Europe plays host to the second most powerful waterfall in Iceland, one out of the 10,000 waterfalls found decorating this island nation.
With so many sparkling torrents to explore, from tiny trickles to mammoth torrents, you’ll want to add one—or all—of these Icelandic waterfalls to your bucket list! This guide gives you the ultimate top 11 list of waterfalls in Iceland, a map of Iceland’s waterfalls, and travel tips on how to visit them.
Top 10 Iceland waterfalls map
1/ Gullfoss – the most popular waterfall in Iceland
Where: Inside Thingvellir National Park, 1.5 hours from Reykjavik
How to get there: Take Route 37 to Route 365 in Laugarvatn, following the perfect loop of the Golden Circle until you reach signs and the parking area for Gullfoss. This drive takes 1 hour and 45 minutes from Reykjavik.
Time to visit: The best time to visit Gullfoss is in the summer months, although winter can also be beautiful as the waterfall partially freezes.
Carving its way through the Hvítá Canyon, Gullfoss Waterfall is located along the famous Golden Circle, a popular loop road trip near the capital. Directly translated as the Golden Falls, Gullfoss is the most visited waterfall in the entire country and cascades in a torrent down two rocky tiers as it makes its way through the canyon. At 800 feet across, this is one of the widest waterfalls in Iceland.
2/ Seljalandsfoss – one of the famous waterfall in Iceland
Where: Iceland’s southwest coast
How to get there: Take the Ring Road (Route 1) south out of Reykjavik. Seljalandsfoss sits just beside the road. The drive takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes from Reykjavik.
Time to visit: May is one of the best months to visit Seljalandsfoss because temperatures are warming up but hordes of other tourists have quite yet arrived.
Situated on Iceland’s famous Ring Road, Seljalandsfoss is a striking waterfall in southern iceland, cascading 196 feet over a black, rocky overhang and looking out over verdant hills in the distance.
This is one of the only waterfalls in Iceland that you can walk behind, taking the easy, 15 minute long trail from the car park to reach this spectacular view.
If you happen to visit during Iceland’s summer season, when the Midnight Sun means that there is light in the sky nearly all day, head out to the waterfall in the middle of the night to have this jaw-dropping scenery all to yourself. This waterfall hike is a two-for-one as you’ll also get to see Gljufurarfoss Waterfall.
3/ Skógafoss waterfall – one of the beautiful waterfalls in Iceland
Where: Iceland’s southwest coast
How to get there: Located just 30 minutes south of Seljalandsfoss along the Ring Road. The drive takes 2 hours from Reykjavik.
Time to visit: Because Skogafoss emits a high amount of spray, you’ll want to visit in the summer months to avoid ice and freezing conditions!
Named for being part of the Skoga River, Skogafoss Waterfall cascades over a craggy cliff face, the result of millenia of receding sea cliffs. The source of Skogafoss lies deep inside the Eyjafjallajokull and Myrdalsjokull Glaciers before becoming the Skoga River and making its way towards the sea.
Top of the waterfall is easily accessible with the staircase next to the waterfall. even though it takes 370 steps to reach the top of this waterfall, but it’s worth the trek for unprecedented views! If you’re on the hunt for rainbows in Iceland, you’re almost guaranteed to see one or two at Skogafoss on a sunny day. This waterfall will require a rain jacket and waterproof shoes with good grip if you want to get close!
4/ Dettifoss – biggest waterfall
Where: North Iceland
How to get there: Follow the Ring Road (Route 1) north from Reykjavik before turning on to Route 862, just after the Myvatn Nature Baths. The drive takes 6 hours and 30 minutes from Reykjavik.
Time to visit: Summer is the best time to visit Dettifoss as it often closes in winter due to snow and ice. Dettifoss is the largest waterfall in Iceland, so gargantuan that it’s possible to see it from a distance—but you’ll want to get a bit more intimate for this one.
At 328 feet wide and 144 feet tall, Dettifoss also holds the title as the second most powerful waterfall in all of Europe. 193 cubic meters of water rush over these rocky cliffs every second. You can see the waterfall from either side, although following Route 862 is the easiest way to get a glimpse.
5/ Goðafoss – waterfall of the god
Where: Northern Iceland
How to get there: Follow the Ring Road (Route 1) north of Reykjavik. Godafoss sits right off the road, just east of Akureyri. The drive takes 5 hours and 15 minutes from Reykjavik.
