be called the Westfjords’ jewel. It appears like any other fall in the country and is breathtakingly beautiful. It is 10 meters wide at the top and 60 meters wide at the bottom. 

The route to Dynjandi waterfall is quite scenic, with an elevation of about 200 meters up to the largest waterfall. Dynjandi waterfall, or Fjallfoss as it is more commonly known, tumbles down a vast natural staircase from a 100-meter-high, resembling a beautiful bridal veil.

Several other waterfalls are beneath Dynjandi waterfall, and one passes to the main waterfall. Dynjandi means “the roaring,” and the name is easily understood on the site.

The water cascades down six waterfalls to the Borgarfjödur. Wow! Lava rock and a moss-wrapped gem.

7. Morsarfoss Waterfall

What is the height of Iceland’s tallest waterfall? We have an answer! Morsárfoss is a 787-foot / 240-meter tall waterfall in Iceland’s Vatnajökull National Park. One of the younger waterfalls was made due to global warming, and the melting glacier was visible on top.

Glymur waterfall was the tallest on the list of Iceland’s tallest waterfalls in Iceland until a retreating glacier revealed the Morsárfoss waterfall, which stole Glymur’s crown in 2011, standing at 198 meters!

However, by 2007, Morsarjökull (part of the Vatnajokull glacier) had begun to melt, revealing a new, taller waterfall at 240 meters. As a result, Morsárfoss can now claim the prestigious title of Iceland’s Tallest Waterfall.

8. Gullfoss Waterfall

Gullfoss in Iceland is a moving sight, this beauty of nature, these bodies of water, the volume of the water, the many rainbows, the slapping wet clothes from the gorge, and the greenery.

Gullfoss Waterfall is one of the most famous waterfalls in Iceland and is a tourist spot as it is part of the famous Golden Circle in Iceland. Did you know that Gullfoss translates to “Golden Falls”?

It refers to the refraction of sunlight in splashes of water, which frequently form multiple rainbows, making it one of Iceland’s best waterfalls. The most iconic waterfall is located in the south of Iceland.

In the summer, it is one of Europe’s most powerful waterfalls by volume, with an average flow rate of 140 cubic meters per second.

Gullfoss Lake has a large waterfall with a 70m water source. Gullfoss is a two-tiered waterfall, with the upper section cascading over 11 meters onto rocks and the lower area dropping into a 21-meter-deep gorge. The total cumulative height is 32 meters.

As you approach, you will feel like you are being sucked into the water pressure.

Gullfoss, located on the outskirts of the inner highlands, is one of the three must-see attractions along the famous Golden Circle route in southwestern Iceland’s most spectacular waterfalls, flowing from the Hvítá river.

The “World of Waterfalls” magazine ranks Gullfoss as one of the top ten waterfalls in the world.

9. Kirkjufellsfoss Waterfall

There are many beautiful landscapes to photograph in Iceland. Still, the almost perfect conical Kirken mountains and, at the foot of them, Kirkjufellfoss waterfall in the western Snijensnes peninsula are among the most photogenic, which makes it a famous waterfall.

The mountain shape resembles a wizard’s hat, adding to the fantasy atmosphere. There is always beautiful scenery in all four seasons, but there seems to be a wizard or a ghost in the summer.

Kirkjufell Mountain (measuring 463 meters) is one of western Iceland’s most popular and visited attractions on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Kirkjufell’s midnight sun is a sight to behold. It’s truly incredible to be standing under the most incredible phenomenal. Kirkjufell is made up of volcanic rock but is not a volcano in and of itself.

It is a former nunatak, a mountain that protruded above the glaciers that surrounded it during the Ice Age, and it was previously part of the strata of the area. This stratum consists of alternating layers of Pleistocene lava and sandstone with stuff on top.

This was a place where I could find peace while gazing at the magnificent Northern Lights. Use your trusted weather app to determine where the sky will be clear for the night (because a clear sky potentially means you get to watch the northern lights).

Kirkjufell is probably Iceland’s most photographed mountain. It was also used for filming in Game of Thrones seasons 6 and 7.

10. Godafoss Waterfall

An impressive miniature of Niagara Falls, Godafoss lives up to its name.

Godafoss waterfall in northern Iceland is 45 minutes from Akureyri, Iceland’s second-largest city, at the intersection of the Sprengisandur highland road and the nation’s main ring road.

The Skjálfandafljót River’s water flows from a height of 12 meters over a width of 30 meters. A 1.8-mile hiking trail circles the waterfall area.

Nordic Paganism was suppressed, and Christianity was proclaimed Iceland’s official religion more than a thousand years ago.

