Iceland’s Best Waterfalls: Where to Find Nature’s Most Dramatic Cascades

Iceland is known for its jaw-dropping landscapes, and perhaps nothing captures the raw power of nature better than the country’s countless waterfalls. Fed by glaciers, volcanic activity, and frequent rain, Iceland’s waterfalls range from delicate cascades to thunderous torrents plunging from cliffs. Some are easy to reach, while others require a bit of exploration. Whether you’re drawn to their sheer force, mystical beauty, or photographic allure, Iceland’s waterfalls are among the most captivating features of its landscape. Here’s a guide to the best waterfalls in Iceland and where to find them.

Gullfoss: The Golden Waterfall

One of the most iconic and frequently visited waterfalls in Iceland is Gullfoss, often referred to as the “Golden Waterfall.” Located along the popular Golden Circle route, Gullfoss is a double-tiered waterfall that plunges 32 meters into a rugged canyon carved by the Hvítá river. What makes Gullfoss particularly impressive is the volume of water that flows over its edge, especially during the summer when glacier melt increases its power.

On sunny days, the mist rising from Gullfoss often creates rainbows, adding a magical element to an already dramatic scene. There are several viewpoints along the paths that lead closer to the falls, providing different perspectives of the rushing water. Gullfoss is a must-see stop for anyone exploring the Golden Circle, and its accessibility makes it one of the easiest waterfalls to visit in Iceland.

Skógafoss: The Mighty Curtain of Water

Located on Iceland’s South Coast, Skógafoss is another of the country’s most famous waterfalls, known for its impressive width and power. At 60 meters tall and 25 meters wide, Skógafoss creates a curtain of water that plunges from the cliffs above, sending mist into the air that often forms rainbows on sunny days. The waterfall is easily accessible from the main road, making it a popular stop for travelers exploring the South Coast.

One of the best things about Skógafoss is that you can walk right up to the base of the waterfall, allowing you to feel the full force of its spray. For a different perspective, visitors can climb the staircase that leads to the top of the falls, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and the river below. Legend has it that there’s a chest of treasure hidden behind the falls, though it remains undiscovered to this day.

Seljalandsfoss: Walk Behind the Falls

Just a short drive from Skógafoss, you’ll find the enchanting Seljalandsfoss. This waterfall is famous not only for its beauty but also for the unique experience it offers: you can walk behind the cascading water. Seljalandsfoss drops 60 meters from a cliff that once marked the coastline of Iceland, and a path leads behind the waterfall, offering a view unlike any other.

Standing behind the veil of water, you can see the surrounding landscape framed through the cascade, making it a popular spot for photographers and nature lovers alike. Just be prepared to get wet, as the mist from the falls can be intense! Nearby, you’ll also find Gljúfrabúi, a smaller but equally magical waterfall hidden inside a cave. This lesser-known spot is often overlooked by tourists, but it’s well worth the short detour.

Dettifoss: Europe’s Most Powerful Waterfall

In the remote and wild northeast of Iceland lies Dettifoss, a waterfall renowned for its sheer power. Fed by the glacial river Jökulsá á Fjöllum, Dettifoss is often considered Europe’s most powerful waterfall, with an average water flow of over 193 cubic meters per second. The waterfall is 45 meters high and 100 meters wide, creating a thunderous roar as the water crashes into the canyon below.

Dettifoss is located in Vatnajökull National Park and can be accessed from both the east and west sides, though the east side is often considered to offer the best views. The surrounding area is rugged and otherworldly, with the canyon stretching into the distance and the barren volcanic landscape adding to the sense of isolation. Nearby, you can also visit Selfoss and Hafragilsfoss, two smaller but equally stunning waterfalls in the same river canyon.

Goðafoss: The Waterfall of the Gods

Located in North Iceland, Goðafoss is not only beautiful but also rich in history. The waterfall, whose name translates to “Waterfall of the Gods,” is said to have earned its name when the chieftain Þorgeir Ljósvetningagoði threw his pagan idols into the falls in the year 1000, symbolizing Iceland’s conversion to Christianity.

