Iceland has over 10,000 waterfalls, and we only had 10 days in Iceland. Seeing 1000 waterfalls per day seems pretty doable, right?
Kidding—I don’t think it’s even possible to see every waterfall in Iceland in a lifetime. Luckily, you don’t need to do that! I’ve narrowed down 10,000 waterfalls to the best 7 in all of Iceland—plus an extra 7 runner-ups in case you have some extra time. (Or just a really, really ardent passion for chasing waterfalls.)
As you’ll quickly notice, -foss is the suffix that means “waterfall” in Icelandic. Therefore, saying things like “XYZfoss Falls” or “XYZfoss Waterfall” is redundant. 🙂 Just a handy note!
I did not rank these waterfalls in order, they just happen to be in order of visitation. We conveniently traveled the Ring Road counterclockwise from Reykjavik, so if you’re doing the same thing, you can just do these in order! (Or flip the list around if you’re tackling Iceland clockwise.)
Gullfoss
Location: West Iceland (Golden Circle)
One of the most popular stops in the famous Golden Circle. Coincidentally, Gullfoss’s name literally also translates to “golden falls” and for lovely reason! This three-tiered waterfall roars into a deep gorge, conjuring enough mist that you can see a fantastic rainbow on clear days. I was stunned at how visible and vibrant the rainbow was—not to mention how huge and perfect that arch looks!
Gullfoss doesn’t really have a hike, you just walk from the free parking area to either the lower platform (level with the highest waterfall tier) or the upper platform (overlooks the waterfall and gorge).
Seljalandsfoss
Location: Southwest Iceland
Seljalandsfoss is one of the most popular waterfalls in all of Iceland. Standing at 60m tall, this waterfall is not only picturesque from every angle but also features a trail to walk behind and around it. I’ve also seen countless beautiful sunset pictures taken here with the summer midnight sun in Iceland—sadly it was extremely rainy, windy, and grey when we went, but it was still stunning! However, you are pretty much guaranteed to get wet, so I would recommend a waterproof jacket.
Seljalandsfoss also doesn’t have a hike, but if you want to walk the entire loop behind the waterfall, there’s a small rock scramble which can be a bit slippery when wet.
Kvernufoss
Location: South Iceland
Kvernufoss might be my favorite waterfall from the Iceland trip because it’s such a hidden gem! Unlike most of the other waterfalls on this list, you won’t find any crowds here…or even decent signage.
A leisurely 20-minute easy hike from the Skogar museum will take you to this breathtaking 30-meter narrow waterfall in a green gorge. You can also walk partially behind Kvernufoss, though the slope is a bit steep and crumbly. Finding out how to get here can be a little confusing, so read my guide to Kvernufoss here.
Skogafoss
Location: South Iceland
Skogafoss is Kvernufoss’s much more popular next-door neighbor. It is one of the broadest waterfalls in all of Iceland, boasting a height of 60 meters and a massive breadth of 25 meters. The roar of the waterfall is so intense and it looks so overwhelming, just a blinding white curtain of water. You will get completely drenched if you dare to get close.
There is no hike to the base of Skogafoss, but you can hike to the top of the falls if you wish! It’s 525 steps and decently steep, but not crazy difficult.
Svartifoss
Location: Southeast Iceland
Svartifoss is a beautiful waterfall located in Vatnajokull National Park. It’s striking because of the massive amphitheater of picturesque black basalt columns that flanks the waterfall on both sides—the same basalt columns that you’ll find at Reynisfjara. Interestingly, Svartifoss was actually the inspiration for the design of Hallgrimskirkja, the famous Reykjavik church!
Svartifoss requires an upwards 45 minute hike from the Skaftafell Visitor’s Center. The hike is not difficult, but fairly slippery and sandy, so be careful on the way back down. You’ll also pass another, unnamed waterfall midway.
Note: railings and signs have been erected at Svartifoss to prevent people from climbing the rocks and damaging the vegetation. Please do not ignore the signs and climb the rocks! The picture above is one where I photoshopped a much closer picture of myself into a further-away picture of the falls; I didn’t want to crush the fragile nature and neither should you.
Godafoss
Location: North Iceland (Myvatn-Akureyri)
Named the “waterfall of the gods,” Godafoss is a massive horseshoe-shaped waterfall that spans 30 meters. Its name comes from the time when Iceland became a Christian country, and the statues of the Norse gods were thrown into the waterfall post-conversion. If you have time to explore the Diamond Circle and Myvatn, Godafoss is one of the most popular stops on the route.
Kirkjufellsfoss
Location: East Iceland (Snæfellsnes)
Perhaps saving the best for last? Kirkjufellsfoss is the number one most photographed spot in all of Iceland. However, the waterfalls themselves are not particularly impressive compared to the other waterfalls on this list. Rather, the positioning of the waterfalls in the foreground, with the towering 463-meter Mt. Kirkjufell in the background, is what makes this spot so legendary.
Sunrise or sunset at Kirkjufellsfoss is truly beautiful. Come at sunrise for the sun to break on the right side of the conical mountain, or sunset for the sunset to disappear between the mountain and the top of of the waterfalls. Just don’t expect to have this spot to yourself!
Runner-Ups
These waterfalls weren’t quite the cream of the crop—or should I say they didn’t exactly blow me out of the water? (Hahaha-) Still, if you’re thirsting for more waterfalls, I’m pretty sure these have enough combined water volume for quenching.
Barnafoss – Golden Circle: a series of small black waterfalls along the Golden Circle
Bruarfoss – Golden Circle: a hidden gem that requires some hiking, but with a beautiful icy blue waterfall at the end
Gljufrafoss/Gljafrabui – Southwest: Seljalandsfoss’s hidden neighbor located just minutes away. However, you will need to wade through a shallow river to reach this one
Hengifoss – East: waterfall surrounded by unique red-and-black layers of rock formed by clay and basalt
Aldeyjarfoss – North (Myvatn): off the beaten path waterfall with basalt columns and a massive pool
Bjarnarfoss – West (Snæfellsnes): a two-tiered, 80-meter tall waterfall, even visible from the highway
Dettifoss – Northeast: a Diamond Circle waterfall and the most powerful in all of Iceland, possibly even all of Europe (contested by the Rhine Falls) at 45m tall and a massive 100m wide
In a country like Iceland, it’s not easy to pick the top 14 waterfalls, but these are my top choices! I suppose the other 9,986 will have to wait until next time. Now let’s go chase some waterfalls.
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