The Best Waterfalls To See in Iceland

As with most of Iceland, you will find a new story at each waterfall, whether from history or folklore. These will include tales of historical significance, tragedy, and even love, helping bring to life the always moving and growing landscape of the land of fire and ice. 

Due to the impact of Iceland's numerous glaciers, the country hosts some of the most attractive and bizarre waterfalls's on the planet. They are fed by the purest glacier eaters that carve through rock and sometimes combine with the volcanism in the environment to create fascinating shapes, such as the hexagonal basalt columns that decorate many waterfalls. 

Read on to discover the top 5 waterfalls in Iceland. 

SELJALANDFOSS

Seljalandsfoss is another widely popular waterfall when travelling on the South Coast. 

The waterfall is a narrow and tall specimen, with a drop the same as Skogafoss of 60m (197 ft), and it has the rare distinction of having space where you can walk behind it for a spectacular photographic angle. 

Seljalandsfoss waterfall, part of the river Seljalandsa, has its origins underneath the glacier Eyjafjallajokull. The volcano beneath this ice cap was the one that erupted in 2010 and caused havoc at airports across Europe. 

Due to the waterfall's close proximity to the ring road and impressive natural features, it is one of the country's most famous, and visited, falls. Majestic and picturesque, it is one of the most photographed features in all of Iceland. 

The most distinguishing feature of Seljalandsfoss is a pathway that stretches around it. The cliffs behind the falls have a wide cavern, and rocks and paths allow guests to fully encircle it in Summer. Though a mesmerising opportunity, visitors should be prepared to get wet due to the perpetual mist of the falls, which also tens to make the rocks of the pathway slippery. 

Book our South Coast Waterfalls & Quad Bike tour to see Seljalandsfoss waterfall here

SKOGAFOSS

Skogafoss is a popular destination when travelling along the South Coast of Iceland, located close to Skogar. At 25m (82 ft) wide and 60 m (197 ft) high, it is one of the most beautiful and dramatic waterfalls in Iceland. Due to the amount of spray the cascade produces, at least one rainbow is present at any time the sun emerges from behind the clouds. 

Located on the Skogar river, this mighty cascade is clearly visible from Route 1 and is an excellent place to stop and stretch the legs while travelling on Iceland's South Coast. The river below Skogafoss holds a large char and salmon population, which means it is a favourite spot for the fishermen in the Summer.

The land underneath the waterfall is very flat, allowing visitors to walk right up to the wall of water. this will get you drenched, although, on a Summers day, it can be quite tempting. Skogafoss can also be viewed from the top. There is a steep staircase the leads to an observational platform above the cascade. 

Book one of our South Coast tours to see Skogafoss waterfall

GULLFOSS

Widely considered the most famous of Icelandic waterfalls, the aptly named Gullfoss ('The Golden Waterfall') belongs to the famous Golden Circle, the most popular tour in the country. This circle cover two great attractions, the Geysir Geothermal Area and Pingvellir National Park.

Gullifoss is located in the mighty Hvita Glacier River in South Iceland, where it drops down 32 metres (105 ft) into a narrow river gorge via two tiers. In clear weather, you can even walk near enough to feel the water spray on your face. 

As mentioned, Gulifoss make sup a part of a highly popular Golden Circle sightseeing route, alongside the Geysir geothermal area and Pingvellir National Park. In the Summer, approximately 140 cubic metres of water surges down the waterfall every second, whilst in winter that number drops to around 109 cubic metres. With such energy, visitors should not be surprised to find themselves drenched by the waterfall's mighty spray. 

Book one of our Golden Circle tours to see Gullfoss waterfall

GODAFOSS

Godafoss, at 12 metres high and 30 metres wide, is the most famous of the Skjalfandafjot waterfalls, and one of the most famous in the country. It is the only one specifically featured on the classic 'Diamond Circle' route. This waterfall is the fourth largest river in Iceland. it is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the country and many day tours in North Iceland visit the waterfall. 

The name Godafoss means either waterfall of the gods or waterfall of the godi (i.e. priest/ chieftain). Some believe that the name comes from the fact that the waterfall is god-like in beauty. 

Godafoss is one of Iceland's true pearls and one of the biggest waterfalls in Iceland it is fed by the river Skjalfandafljot which runs in a 7000-year old lava field from the Trolladyngja Volcano. 

Book our Lake Myvatn and Godafoss Waterfall tour here

ALDEYJARFOSS

Aldeyjarfoss is the tallest waterfall with a 20-metre cascade and is located in Skjalfandafljot river in North-Iceland. It has a drop of 20 metres into a turbulent, icy, cold pool and is set in such beautiful basalt columns, that the beauty just blows visitors away. 

The waterfall is off the beaten path in North Iceland, so many people don't get a chance to visit it. But if you don't find driving for 41 km one way into Baroardalur valley from the main road then you will be rewarded with one of the most scenic waterfalls in Iceland.

Beautiful bent basalt columns form the backdrop of Aldeyjarfoss. The multi-coloured basalt columns here are so beautifully formed and symmetrical that they look like they are man-made. 

Book one of our North Iceland tours to see Aldeyjarfoss waterfall