According to legend, the nation’s most prominent and high-ranking judge at the time is said to have thrown his Nordic statues into this waterfall. For this reason, the waterfall is known as Godafoss, Waterfall of the Gods.

Hidden Gems

11. Bruarfoss Waterfall

“Blue Bruarfoss” in Southwest Iceland is a series of small waterfalls that remain a hidden gem. It is somewhat challenging to find, but it is worth the trip. It is situated just off the Golden Circle route.

This waterfall is unique due to its turquoise colour, surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Although the path is relatively flat, perseverance will be required because the first part of the hike is muddy.

To get to the waterfall, you must follow a gravel path for ten minutes from the nearest car park. The waterfall is located between the Strokkur Geysir and Pingviller National Park, making it an accessible and less touristy stop on any trip on Iceland’s Golden Circle route.

Many people stop at the first waterfall, thinking it’s the one they’re looking for, but the path involves two waterfalls before arriving at the correct location. It’s only a short hike away (15-20 min.)

The Briard River feeds Bruartfoss, and glaciers melt water from the Langjökull glacier. This glacial water is responsible for Bruarfoss’s sky-blue colour and is as cold as it appears.

12. Kvernufoss Waterfall

Have you ever seen a waterfall inside a rock arch? Kvernufoss waterfall is next to Skogafoss, but not everyone knows this Icelandic marvel.

A 40-meter-high waterfall with an unrivalled landscape, Kvernufoss Waterfall is one of the island’s many natural wonders. At the bottom of the waterfall, you can see how beautiful nature can be. You can also walk past it for an even more unique experience.

Despite its easy accessibility and proximity to the world-famous Skogafoss, it receives relatively few visitors.

The waterfall is hidden at the end of a few hundred meters long canyons and thus not visible from the ring road. The canyon enhances the beauty of the waterfall, which is accessible by foot.

13. Hairfoss Waterfall

In southern Iceland, the Haifoss waterfall is located near the volcano Hekla. Outside of the typical tourist route, you can find this wonder.

The river Fossa, a tributary of the Þjórsá, falls from a height of 122 meters here. Granny, the smaller waterfall, is nearby. They are two hours east of Reykjavik along the Ring Road into Jórsárdalur Valley; the final 4.5 miles are only possible in a 4WD vehicle.

This is the island’s fourth-highest waterfall after Morsárfoss, Glymur, and Hengifoss.

14. Hraunfossar Waterfall

The only unique waterfall I’ve ever seen in Iceland is called Hraunfossar or “Lava Falls,” created by streams that emerge from the Hallmundarhraun lava field instead of a tall, strong stream of water.

Hraunfossar waterfall, Iceland’s second largest after Gullfoss, is fed by the Langjökull glacier and flows down 900-meter-wide lava rocks.

While most waterfalls in Iceland are famous for their breathtaking power, Hraunfossar’s allure stems from its serene, gentle beauty.

This tranquil spot, with many rivulets trickling down from a lava plateau adorned with birch trees, is ideal for those seeking peace among the region’s monumental features.

The interesting thing about Haraunfossar Waterfall is that the water does not come from a river and break over a ledge but instead flows out of the porous rock over a long distance.

With the colourful river, the whole thing looks fantastic. This is an excellent location for photographing breathtaking views.

15. Hengifoss Waterfall

East Iceland’s waterfalls are numerous and relatively unknown, but none are as impressive as Hengifoss.

Hengifoss waterfall is Iceland’s third-highest waterfall, standing at 128 meters. It’s in Hengifossa, Fljótsdalshreppur, Eastern Iceland.

It is not on the usual tourist routes because basaltic strata surround it with thin red clay between the basaltic layers, which is bizarre yet beautiful.

This unique attraction in East Iceland via a beautiful hiking route can be discovered for the cost of a short 3 km hike. But the hike is well worth it because the location is truly magical! The red layers of volcanic ash rock are stunning. Iron oxide is responsible for the red colour (rust).

The waterfall is 1/8 of a foot tall. When you turn around, you can see how high you are. The waterfall is visible from a distance despite an hour-long uphill hike.

Hengifoss waterfall looks best in the sun when contrasted with the basalt rock interspersed with red clay threads.

Ending Thought

Plan your sightseeing with our list of the best waterfalls in Iceland. When visiting Iceland, deviate from the typical ring road route and seek out Iceland’s most stunning and best waterfalls. Natural attractions and these beautiful waterfalls in Iceland are almost all cost-free.

How do you feel? Okay, I realize that this probably sounds sloppily spoken, but I assure you that each of these Icelandic waterfalls will blow your mind.

Ah! And one more thing, if it wasn’t clear, “Foss” is the word for Icelandic waterfalls is foss. I believe it to be the only word I can pronounce. Did you get that?