Top 18 Waterfalls of Iceland

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No visit is complete to Iceland without waterfalls. Waterfalls in Iceland are so numerous that some of them do not even have names as they are created every spring. We would like to share with you the best of the best. Top 18 Waterfalls of Iceland.

It is hard to write about Iceland and omit the waterfalls. Rather than have snapshots and mentions of the various falls we encountered, we decided to do a super post on all the waterfalls that stood out for us.

Our journey began on famous Ring of Fire road. First stop, Þingvellir National Park is more famous for the rifts between the tectonic plates and Geysir. For us, it was the beginning of a love affair with Iceland’s majestic and mystical waterfalls.

1. Öxarárfoss

   

   Öxarárfoss turned out to be a hidden gem. A short hike between the rifts brought us to this waterfalls. Bonus for being the only ones there.

2. Gullfoss

   
   We spent the first night parked right next to Gullfoss waterfall. There is a visitor center which has a restaurant, souvenir shop and washrooms. Overnight parking is not allowed there but there is a small side road which leads to the waterfall beneath the visitor center. That’s where we spent the night. We woke up and found out that everything was covered in ice and we “skated” to Gullfoss to take a few pictures.

3. Seljalandsfoss

   
   Seljalandsfoss is one of the most famous waterfalls along the south coast. Make sure you wear rain gear so you don’t get soaked through. A good tip is to start off by checking out the other three falls that are a walking distance from Seljalandsfoss so you are not walking completely soaked.

4. Small Waterfall near Seljalandsfoss

   

   Easily one of the most overlooked wonders of nature in Iceland.

   If you are in the area, make sure make sure you stop at Gljúfrafoss. It is an amazing climb to see it from the top and by waddling up the stream, you can go into a cave and see and feel the might of the waterfall. You will be completely soaked but it is totally worth it!

5. Skogafoss

   Skogafoss was one of our overnight stops in Iceland. What can be better than having a coffee with a view like that. Southern Iceland is more geared towards tourists and major attractions have camping and overnight facilities. In the north it proved to be a challenge for us and our camper van.

6. Unnamed small waterfall

   In North America, this waterfall would be manned by a park ranger or security. You would pay an entrance fee and then you will follow hundreds of people on the same marked path to look at it. In Iceland, all parks are free (for now) and waterfalls like this one, is just one of hundreds that we have come across.

7. Svartifoss (Black Falls)

   
   
   Svartifoss is a waterfall in Skaftafell in Vatnajökull National Park.  It is surrounded by dark lava columns and proved to be one of the more challenging climbs to get to. October is a very rainy month and naturally, with lower tourist population and explosion of fall colors, it drove us to visit Iceland. To get to Svartifoss, you will have to make sure you follow a path that is marked on a map at the entrance of the park. We didn’t… We found remains of a village that was abandoned and ended up slogging through rain and mud on quite a detour but totally worth it.

8. Folaldafoss
   

   The reason this photo is black and white is to express our emotions  ….Oxi Pass Waterfalls. On our way north, our GPS showed a detour that would save us more than two hours of driving around the peninsula. This detour is called the Oxi Pass. Apart from driving in rain and snow in Westfjords, this is one of the most dangerous roads in Iceland. Anyone attempting to drive on this pass, should exercise caution. It is a gravel road that is barely wide enough for two cars and without any guard rails, mistakes can prove to be fatal. We drove in second gear the whole way up and apart from encountering two trucks, had a pleasant drive.

9. Litlanesfoss

   Litlanesfoss is a very beautiful small waterfalls located on the river Hengifossa near its bigger brother Hengifoss. Often overlooked due to his bigger and more famous brother, Litlanesfoss is a must to see. We enjoyed the fact that it is one of very few waterfalls that are not completely overrun by tourists.

10. Hengifoss

    Hengifoss is the third highest waterfall in Iceland, 128 meters. To get closer, there is a hike that one must do. Funny thing is, the waterfall is seen from the parking lot and we didn’t understand why would Tripadvisor say that it is a strenuous hike that takes 3 hours. We started out on a brisk pace thinking it would take 30-40 minutes to ascend. However, after 40 minutes, the distance remained the same. We increased our pace and after another 40 minutes it barely got closer… Prepare to shed some calories for this majestic falls. It is totally worth it.

11. Dettifoss

    Dettifoss is not an easily accessible but that’s the appeal of it. If you are whale watching in Husavik or chillaxing in Myvatn, then a stop at Dettifoss is a must.

12. Goðafoss

    I made a mistake of moving rocks around when we got to Goðafoss and it cost me dearly. In Iceland, it is said that rocks should not be moved as it might house an elf. I learned my lesson as I fell three times, got hit with a tripod in the eye, banged my head and got bruises all over. Coincidence? Maybe… In any case, stay away from rocks in Iceland.

13. Dynjandi

    Another good overnight stop… Dynjandi is a series of waterfalls located in the Westfjords. The drive to Dynjandi is quite difficult. At times, we questioned the need to see the waterfall. The weather was atrocious and the feeling of loneliness and desolation was magnified exponentially in Westfjords. The remoteness and haunting wind that blew non stop was spell bounding. We were low spirits, rounding one fjord after another but seeing this beauty wiped all the negativity away. Definitely, my favorite falls in Iceland. Heck, in the world for that matter!

14. One of the small Dynjandi waterfalls

    Climbing the Dyjandi waterfalls has an added bonus, every few hundred feet there is a small waterfall that you can photograph and rest at. Each one is unique and deserves a picture of its own.

15. Kirkjufellsfoss

    Definitely one of the most visited attractions in Iceland and while the view is amazing, finding a parking spot is challenging. I recommend coming to see the rock and falls in the morning.

    
    It doesn’t matter what angle you take a photo from, it is sure to be a winner.

    

16. Hraunfossar

    We were shocked to find out that Hraunfossar is not a very popular tourist attraction. In my opinion, this is one of the most beautiful waterfalls. Looking at cascading water, one can easily achieve zen.

17. Barnafossar

    There is a tragic story concerning this waterfall. Two kids went to play one day and went missing. They drowned and were found downstream. The mother had the bridge destroyed so that this tragedy would not be repeated.

18. Waterfall on someone’s front-yard

    In our opinion, Iceland should be called the land of waterfalls. Where else can you have your own personal waterfalls on your backyard? Only in Iceland. No wonder Icelanders are such happy people and love their country.

     

    Please comment below, we would love to know which waterfall is your favorite.