TravelingBrenda contains affiliate links. If you click or make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. See our Privacy Policy for more information.

Iceland Waterfalls You Can’t Miss & How to Visit Them

ByTravelingBrenda Updated on

Few places on Earth rival Iceland’s dramatic natural beauty. With glaciers, volcanoes, and hot springs around every corner, it’s no wonder the country is called the Land of Fire and Ice. But what really steals the show are the waterfalls. Whether they’re tucked inside deep canyons or crashing right beside the Ring Road, Iceland waterfalls are some of the most breathtaking sights you’ll ever see.

If you’re planning a trip, here are the waterfalls you absolutely can’t miss, plus tips on how to visit them all. To make your trip easier, I’ve also included an interactive map you can use to map out your route!

Iceland Travel Planning at a Glance

Short on time? Here’s a quick mini guide to Iceland to help plan your trip!

Where to Stay:

Where to Eat/Drink:

A person stands joyfully on a rocky, dark terrain, pointing up at a towering, misty waterfall cascading down a steep cliff under a clear blue sky.
Skogafoss Waterfall
A smiling couple stands on a glacier, wearing helmets and holding ice axes. The bright blue sky and rugged ice formations create an adventurous tone.
Glacier Hike

Things to Do:

Map of the Waterfalls

To make it easier to map out your route, I created the map below of Iceland for you, which has all the main sites mentioned in this post. You can even export and save this map directly so you can reference it during your trip.

Northern Iceland Waterfalls

Kolugljúfur Canyon Waterfall

Located in the northwestern part of Iceland, Kolugljúfur Canyon is a hidden gem where the Víðidalsá River cuts through a deep gorge. Several waterfalls tumble into the canyon, creating a dramatic view from the bridge above.

We found this to be less touristy than some other places, so it was less crowded. It does require you to drive off the main road a little, but this is worth the detour! It does have a parking lot with free parking!

You can view the waterfall from the bridge or take a short hike closer to the falls. The bridge crosses the canyon and allows beautiful views of both sides! We hiked across and were able to get pretty close to the water, but there is no fence, so be careful!

  • A wooden signboard titled "Kolugljúfur" stands on grassy terrain under a clear blue sky. It features a map, text, and an illustration, conveying an informational tone.
  • A scenic waterfall flows over rocky cliffs into a river under a bright, partly cloudy sky. The sunlight and mist create a serene, powerful atmosphere.
  • A cascading waterfall flows over rocky cliffs, with a clear blue sky and snow-dusted mountains in the background, creating a serene and picturesque scene.

Goðafoss – The Waterfall of the Gods

One of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls sits between Akureyri and Lake Mývatn. Goðafoss Waterfall is approximately a 30-minute drive from Akureyri. This waterfall is a big one, at 11 meters high! It is known as the “Waterfall of the Gods” as Christianity was declared the official religion in 1000 AD at this site. The parking lot for this site is right off of Rd 1, so you can’t miss it!

Several easily accessible walking paths offer a view of this waterfall. It is in a horseshoe shape, so it does require a lot of walking to see all the viewpoints. If you choose, there is a path with a lot of steps to reach the waterfall’s basin. The last picture below is me standing at this viewpoint. This is a very unique spot, great for picture taking with the waterfall behind you.

  • Informational sign for Goðafoss waterfalls with a map, historical and geological notes in multiple languages. Surrounded by grass and graffiti.
  • Majestic waterfall cascades over rocky cliffs into a wide river, creating mist. Overcast sky and rugged landscape evoke a serene, tranquil atmosphere.
  • A woman in a black coat and gray beanie stands on a rocky shore, smiling in front of a wide waterfall under a cloudy sky, conveying a sense of adventure.

Coming in on a cruise ship and want to see Godafoss? Check out this 3-hr Akureyri port tour that takes you directly there!

Dettifoss – Europe’s Most Powerful Waterfall

Dettifoss is an absolute must-see and one of the most visited sites in Iceland. Known as the most powerful waterfall in Europe, it’s located within Vatnajökull National Park. It’s the second most powerful waterfall in Europe!

Prepare to see lots of tourists here and plan enough time to explore this region! We arrived around 9:00 AM and stayed for a good hour. If you are familiar with the movie Prometheus, this is the waterfall where it was shot!

