At least once per drive, you’ll be able to see waterfalls in Iceland. Below is a list of the most beautiful waterfalls located around the country that I believe are worth seeing on any trip to Iceland. (Of course, I’m sure there are more that I missed!)
Dettifoss
Europe’s most powerful waterfall, Dettifoss has the largest volume of water plummet off the cliff every second. There are two routes to reach the falls — one from the west and one from the east. The west side has a glamorously paved road leading to the falls, but requires a small walk once there. You’ll also need your rain coat on this side; all the mist from the falls comes this way. The east side is quite the opposite: Unpaved road, but no walk. You’re so close, you can touch the waterfall from this side if you so desire…although, you may fall off. Although a much more difficult journey, the view from the east is prettier in my opinion.
Godafoss
Godafoss gets its name from the idea that this is the location where the conversion to Christianity began in Iceland. I like to think this looks like the Niagara Falls of Iceland. Because it is part of the Diamond Circle, the falls get busy during the day from numerous bus tours. If visiting early morning or evening hours, you may find you have the entire falls to yourself.
Glymur
The second tallest waterfall in Iceland, this is not a quick stopover. If you’re hoping for a pretty waterfall with no work, this is not the one for you. There is no easy way to see Glymur. You have to hike at least 2.5km across a log on a river, up the side of a rocky cliff with only a rope to hold onto in order to reach the first viewpoint. Yes, the first viewpoint. From there, you have the choice to continue another kilometer on to the top where you can cross the river that leads to the falls. Warning, though — this is not an easy cross. It’s a take your shoes off, hike up your pants, and wade across slippery rocks in 50 something degree water kind of cross. It can be done completely unprepared (as long as you have hiking shoes — I would know), but probably slightly more enjoyable if you have a snack, some water, and maybe even a pair of water shoes.
Hraunfossar & Barnafoss
Hraunfossar is different than any of the other waterfalls on this list. Small and gentle, the falls flow majestically down a short cliff. However, multiple glistening streams down the cliff wall of this river make up these falls.
Slightly further up the walkway, Barnafoss runs stronger and more rapidly, hurling silky gray water down into the river below. The falls translates to the Children’s falls, sadly getting its name from a legend that two children fell into the falls and drowned while their mother was away.
Gullfoss
Part of the Golden Circle, Gullfoss can easily be seen on a day trip from Reykjavik. This can be a quick 20 minute stop as you only have to walk down a flight of stairs to be at the massive waterfall’s edge. I even saw some dog’s doing it.
Seljalandsfoss
Arriving bright and early at 7:30am, I think we were the first to see the waterfall for the day. The campers nearby still sleeping, we had the falls all to ourselves. Seljalandsfoss is special in that it can be viewed from multiple angles; there’s a pathway leading behind it. Beware: The mist can actually soak you.
While visiting Slejalandsfoss, take a 10 minute walk further down the path to Glijufrafoss. This waterfall is situated further back inbetween cliffs, offering a completely different vibe. If you want to make your way back there to get by the falls, I’d suggest wearing high rain boots and a heavy rain coat. My hiking boots and lightweight rain jacket weren’t suitable for getting closer unless I wanted to be soggy the rest of the day. That was a no for me.
Skogafoss
Only a 10 minute drive from Seljalandsfoss, Skogafoss boasts a wider and taller drop from the top and can be seen from Ring Road. From the car park, you can hike the stairs to the top to see the river and can continue to walk along it if you so desire. After falling on a glacier an hour prior, the climb up over 500 plus stairs was good enough for me. However, the view from the bottom is probably the most beautiful anyway seeing the vast length at which the falls cascade. The mist will certainly get you here, too…but you may want the refreshing mist after a climb to the top.
Kirkjufellsfoss
To be honest, the falls aren’t what this attraction is all about. The mountain that lies as the backdrop to these photos, Kirkjufell, creates a mystical scene that cannot be missed. Driving west on the main road of Snaefellsnes Peninsula, you’ll see the mountain on your right and the falls will be on the opposite side of the road. It’s worth stepping out of the car for this one.
Bjarnarfoss
Located in the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, Bjarnarfoss is not too far from Kirkjufellfoss, another one of the popular waterfalls in Iceland. Bjarnarfoss cascades down over 250 feet. Although visible from the road, a hike up a steep path can lead closer to the falls.
Klifbrekkufossar
Just the simple name of this waterfall makes me laugh. It says it all. At least I think it does if my Icelandic to English translation skills are working. Cliff-breaker waterfall? Yes. Situated in the remote eastern fjord of Mjoifjordur (inhabited with about 20 people), Klifbrekkufossar cascades down a beautiful cliff–a beautiful cliff that you drive down on a rocky and windy unpaved road. It may be the journey itself that makes this waterfall so worth it to see.
Waterfalls in Iceland
Visiting these waterfalls in Iceland will give you some of the best sights around the country. Driving the Ring Road is your best bet to see all of them.
Any other waterfalls in Iceland that you visited? Leave a comment below!