Iceland's Most Beautiful Waterfalls
Situated south of the Arctic Circle, the 'Land of Ice and Fire' is blessed with exceptional landscapes. Among them? Its waterfalls, which adorn the country!
Situated south of the Arctic Circle, the 'Land of Ice and Fire' is blessed with exceptional landscapes. Among them? Its waterfalls, which adorn the country! Whether frozen, volcanic or multi-tiered, each foss is a geological treasure, promising an unforgettable panorama and hiking experience. Keen to discover Iceland's most beautiful waterfalls? Follow us…
Fjallfoss: The Dynjandi Waterfall
Fjallfoss – also named the 'Dynjandi waterfall' – is a majestic waterfall located in northwest Iceland, in the Vestfirðir region. At 100 metres high with 7 successive waterfalls resembling staircase steps, it is one of the most beautiful cascades in the country! Despite its remote location, this 'mountain waterfall' remains easily accessible. As you walk along the small path ascending its slope, you'll enjoy a breathtaking panorama.
Practical Information
GPS Coordinates: 65.77430939009442, -23.172765216017414
Accessibility: Easy access by car (from Route 60 towards Vestfjarðavegur), then an easy 15-minute walk to reach the top.
Goðafoss: The 'Waterfall of the Gods'
Located in the Mývatn region, in northern Iceland, you'll find Goðafoss. Named the 'Waterfall of the Gods' by the Icelandic parliament (in the year 1000), it originates from the Skjálfandafljót river and plunges 12 metres high. Close to Route 1, Goðafoss also offers a superb overall view!
Practical Information
GPS Coordinates: 65.68282220900079, -17.550478203706938
Accessibility: Easy access from Route 1 connecting Akureyri to Reykjahlídh. Free parking.
Safety: A small pebble beach is accessible on foot; be vigilant as there are no safety barriers along the water's edge.
Dettifoss: Europe's Most Powerful Waterfall in Iceland
Considered one of Europe's most powerful waterfalls by Icelanders, Dettifoss is located in the canyon of the Jökulsá á Fjöllum, which means 'the glacial river of the mountains'. Standing at 308 metres altitude, it plunges 44 metres high. This natural treasure served as the backdrop for the opening scene of Ridley Scott's film Prometheus!
To reach its summit, you'll need to walk for about twenty minutes. Once there, you'll spot the Selfoss waterfall in the distance (not to be confused with the town of the same name, located in southern Iceland).
Practical Information
GPS Coordinates: 65.81533017665448, -16.38500593245517
Accessibility: Easy access via Route 864 to the east (Hólsfjallavegur) and Route 862 to the west (Dettifossvegur). From Dettifoss, a short 1.5-hour hike allows you to reach the Selfoss waterfall.
Lítlanesfoss and Hengifoss: Two Icelandic Waterfalls with Basalt Columns
The Hengifoss waterfall is located in northeast Iceland, on the small stream Brekkuselslækur. Standing 118 metres high, it is the largest waterfall in the country! It overlooks Lake Lagarfljót, known for its famous Lagarfljótsormur… a legendary sea monster resembling a giant worm.
Along the trail, Hengifoss is preceded by the Lítlanesfoss waterfall. The hike thus offers two drop points, surrounded by splendid basalt columns – rock formations typical of Icelandic landscapes.
Practical Information
GPS Coordinates: 65.16645289830458, -14.950555527774029
Accessibility: The hike departs from the waterfall parking area (Route 933). Allow approximately 30 minutes to reach Lítlanesfoss, and 1 hour 15 minutes of walking to access Hengifoss. Note that beyond Lítlanesfoss, the path becomes steeper.
Svartifoss: The Waterfall with Geometric Rock Walls
Located in the heart of Skaftafell National Park, the Svartifoss waterfall is accessible after a short 5.5-kilometre hike. At just 12 metres high, it is more discreet than other waterfalls, but it benefits from an exceptional geological setting! During your trek, you can admire its volcanic columns (composed of more or less regular prisms), formed from lava flows.
Practical Information
GPS Coordinates: 64.02759866213157, -16.974900606004226
Accessibility: Access from Route 1. The hiking trail lasts approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.
Safety: Well-marked trail, accessible to children.
Skógafoss: One of Iceland's Most Beautiful Waterfalls
Located in southern Iceland, between the glaciers Mýrdalsjökull and Eyjafjallajökull, the Skógafoss waterfall plunges 62 metres high. Highly popular, it attracts numerous visitors each year (surely drawn by the treasure of the Viking Drasi, supposedly hidden behind its veil of water…). While a hiking trail allows you to access the waterfall's summit, you can also reach it by climbing the 370 steps leading to the panoramic view!
Practical Information
GPS Coordinates: 63.53216052375599, -19.511344175713262
Accessibility: Hiking trail departure from the town of Skógar. Free parking. Fairly easy but steep trek (allow 2 hours of climbing for 7.2 kilometres and 20 minutes to climb the steps)
Safety: It is recommended to wear crampons to facilitate the ascent and tackle slippery ground in winter.
Seljalandsfoss: The Waterfall with an Atypical Viewpoint
The Seljalandsfoss waterfall measures 65 metres high and is fed by waters from the Eyjafjallajökull glacier. Its distinctive feature? The waterfall can be circumnavigated, offering an exceptional view behind its water curtain! The trail is also renowned for sheltering numerous bird species.
Practical Information
GPS Coordinates: 63.61573183148676, -19.98862026900185
Accessibility: Access from Route 1. Free parking. Easy hike (approximately 1 hour of walking).
Safety: Well-maintained trail, but slippery in winter. Bring good hiking shoes – and a raincoat if you wish to circumnavigate the waterfall to enjoy its unique viewpoint!
Gulfoss: Iceland's 'Golden Falls'
Located on the Hvítá river in southern Iceland, the Gulfoss waterfall features two drops, renowned for their impressive flows. On fine days, you may have the chance to spot a beautiful rainbow… Gulfoss is part of the famous 'Golden Circle', a 300 km circuit allowing you to also visit Þingvellir National Park and the Geysir hot springs.
GPS Coordinates: 64.32723291513894, -20.119705003921236
Accessibility: Access from Route 36. The road then becomes a small path (which only 4x4 vehicles can tackle). It's also possible to do the hike on horseback.
Safety: In winter the waterfall offers a wonderful frozen panorama; at this time bring crampons to tackle slippery ground.
Frequently asked questions
The Hengifoss waterfall, located in northeast Iceland, is the highest in the country at 118 metres high. It is accessible after approximately 1 hour 15 minutes of hiking from the Route 933 parking area.
Dettifoss is considered one of Europe's most powerful waterfalls. It plunges 44 metres high into the Jökulsá á Fjöllum canyon and is accessible via Routes 862 and 864.
Yes! The Seljalandsfoss waterfall, 65 metres high and fed by the Eyjafjallajökull glacier, has a trail allowing you to circumnavigate it and enjoy a unique viewpoint behind its water curtain. Pack a raincoat and good shoes, as the trail can be slippery.
Icelandic waterfalls are accessible year-round. In summer (June-August), roads are clear and waterfalls are at maximum flow. In winter, some offer spectacular frozen landscapes, but trails can be slippery: bring crampons.
Most major waterfalls in Iceland are freely accessible, with parking often free (Goðafoss, Skógafoss, Seljalandsfoss…). Some sites may charge for parking during peak season. Check before your visit.
Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, located in southern Iceland, are among the easiest to reach from Reykjavik, approximately 1 hour 30 minutes by car. Gulfoss, on the Golden Circle route, is also very accessible and often included in tours departing from the capital.