  • A woman in a gray beanie and dark coat smiles near a large, thundering waterfall with rocky cliffs and patches of snow under a cloudy sky.
  • Powerful waterfall cascading over rocky cliffs into a turbulent pool. Moss-covered rocks border the scene under an overcast sky, evoking a serene yet dramatic mood.

It’s important to know there are two entrances to this waterfall, and they both require a short walk to the waterfall.  If you take Road 862, you’ll go to the west side of the waterfall. This is a paved road and the most popular. The walk on the west side of the falls is the longest (800 meters from the parking lot). There are also more parking spaces and public bathrooms on this side.

Snow-covered rocky landscape leading to Dettifoss waterfall, under a cloudy sky. Small groups of people walk along the path, creating a serene, adventurous tone.
West Entrance Walking Path

Road 864 will take you to the east side of Dettifoss. This is an unpaved road that should not be taken without a 4×4 vehicle and is generally closed during the colder months of the year. We attempted to take this route, and the road was closed in October. The walk on the east side is only 400 meters in distance down to Dettifoss, but it takes slightly longer since the path can get pretty steep.

Rjúkandifoss

Rjúkandifoss is a tall, elegant waterfall right off the Ring Road near the town of Egilsstaðir. This waterfall wasn’t even on my original list to see, but I have added it to this list because it was worth stopping for! Its serene beauty is perfect for a quick stop.

This waterfall does have a small parking lot with free parking. You will need to walk a little way to get to the main viewpoint, and you can also get super close to this waterfall if you choose!

  • Rocky landscape with a cascading waterfall in the distance, flowing into a clear, rushing stream surrounded by rugged terrain under an overcast sky.
  • Rugged landscape with a multi-tiered waterfall cascading over dark rocks. Surrounded by autumnal grass, the water flows into a rocky stream below.

East and Southeast Iceland Waterfalls

Gufu Waterfall

This waterfall is just up the hill from Seydisfjordur, so you can choose to stop here before or after visiting the town.

This one caught our eye with how big it was, and it was right off the main road! The drive through this region is incredibly scenic, with fjords, cliffs, and tiny fishing villages along the way. You can also get really close to the waterfall, but it requires you to go over a lot of slippery rocks.

  • A winding river cuts through a rocky valley with moss-covered rocks, surrounded by snow-capped mountains under an overcast sky, evoking serenity.
  • Majestic waterfall cascading over a rocky cliff into a serene river, surrounded by lush green hills and scattered boulders under an overcast sky.
  • A woman in winter clothing points towards a waterfall cascading over rocks into a stream, surrounded by rugged cliffs and patches of grass under a cloudy sky.

Skutafoss

Skútafoss is a waterfall that takes you on a little detour off Rd 1, but I would recommend stopping! This is often referred to as the hidden waterfall, as it is not visible until you are pretty close.

From the parking lot, you will have to walk along a river that bends into Skútafoss. Once you see it, you can get really close and even stand behind the water in the cave! Can you see the person behind it in my photo below? This is truly a hidden gem!

  • Snow-capped mountains under a clear blue sky, with a small waterfall flowing into a rocky stream. The scene is tranquil and picturesque.
    Path to Skutafoss
  • Mountain landscape with a serene waterfall cascading into a rocky stream, surrounded by rugged cliffs. Snow-capped peaks rise in the background under a clear blue sky.
    Skutafoss

Múlagljúfur Canyon Waterfall

One of Iceland’s most stunning hidden spots, Múlagljúfur Canyon feels like a scene from a fantasy movie. The canyon is filled with mossy cliffs, winding rivers, and a tall waterfall plunging into the valley.

You will turn off Rd 1 on a gravel road, and there are no signs for the canyon. The gravel road is at these coordinates, 63.988824, -16.395735. You will drive on it for a short distance before getting to the parking lot. You will need to pay in the Parka app.

There are two different options for this hike. The first option is shorter and will stop at the classic viewpoint. If you have more time, you can continue on the path that will stop at the top of the canyon, closer to the Mulafoss Waterfall. The hiking trail can be hard to see at times, so make sure you just follow the yellow stakes!

  • Rocky landscape with a dirt path and distant snowy mountains under a vast, cloudy sky. Two people are walking along the path, creating a serene atmosphere.
  • Two hikers walk on a vast, moss-covered landscape under a dramatic, cloudy sky. The terrain is rugged with distant mountains on the horizon.

We started this hike pretty late in the day and didn’t have time to do the longer path, but the shorter path is still worth it! The first viewpoint is so beautiful and will take your breath away!

