Waterfalls are among Iceland’s most amazing natural features, and the country is renowned for having breathtaking scenery. The country is home to several of these magnificent natural beauties, each one more breathtaking than the previous. Iceland’s waterfalls are a must-see for any traveler, with everything from massive cascades to secret treasures nestled away in far-off locales. Where do you begin, though, with so many options? We’ll take you on a tour of the most amazing waterfalls in Iceland in this piece, which is sure to leave you in awe. We will discuss the distinctive qualities of each, how to get there, and what to expect when you get there. So get ready to explore Iceland’s waterfalls’ magnificence.
#1. Seljalandsfoss
One of Iceland’s most beautiful waterfalls is Seljalandsfoss. It is situated along the country’s southern coast and is a well-liked vacation spot for visitors who come to be in awe of its beauty. The ability for guests to stroll behind Seljalandsfoss distinguishes it from other waterfalls and provides an experience unlike any other. You can hear the roar of the water cascading down in front of you as you go behind the waterfall. Similarly, you can feel the spray of the water striking your face as you do so.
One can easily understand why this waterfall is one of the most photographed in Iceland because the view from behind the waterfall is truly magnificent. Additionally, illuminated at night, Seljalandsfoss provides a very magnificent experience. It’s not surprising that this waterfall has been in so many movies and television programs.
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#2. Skogafoss
One of the best-known and most amazing waterfalls in Iceland is Skogafoss. This amazing natural wonder, which is around 60 meters high and 25 meters wide, is situated on the Skoga River between the villages of Skogar and Seljalandsfoss. The waterfall’s staggering amount of water can produce a misty spray that can be seen for kilometers in all directions.
In addition, the Skogafoss waterfall is surrounded by stunning natural features like granite cliffs, bright rainbows, and lush green meadows. A spectacular double rainbow effect can even be produced by the misty spray if you are fortunate enough to visit on a sunny day. Numerous hiking routes are located near the waterfall. This allows visitors to enjoy the breathtaking scenery and get up close to the waterfall.
Moreover, the concealed staircase behind the Skogafoss waterfall is among its most distinctive characteristics. This stairway ascends to a viewing area at the top of the waterfall, where you can take in a comprehensive view of the surroundings. Even though the staircase can be somewhat difficult to climb, the view from the top is well worth it.
#3. Gullfoss
One of Iceland’s most famous and magnificent waterfalls is Gullfoss. It’s situated in the southwest of the nation and is a stop on the famed tourist route known as the Golden Circle, which also contains the three main tourist destinations of Gullfoss, Thingvellir National Park, and Geysir Geothermal Area. The Hvtá River supplies water to the waterfall, which plunges roughly 32 meters into a canyon that can reach a depth of 70 meters. Getting close to the waterfall is an experience unlike any other due to its incredible magnitude and strength.
Additionally, the waterfall’s edge is accessible to visitors through a path, where they can hear the thunderous sound of the water as it smashes into the canyon below and feel the mist on their faces. You will be deeply moved by the power of nature after this completely immersive experience. Gullfoss is exceptionally beautiful in the winter when it is covered in snow and ice, giving the impression that it is in a winter wonderland. And in the summer, the lush, green surroundings create a magnificent contrast to the waterfall’s crystal-clear water.
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#4. Hraunfossar
This is another one of the top amazing waterfalls in Iceland you should visit. Hraunfossar is a lesser-known waterfall in Iceland that is frequently missed by visitors who are looking to explore waterfalls. Besides, Hraunfossar, a collection of waterfalls in the west of Iceland, is fueled by the Hallmundarhraun lava field. As a result, a spectacular show of cascading water runs across the lava field, resulting in a distinctive and beautiful scene.
Also, the sheer size of the waterfall and how the water emerges from the lava field distinguish Hraunfossar as something remarkable. Water flows down the bank of the river rather than plummeting from vast heights because of the porous lava rock. The result is a sequence of calm waterfalls that appear to be emerging from the ground.
In addition, a number of clearly marked pathways run alongside the river and allow visitors to explore the waterfall. A number of viewing platforms are available, too, and they all provide breathtaking views of the waterfall and the surrounding area. Several guided tours that take guests across the lava field and up close to the waterfall are also offered for those who want to get up close and personal with Hraunfossar.
#5. Dettifoss
Known for its unbridled force and breathtaking scenery, Dettifoss is one of Iceland’s most distinctive waterfalls. Dettifoss is a waterfall in Vatnajökull National Park in the country’s north that receives water from the Vatnajökull glacier. With a discharge velocity of up to 500 cubic meters per second during the height of the season, this makes Dettifoss one of the most potent waterfalls in all of Europe.
With its rocky cliffs and dark volcanic rocks, the area around Dettifoss is also distinctive. Awe-inspiring scenery is produced by the stark contrast between the dark rocks and the white sea. A stunning rainbow is also produced by the waterfall’s mist, which is a wonderful photo opportunity.
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#6. Morsárfoss
The tallest waterfall in Iceland is Morsárfoss, which stands 228 meters high but can rise as high as 240 meters. Scientists verified the new record waterfall in 2011. It’s thought that Morsárfoss first came into view in 2007 when the ice on Morsárjökull melted, revealing the beautiful river flow. The glaciers above and below the waterfall frame it, making access challenging.
The best ways to see it are from a distance, such as by trekking to the Kristnartindar peaks or driving close to the Skeidarársandur plains on the Ring Road. Even the experts studying it took years to gain access, so tourists still have a fantastic experience from a distance.