Time to visit: May to September are the best months to visit Godafoss as roads to reach it can become treacherous in the winter.
Directly translated to “Waterfall of the Gods”, Godafoss is one of Iceland’s most beautiful and tranquil waterfalls to visit. Set in a striking valley, the waterfall pours over a perfect crescent cliff face, plunging into the Skjalfandafljot river. Just 45 minutes from Iceland’s northern “capital” of Akureyri, this is a must visit if you make your way to the north of the country.
6/ Svartifoss – the ‘black’ waterfall
Where: Iceland’s southern coast
How to get there: Follow the Ring Road (Route 1) from Reykjavik south until you reach Svartifoss. The drive takes 4 hours from Reykjavik.
Time to visit: Svartifoss is open year-round, although most visitors prefer to visit in the summer months.
Tucked away inside Skaftafell Natural Reserve within the vatnajökull national park area, Svartifoss is one of the most interesting of all the cascades on Iceland’s waterfall map.
This tall and skinny spire of water flows over a wall of black basalt columns, colliding with a boulder field below it. Svartifoss isn’t as easy to reach as many on this list and requires a moderate, 45-minute hike each way. You’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the imposing basalt rock formations and the 66 foot tall Svartifoss streaming over the cliffside.
7/ Hraunfossar – the ‘lava’ waterfall
Where: West Iceland, just north of Reykjavik
How to get there: Follow the Ring Road (Route 1) north until just before reaching the town of Borgarnes. Turn onto Route 50, following it until you come to Route 518 which you’ll follow all the way to the parking lot for Hraunfossar. The drive takes 1 hour and 45 minutes from Reykjavik.
Time to visit: While summer is a beautiful time to visit, fall is even more spectacular as the foliage around the waterfall turns an ombre of orange, red, and yellow.
Cascading in a spiderweb of small waterfalls from the Hallmundarhraun lava field, Hraunfossar is best enjoyed in autumn, when the leaves surrounding it turn brilliant sunset shades and contrast beautifully against the turquoise water flowing into the Hvita River. Iceland’s longest cave, Viðgelmer, is also located near Hraunfossar. Combining the two makes this short road trip from Reykjavik even more worth the drive!
8/ Dynjandi – Hidden treasure in Westfjords
Where: Iceland’s Westfjords
How to get there: Follow the Ring Road (Route 1) north from Reykjavik until you hit Route 60, the main road that reaches the remote Westfjords. The drive takes 5 hours from Reykjavik.
Time to visit: The best time to visit Dynjandi is in the summer as roads can be tricky in snow and ice.
Flowing in several tiers of gushing water, the Dynjandi waterfall is located in Iceland’s rugged and little visited Westfjords region. As a wide waterfall that flows over a bumpy cliff side, this waterfall almost resembles a giant wedding cake, although its name directly translates to “Thunderous”. Towering at over 100 feet tall, this waterfall flows into several other waterfalls further downstream.
9/ Kirkjufellsfoss – one of the photographer favorite waterfall
Where: Snæfellsness Peninsula
How to get there: Head north from Reykjavik along the Ring Road (Route 1). When you come to the town of Borgarnes, continue on Route 54 and follow it all the way to Kirkjufellsfoss. The drive takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes from Reykjavik.
Time to visit: Kirkjufellsfoss is great to visit at any time of year and looks particularly magical under a fresh layer of snow under the northern lights. In the summer months, Mount Kirkjufell turns a vibrant shade of green.
One of the most fairytale-esque places in Iceland, Kirkjufellsfoss looks like something straight out of a storybook. Settled in the shadow of Mt. Kirkufjell, the Kirkjufellsa River runs over several craggy cliff sides, creating this ethereal waterfall.
Once you park in the free car park, the hike to see the waterfall is a short and easy 0.4 miles. You might recognize this beautiful cascade from Game of Thrones.
10/ Glymur – Tallest waterfall in Iceland
Where: Western Iceland
How to get there: Depart from Reykjavik northbound on Route 1. Route 47 junction in the Hvalfjörður fjord, one-hour drive. From parking area, a rather hard trail will lead you to the waterfall, crossing a river, taking around 2 to 3 hours round trip.