Goðafoss is not as tall as some of the other waterfalls on this list, but its horseshoe shape and the serene landscape surrounding it make it one of the most picturesque in Iceland. The water flows over a 12-meter-high and 30-meter-wide semi-circle, creating a graceful and symmetrical cascade. There are walking paths on both sides of the river that allow for great views of the falls from different angles.

Hraunfossar and Barnafoss: Uniquely Beautiful Waterfalls

In western Iceland, you’ll find two neighboring waterfalls that are both unique and beautiful in their own right: Hraunfossar and Barnafoss. Hraunfossar, or the “Lava Falls,” is unlike any other waterfall in Iceland. Instead of flowing from a river or a cliff, this series of small waterfalls emerges from a lava field, where water seeps through porous rock and cascades into the Hvítá river. The effect is a series of delicate, ethereal streams of water flowing over a wide area, creating a truly stunning sight.

Just a short walk from Hraunfossar is Barnafoss, which translates to “Children’s Falls.” This waterfall is more turbulent and dramatic, rushing through a narrow gorge carved by the river. According to local legend, two children once fell into the river and drowned, leading their mother to destroy a natural stone bridge that once spanned the falls. The contrast between the gentle beauty of Hraunfossar and the fierce energy of Barnafoss makes this area a must-see for waterfall lovers.

Kirkjufellsfoss: The Photogenic Falls

One of the most photographed waterfalls in Iceland is Kirkjufellsfoss, located on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula near the iconic Kirkjufell mountain. Though Kirkjufellsfoss is relatively small compared to other waterfalls in Iceland, its proximity to the distinctively shaped Kirkjufell mountain makes it a favorite spot for photographers, especially during sunrise and sunset when the lighting is ideal.

The waterfall itself consists of three small cascades, but it’s the backdrop of Kirkjufell that makes this spot truly special. In the winter months, when the waterfall and mountain are dusted with snow, Kirkjufellsfoss becomes even more magical. If you’re visiting the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, this picturesque spot is not to be missed.

Aldeyjarfoss: A Hidden Gem in the North

For those willing to venture off the beaten path, Aldeyjarfoss in North Iceland offers a striking combination of basalt columns and powerful water. Located in the highlands, this waterfall is harder to reach than many of the others on this list, but the journey is well worth it for those looking for a more remote and dramatic landscape.

Aldeyjarfoss drops 20 meters into a swirling pool below, framed by hexagonal basalt columns that give the waterfall a distinctive appearance. The stark contrast between the dark basalt rocks and the white, frothy water creates a visually striking scene that feels like something out of a fantasy novel. While the road to Aldeyjarfoss can be rough, especially in winter, it’s a rewarding destination for adventurous travelers looking to experience one of Iceland’s lesser-known natural wonders.

Dynjandi: The Jewel of the Westfjords

In the remote Westfjords of Iceland lies Dynjandi, often considered one of the country’s most beautiful waterfalls. Dynjandi is actually a series of waterfalls, with the main waterfall resembling a bridal veil as it cascades 100 meters down a steep mountainside. The upper portion of the waterfall is wide and fan-shaped, with smaller waterfalls flowing below it, creating a tiered effect that makes Dynjandi stand out from other waterfalls in Iceland.

The hike to Dynjandi takes you past several smaller waterfalls, each with its own charm, but it’s the grand scale and grace of Dynjandi itself that makes this waterfall truly special. The Westfjords are one of the most remote and least-visited regions of Iceland, so if you make the journey to Dynjandi, you’re likely to experience this stunning waterfall in relative solitude.

Iceland’s Waterfalls: A Journey Through Nature’s Masterpieces

From the powerful force of Dettifoss to the tranquil beauty of Hraunfossar, Iceland’s waterfalls offer a diverse and awe-inspiring glimpse into the country’s natural wonders. Whether you’re traveling along the well-trodden paths of the Golden Circle or venturing into the remote highlands, you’ll find waterfalls that leave a lasting impression. Each waterfall has its own unique character, and discovering them is one of the highlights of any trip to Iceland.