#7. Selfoss
Northern Iceland is home to the stunning Selfoss waterfall, which is supplied by the Jökulsá á Fjöllum River. It is impressive all year and is 36 feet tall and 330 feet wide. It is worthwhile to visit while traveling through Vatnajökull National Park and the Jökulsárgljfur Canyon. The roaring falls of Harragilsfoss are another waterfall that can be seen below Dettifoss.
More so, driving on a self-guided trip or joining one of the supervised waterfall excursions are two ways that tourists can view the waterfalls in this region. From the town of Akureyri in the Mvatn region, it is frequently included on Diamond Circle excursions or northern Iceland tours. These make it one of the most amazing waterfalls in Iceland.
#8. Háifoss
One of the tallest waterfalls in the nation is the enormous Háifoss in southern Iceland. It plunges 122 meters, plunging into a canyon as it tumbles down a projecting rock. Given that the waterfall is close to the Hekla volcano, the surrounding steep rock provides an amazing landscape.
Leaving Reykjavik, take the Ring Road east toward Háifoss. Near the top of the falls, there is a parking space and a number of hiking trails that lead to various vantage points. You can explore multiple waterfalls in the vicinity on the same day.
#9. Barnafoss
Barnafoss is amazing and one of the best waterfalls in Iceland. Despite being close by, the calm and ethereal falls of Hraunfossar stand in dramatic contrast to the narrow and swift-moving rapids of Barnafoss. This turbulent watercourse along the river Hvitá is known as Barnafoss, which is Icelandic for “Children’s Falls,” according to terrible local folklore. The waterfall is best viewed from above while the valley is being filled with rapids. The best way to experience Barnafoss is to combine it with a trip to the adjacent Hraunfossar.
#10. Dynjandi
The various portions of the Dynjandi waterfall make it one of Iceland’s most dramatic waterfalls. It is situated in the Westfjords and is a must-see if you are traveling to the country’s western region. The waterfall is a stunning 60-meter-wide cascade that begins as a 30-meter cascade at the top. The Dynjandi waterfall plunges 100 meters in total.
During your stay, you can witness six further waterfalls that are located beneath Dynjandi. There are observation platforms from which you can rest or see the other waterfalls if you trek the main path to Dynjandi.
#11. Svartifoss
Svartifoss, or Black Falls, is a waterfall in Vatnajökull National Park’s Skaftafell nature reserve in southeast Iceland. This unusual waterfall, created by volcanic activity, has a 65-foot plunge cascading over basalt columns. Even the Icelandic National Theatre in Reykjavik’s historic district and Hallgrmskirkja, the renowned Evangelical-Lutheran church, both of which are located in Reykjavik, was influenced by the dramatic columns at this well-known waterfall for their architectural designs.
Travelers can obtain directions to the precise position of Svartifoss at the visitors center, which is only a short drive from the national park off the Ring Road. It takes less than two miles to hike to the waterfall. Along the journey, visitors can anticipate seeing further waterfalls in the gorge and, during the warmer months, the beautiful, verdant scenery of the nature reserve.
#12. Faxi
Since it is located in the south along the Golden Circle and is also known as Vatnsleysufoss on many local maps, the Faxi waterfall is frequently a stop on trips to that region of the nation. In the neighborhood of Tungufljót, a river that is 80 meters wide rushes past fields before dropping seven meters into the lower part.
The Golden Circle path close to Geysir leads to Faxi. Parking is available, and a short path returns you to the waterfall. Faxi frequently gets a large number of tourists because it is so easily accessible.
#13. Kirkjufellsfoss
In West Iceland, a waterfall named Kirkjufellsfoss can be found on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula’s northern shore. With the backdrop of the 1,519-foot-tall Kirkjufell mountain peak, it is one of the most popular waterfalls for photography in the nation. There is a place for parking and a short walk to view the falls and the mountain at the falls, which are situated off Route 54, not far from the little village of Grundarfjörur. The remainder of the peninsula, Snaefellsnes National Park, and the Snaefellsjökull glacier, which is renowned for its folktales and myths of elves, should all be visited while in West Iceland.
#14. Godafoss
One of the most well-known waterfalls in Iceland is Godafoss, located in the north. Its name translates as Gods’ Waterfall. With a width of more than 30 meters, Goafoss is a stunning waterfall that is both broad and large. The waterfall has a 12-meter drop, but what makes it so lovely is the whole effect it gives.
When Christianity became Iceland’s official religion in the year 1000, it is said that statues of Norse gods were thrown into the waterfall. This event has a rich history. From the Ring Road, Goafoss is a simple drive away. You can also include it on a guided waterfall tour that departs from Reykjavik.
#15. Glymur
Glymur is also one of the most amazing waterfalls in Iceland. With about 650 feet in height, Glymur is the second-tallest waterfall in Iceland. It is 45 miles northeast of Reykjavik and is nourished by the river Botnsá in the West Icelandic fjord of Hvalfjörur. Turn right onto Route 47 after traveling north on Route 1 (the Ring Road) to get to the location. With steep, rocky terrain, wading through a river, trekking along tiny trails, and going through a cave, the lengthy roundtrip hike from the parking lot can be difficult. It is ideal to be fit and outfitted for the hike with the right supplies and warm layers of clothing.
Conclusion
Visitors will be taken aback by the profusion of breathtaking waterfalls in Iceland, a country known for its amazing natural beauty. Iceland’s waterfalls are extremely distinctive and provide visitors with various experiences. Gullfoss, Seljalandsfoss, and Gljfrafoss are all distinctive and provide guests with a distinctive experience. If you’re planning a vacation to Iceland, be sure to include these waterfalls in your schedule because Iceland is one of the top destinations for waterfall fans worldwide.