Time to visit: Late spring through early fall is perfect timing for visiting Glymur when the trail is at its best accessibility and when the weather is in favor of hiking.
At 198 meters, Glymur is Iceland’s second highest waterfall, if those from the more recently discovered waters flowing from the Highlands are now taken into account. It meanders in quiet descent into a calm pool below, set within a narrow canyon of green.
The hike to Glymur is truly engaging with the spectacular views around the fjord, lively wildflowers, and some of the Icelandic wildlife. It’s ideal for any hiking enthusiast who wants a closer look at the dramatic beauty of Iceland and get off the beaten path while exploring natural wonders.
11/ Hengifoss -Famous waterfall in the East
Where: Eastern Iceland
How to get there: Take the Ring Road (Route 1) north out of Reykjavik in a clockwise direction. Once you reach the town of Fellabær, turn onto Route 931. You’ll come to the car park for Hengifoss on the right hand side of the road. The drive from Reykjavik to Hengifoss takes almost 8 hours.
Time to visit: The hike to reach Hengifoss, while not too treacherous, takes about 1.5 hours. With that in mind, the best time to visit Hengifoss is in the summer months, when the trail is much safer and the weather is generally nice.
Located in far Eastern Iceland, Hengifoss is the third tallest waterfall in the country, standing a proud 420 feet tall. The landscape surrounding Hengifoss is absolutely striking, with red stratification from basaltic strata painting terracotta colored stripes in the cliffside. If you have the time, stop by the nearby Lake Logurinn, where an ancient sea monster is said to live.
Choosing the Best of the Rental Cars for Exploring Iceland’s Waterfalls
Indeed, planning for your waterfall adventure in Iceland means choosing the right rental car for everything you might need to do or see. The varied terrain and changeable weather conditions of Iceland demand a reliable vehicle that can handle anything, from smooth highways to gravel tracks. Here’s what you need to know about the weather, road conditions, and which rental car best suits your journey.
Weather and Road Conditions in Iceland
The weather in Iceland is rather capricious and can change quickly. The most stable weather is in summer: June to August, with daylight long enough for road trips. The roads are usually quite clear, which makes it easy to reach most tourist destinations, especially waterfalls. Nevertheless, even in the summer, it is wise to check daily for weather updates.
The winter month of November through March is the most challenging to drive in with the snow, ice, and limited hours of daylight. Many secondary roads will become impassible without a 4WD (four-wheel drive) vehicle. Always plan your travel routes in advance and stay informed of weather forecasts and road conditions.
The transitional seasons, spring (April to May) and fall (September to October), are both times when you might experience a little of both: the snow, sleet, and ice that begin to thaw in spring, and early snowfall that may start to fall in autumn—especially in the higher altitudes or more remote areas.
Recommended Rental Cars
Economy Cars: Ideal for solo travelers or for couples who do not veer far off the primary roads, especially in the popular Golden Circle. These cars are easy to manage and fuel-efficient, perfect for a summer travel way when the roads are in their prime.
SUVs: An SUV is a preference for traveling with a group or family because of better spacing and power. Good for driving through all kinds of terrains in Iceland, including gravel paths that lead to waterfalls such as Svartifoss and Glymur, an SUV will offer you a little extra comfort and some more safety features.
4×4 Vehicles An important aspect in the winter months traveling, but also for the adventurers who want to explore the rough highlands of Iceland or roads to waterfalls that are less maintained; for example, Dynjandi or Hengifoss.
Using a 4×4 vehicle, one is assured of the needed clearance, hence providing traction in snowy, icy conditions, making it possible to get to one’s destination safely. In whichever season or model of car that you rent, it is only prudent to ensure that you get appropriate insurance cover. The Firefly Car Rental Iceland insurance can be of different types so as to suit any situation and safeguard you against the circumstances that are unexpected.
Conclusion
From Iceland’s largest waterfall to glittering cascades tucked in craggy canyons, the Land of Fire and Ice should have been nicknamed the Land of Waterfalls! You could spend a lifetime tracking down the country’s glittering cascades and never see them all, but a road trip around Iceland is a good place to start.
Be sure to book a rental car with Firefly Iceland Car Rentals to ensure you’re getting one of the best deals in Iceland and get to seeing these incredible waterfalls ASAP.