A deep, narrow canyon with steep, moss-covered rocky walls and a small stream running through it. The distant background features rugged mountain peaks under a pale sky. The scene conveys a sense of remote wilderness and natural majesty.

South Iceland Waterfalls

Skógafoss

Skógafoss is a waterfall not to be missed! You also can’t miss it, because it’s right off the highway and towers almost 200ft! There is no entrance or parking fee at this one!

This is one of the bigger falls where you can get super close without standing behind railings. There is also an optional hike that will take you up to the top of the waterfall and along the river.

The full hike is about 5 miles. However, you can also just climb the stairs to the top for a panoramic view. On sunny days, rainbows often form in the mist.

  • Tall waterfall cascading over rocky cliffs into a misty pool below. Dark volcanic rocks and pebbles line the foreground, with a clear blue sky above.
  • A person stands joyfully on a rocky, dark terrain, pointing up at a towering, misty waterfall cascading down a steep cliff under a clear blue sky.

Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi

These two waterfalls sit right next to each other, making them one of the best stops along the south coast. Seljalandsfoss is famous because you can walk behind it for a unique perspective. Make sure you have some rain gear with you if you want to explore behind it. It will take about 10 minutes to walk to it from the parking lot.

  • View from behind a waterfall in a lush, green landscape. Two people in the distance admire the scene under a gray, cloudy sky, conveying tranquility and awe.
  • View from behind a tall waterfall, cascading into a pool surrounded by mossy rocks and open fields. The sky is overcast, creating a serene atmosphere.
  • A majestic waterfall cascades over a mossy cliff at sunset. The sky glows warmly, and a few people are scattered on the grassy field below.

Just a short walk away is Gljúfrabúi, a secret waterfall partially hidden inside a cave. I thought this waterfall was just as cool, if not better!

This waterfall is in a small canyon, surrounded by bright green moss-covered cliffs. You will have to walk through a narrow entrance that is a little stream with a few bigger rocks to step on. Once you get inside, there is a big rock between you and the basin of the waterfall. It’s a pretty cool experience being right below it!

  • Narrow rocky gorge with lush moss-covered walls framing a distant waterfall cascading into a clear stream. The scene conveys tranquility and natural beauty.
  • Waterfall cascading through a moss-covered cliff into a rocky pool below, creating a misty atmosphere. Sunlight filters in, adding a serene, majestic feel.
  • Two people in raincoats joyfully stand in front of a cascading waterfall in a mossy canyon, arms outstretched, conveying excitement and adventure.

Golden Circle Waterfalls

Gullfoss

Gullfoss is part of the Golden Circle route and easy to reach from Reykjavík. It’s known for its dramatic multi-step cascade. Along with the waterfall, there is a visitor center and restaurant on-site. It’s a great place to pick up gifts or keepsakes to remember your trip.

Since this is a popular tourist spot, there is a free parking lot and public bathrooms. You should try to visit early morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds. There are several walking paths and viewing platforms around Gullfoss that offer stunning views of the waterfall and canyon!

Winding path leads to a majestic waterfall cascading into a rugged canyon under overcast sky; visitors walk along the trail, capturing the serene landscape.

Brúarfoss

Also along the Golden Circle, Brúarfoss is famous for its bright blue color. This was another one of my favorites! You can get really close to this one because there are several inlets, and a bridge you can use to take great photos! The blue water is just mesmerizing!

  • A vivid aquamarine river cascades over tiered rocks, framed by rugged, earthy terrain and distant mountains under an overcast sky, evoking tranquility.
  • Couple in winter clothing smiles by a bright blue, cascading waterfall surrounded by rugged rocks and sparse vegetation, conveying adventure and joy.
  • A couple embraces on rocky terrain by a vivid blue waterfall under an overcast sky. The scene conveys warmth amidst the chilly natural setting.

Brúarfoss features a newly established parking lot, and you will take a brief, 5-minute walk directly to the waterfall. You will pay a parking fee here. Download the Parka app to pay.

Final Thoughts

Chasing Iceland waterfalls is one of the best ways to explore the country. From the mighty Dettifoss to the hidden beauty of Múlagljúfur Canyon, each one shows a different side of Iceland’s wild landscape.

If you plan to see as many as possible, rent a car, grab your camera, and follow Road 1, which will lead you to some of the most magical places you’ve ever seen.

Next: Check out my 8-Day Iceland Itinerary that will take you on an epic journey around the entire island!

Latest Posts