The Waterfalls, Lakes & Rivers of Iceland

The Best Waterfalls in Iceland

Gulfoss - A highlight of the Golden Circle tour, the mighty Gullfoss Waterfalls are an awe inspiring sight. Double falls tumble into a deep ravine, while drenching clouds of spray create multiple rainbows on sunny days. It is found in the Hvítá river canyon in Southwest Iceland.

Seljalandsfoss - Seljalandsfoss is one of the best-known waterfalls in Iceland. It is approx. 60 meters tall and it is breathtakingly beautiful. It is a must to visit Seljalandsfoss when visiting the south coast, you will not regret it!

Skogafoss - If you climb the 370 steps to the top of Skogafoss waterfall you’ll be rewarded with an awe-inspiring view out over south Iceland’s coastline. This is also the start of the Fimmvorduhals pass, a popular hiking route.

Svartifoss - Svartifoss waterfall is one of the unique waterfalls in South East Iceland. It is situated in Skaftafell nature reserve, which has since 2008 belonged to Vatnajökull National park. It is largely distinguished by the black columnar basalt formations which beautifully frame the waterfall and give it its name, Black Fall. 

Hengifoss – Ranked as Iceland’s third tallest waterfall, Hengifoss is located next to Lagarfljót lake and faces Hallormsstaðarskógur forest. The hike to the waterfall is a gradual climb uphill for an hour or so.

The Best Lakes in Iceland

Tjörnin - Tjörnin sits in the middle of Reykjavik with City Hall on one end and the University of Iceland on the other. Many important buildings such as the National Gallery and multiple embassies are located around the area clearly marking the central location of the lake.

Kerið - A turquoise, water-filled caldera located in the southern plains, it is almost perfectly circular, and has steep sides made of gravel and sparse vegetation. Kerið is also just off the Golden Circle route, and is the perfect place to stop for a picnic

Jökulsárlón - This world-famous lake is full of newly calved pieces from a glacier. Located on Iceland’s southeast coast, this incredible lagoon’s gently flowing waters take the mesmerizingly blue iceberg chunks out to the sea.

Mývatn - This lake is located in northern Iceland and is undoubtedly the jewel of the north. It is a shallow, yet very spread out lake well-known for the unique lava formations that surround its edges and the meandering paths that the water takes inside the formations.

If you'd like to see some of the waterfalls, lakes and rivers of Iceland for yourself, check out all our latest offers here. Alternatively, get in touch with the Iceland Holidays team by emailing info@icelandholidays.com.