The very first thing you think of when someone even mentions Iceland is its unmatched natural wonders. While the list of unique Icelandic landscapes and landforms is truly endless you should probably start unveiling the wild and unseen beauty of this country from its crystal-clear waterfalls. Let´s talk about the top waterfalls in Iceland that you should place on your travel bucket list right away.
Waterfalls in Iceland
Everyone loves Waterfalls
Flying moments, rushing water, plants flourishing, fresh fragrance of water spray – the feeling of natural power and life: waterfalls always take my breath away. Peaceful and powerful beauty, which makes us forget the world around us.
There are many scientific theories stating running water gives off negative ions. Could this be the reason behind all the good energy we get while being around waterfalls? – You should really visit Iceland at least once in a lifetime to feel some waterfall magic running through your system.
Icelandic Nature
I hope I made myself clear – Iceland is truly the world of waterfalls. Tall, like Skógafoss, strong like Dettifoss, blue like Godafoss or Bruarfoss – the palette of Icelandic natural wonders comes in countless colors and forms: honestly, I was constantly in awe during my week in Iceland.
No need to mention: the waterfalls in Iceland are known for its epic water quality (seriously, it might be the most delicious sip in your life). Plus it´s the easiest experience to get – you simply stop anywhere on the road, refill your bottle, and get energized for the rest of the day.
So, let´s talk about the top waterfalls in Iceland. This is obviously a short must-do list for people who plan to do the Ring Road Drive. If you have more than one week in Iceland, just get off the road and try to hit as many off-the-beaten-path waterfalls in Iceland as you possibly can. You’re be spoilt for choices if you aim for the Icelandic hidden gems ( and love hiking).
Top Waterfalls in Iceland
1. Skogafoss
Skogafoss is the most beautiful and touristic waterfall in Iceland, a must-stop on every South Coast Iceland tour. This waterfall is 25m wide & 60m high, and its surrounded by greenery: valleys, mountains… literslly,all shades of green. There is a path all the way to the top of it, where you can get some amazing panoramic views of the area.
2. Dettifoss
One of the most remarkable waterfalls in Iceland and also the most powerful one in Europe is undoubtedly the mighty Dettifoss. Situated on the Jökulsá á Fjöllum river, Dettifoss is 100 m wide and has a drop of 45 m. It definitely blows your mind with its size and power. However, its waters are not blue like those of other Icelandic waterfalls – they have a grey-milky color (due to the sediment-rich meltwaters of the vast Vatnajökull glacier). Also, the water spray in the area is so strong that you could easily see a rainbow on a sunny day.
3. Bruarfoss
My favorite one of the waterfalls in Iceland – the “bluest of the bluest” – Bruarfoss. It is not as high or strong as others, but you can’t take your eyes off those blue waters. I´m not sure I´ve ever seen such a gorgeous watercolor around the world. The landscape looks absolutely surreal. Bruarfoss is significantly less touristic than Skogafoss, plus you can say it´s hard enough to find (because you don´t park right in front and walk a while through the surrounding greenery to get the first glimpse of it).
4. Godafoss
Godafoss is one of the most famous waterfalls in Iceland once you head North. It is conveniently located along the Iceland´s ring road, so it´s unlikely you can eventually miss it.
5. Seljalandsfoss
Seljalandsfoss drops 60 m and the surrounding area is full of tiny waterfalls and streams. The most interesting part about this waterfall is that you can actually walk behind it into a small cave and see the outside world from the behind of the waterwall. Keep in mind that the whole path inside Seljalandsfoss is quite slippery, also wearing a waterproof jacket ( or a raincoat) will prevent you from getting wet for the rest of your day.
6. Kirkjufellsfoss
Kirkjufellsfoss has been quite on the radar lately as one of the Game of Thrones Filming Locations. It is a must stop when visiting the Snæfellsnes peninsula, also called Iceland in Miniature. The waterfall itself might be considered as ordinary by some (especially if you compare it to the other stunning waterfalls in Iceland), but the Kirkjufell mountain on the background makes the whole landscape truly unique.
7. Svartifoss
Located in Skaftafell National Park, Svartifoss is surrounded by dark lava columns, often compared to organ pipes. You actually need to hike to reach it, both upwards and downwards (5 km for a round trip). But Svartifoss is worth the walk without any doubts.
As we visited in August, the path towards Svartifoss was packed with tourists. But I feel like if you head there early in the morning or in the offseason, you might get some truly magical shots of this peculiar waterfall.
8. Gullfoss
While being one of the most signature Icelandic landmarks, Gullfoss actually means “Golden Falls” in Icelandic. It is one of the most touristic places in the whole country, partially due to its location – 1,5h from Reykjavik by car. The most alluring thing about this waterfall is that you view it from the above instead of the usual below.
More to the story…
“Are these all the waterfalls I should see in Iceland?” – you´d ask.
You could probably travel around for months (or even years) and not cross off your list all of the Icelandic natural wonders. Waterfalls in Iceland are everywhere. Some of them are hard to access, others are easy to spot all along the Ring Road. Many of them don´t even have names: unknown and yet extremely beautiful.
Here you have some of the waterfalls/streams I´ve seen during my trip around Iceland.
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I only saw 3 of these on my first visit, so I definitely need to go back! Especially for Kirkjufellsfoss and Svartifoss. If I had the time and money, I’d even go twice, once in summer and once in winter to see the difference. Beautiful photos! #TheWeeklyPostcard
Thanks for your comment, David! I was there in August, but I´d also like to visit Iceland in winter one day and to see the northern lights!
I absolutely love waterfalls so really enjoyed your post and your pictures. Iceland is very high up on my wish list so hope to make it out there soon. Thanks for linking up with #TheWeeklyPostcard.
Thank you, Anisa! I also love waterfalls and Iceland is really the “land of waterfalls”! glad you liked the post!
I went in winter and saw Gulfoss, but it was quite frozen. They look amazing in the warmer weather!
I saw somewhere pics of Gulfoss in winter – quite impressive as well!
Whenever we make it to Iceland one day, I want to see as many of these BEAUTIFUL waterfalls as possible!! #TheWeeklyPostcard
Thanks for stopping by! Iceland is really amazing, waterfalls are endless <3
I love how you have captured the peaceful water and the contrast of the powerful waterfalls, it looks like the kind of place I could while away several hours in awe of those blue waters. I can imagine the spray from those falls and would love to see that rainbow for myself. Thank you so much for linking with up #TheWeeklyPostcard
Hey, Lyn! Thanks so much! I´m still in awe myself of all those natural wonders [lol]
Wow, Anna! Your photos have me missing Iceland. I loved the waterfalls. Such majestic beauty. I’d love to go back and discover more.
Thank you, Mara! I´d love to go back one day as well! too many wonderful undiscovered places left in Iceland!
I’m desperate to go to Iceland
This makes me want to go more
I was the same: saw somewhere pictures of this beautiful land and was dreaming about it ever since…[lol] Now still want to go back one day to see more
Waterfalls are my absolute favorite sites to see! They are always so beautiful and majestic and these def are those! Thanks for sharing these, I will have to check these out when I plan a trip to Iceland!
Thanks for your comment Yvonne! I´m also a waterfall lover <3
Ah so many beautiful ones here!! We have Niagra Falls here in NY but I have never been. And I love your photos of the city too. Thanks for posting.
Allie of
http://www.allienyc.com
I´d love to visit the Niagra Falls as well! Waterfalls are magical!
WOW IT LOOKS AMAZING.
i WOULD WANT TO VISIT.
Much Love,
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Thanks for your comment, Jane!
Spectacular views and waterfalls, shall keep them in mind when we get a chance to visit Iceland.
xoxo
Lovely
http://www.mynameislovely.com
Thanks, Lovely!
Wow what amazing photos. It looks like such an incredible place. I would so love to visit one day, definitely a place on my travel bucket list xx
Gemma • GemmaEtc.com ❤️
Thank you, Gemma!
wow this post is amazing! loved this !
Jadieegosh Instagram
I can’t believe I wasn’t familiar with these sites. I’d really only ever seen the first one so I am blown away. Never imagined waterfalls would also be a natural point of interest in Iceland. Thanks for the FYI!
Sxx
daringcoco.com