10 EPIC Waterfalls in Iceland
Did you know that there are more than 10,000 waterfalls in Iceland? When we were exploring the Land of Fire and Ice, we saw countless waterfalls. It seemed as though every time we rounded a corner on the Ring Road we spotted another waterfall.
Honestly, a trip to Iceland isn’t complete without visiting the country’s superb waterfalls. When we created our itinerary, we had well over 20 waterfalls we planned on visiting! Each waterfall has its own distinct attributes making each one unique.
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Why Are There So Many Waterfalls in Iceland?
Great question! Much of Iceland’s landscape is jagged- it’s covered with massive mountains, cliffs, and slopes. Combine that with the northern latitude- aka lots of rain, snow, and glaciers- it makes for the perfect location for waterfalls to form. All of that runoff creates some of the most stunning waterfalls on the planet. It is estimated that there are over 10,000 waterfalls in Iceland.
While some waterfalls are merely a trickle that barely makes it over moss-covered rocks or lava fields, others are massive. The largest waterfall in Iceland is Morsárfoss, formed after the Morsárjökullglacier began melting.
In Iceland, all waterfall names end with the suffix “foss” which translates to “waterfall”.
How We Came Up With Our List
As I mentioned, we saw countless waterfalls on our 8-day trip around the Ring Road. Our original itinerary had about 20 waterfalls on it, and we actually ended up seeing even more than that! Each evening, when we returned to our hotel room, we would rate the waterfalls that we saw.
I’ve used that ranking to help compile a list of 10 Epic Waterfalls in Iceland. Believe me, narrowing it down to just 10 was not an easy feat. Several waterfalls were gorgeous (like Oxarafoss in Thingvellir National Park), that didn’t make the list but are well worth a visit.
The waterfalls on our list are listed by region, rather than ranking them in order. It was hard enough narrowing it down to 10 favorites, there’s no way that I could put them in order! Iceland is a country rich with folklore, so we’ll share some of the legends in our list as well.
10 Epic Waterfalls in Iceland
Dettifoss Waterfall- Northern Iceland
Dettifoss makes the list based on its intense power. The name Dettifoss translates to “Tumbling Falls”, which is fitting considering how massive it is. It is Iceland’s most powerful waterfall and Europe’s second most powerful waterfall unleashing 200 cubic meters of water per second!
The fall is located in Vatnajokull National Park in northern Iceland. It spans 330 feet wide and crashes over a 144-foot cliff. You won’t believe how incredibly loud this cascade is!
Nearby Attractions:
- Hafragilsfoss
- Lake Myvatn
- Myvatn Nature Baths
- Rettarfoss
- Holmarfossar
- Grjotagja- lava cave with a thermal spring
- Storagja- caverns complex with hot springs
Godafoss- Northern Iceland
Godafoss waterfall is one of Iceland’s most famous and most-visited waterfalls. The OG Norse settlers of Iceland worshiped pagan gods such as Odin, Thor, and Freya. In the year 1000, the King of Norway threatened to invade Iceland if it did not convert to Christianity.
After praying to the Norse gods for several days for a solution, Thorgeir Ljosvetningagodi, a member of the national assembly, declared that Christianity would become the official religion of Iceland. Naturally, this didn’t fly well with those god-loving Icelanders, so there was a caveat that said they could still practice their pagan beliefs in private. Phew!
To solidify this decision, Ljosvetningagodi visited the waterfall where he threw all of his Norse idols into the water, giving the falls its name “Waterfall of the Gods.”
Pretty epic, eh?
Nearby Attractions:
- Hafragilsfoss
- Lake Myvatn
- Myvatn Nature Baths
- Rettarfoss
- Holmarfossar
- Grjotagja- lava cave with a thermal spring
- Storagja- caverns complex with hot springs
- Husavik Whale Museum
Fardagafoss Waterfall- Eastern Iceland
This waterfall was not on our original itinerary, but I’m super glad we stumbled upon it! When we arrived at our hotel in Egilsstadir, we pulled up Google Maps to see what there was to do in the area.
Just outside of town, there’s a small parking lot off the main road. From there, it’s a relatively easy hike to Fardagafoss. On the way, you’ll pass 2 other falls, which I’m not sure the name of.
The 66-foot cascade plummets dramatically into a rocky crevasse and travels towards a narrow gorge.
If you’re not up for the hike, you can see the waterfall from the road, but it’s much more impressive up close.
According to Icelandic legend, a troll once lived in the cave, guarding her gold-filled cauldron. Before the lava cave collapsed, visitors could look for the treasure in the cave.
While there’s no proof that there’s actually treasure hiding behind the waterfall, visitors can walk behind the cascade to search for it!
Nearby Accommodation: Hotel 1001 Nott
Nearby Food: Askur Pizza – Try the Fallegi smiðurinn (The Beautiful Builder) pizza. You won’t be disappointed. It made me fall in love with pepper cheese!
Nearby Attractions:
- Gufufoss Waterfall is just 11 miles away
- East Iceland Heritage Museum
- Reindeer sculpture- you’ll just have to see this one to believe it 😂
Kvernufoss Waterfalls- Southern Iceland
Let me just say that if I WAS ranking these waterfalls in order of my favorites, Kvernufoss may just be #1. By a landslide.
I have no idea why this waterfall isn’t as popular as many of the others in South Iceland. It is a STUNNER!
The 98-foot waterfall is surrounded by lush greenery and a gorgeous cliff made of lava rock.
Kvernufoss is located near the Skogar Cultural Museum and the more famous Skogafoss. To access the falls, park at the Skogar Cultural Museum and walk about 20 minutes to the hidden gorge.
Kvernufoss is one of the few waterfalls that you can safely walk behind. There’s an easy-to-follow trail that leads behind the cascade. The rocks can be a little slippery, so be cautious.
Kvernufoss is located about 100 miles outside of Reykjavik and 20 miles outside of Vik.
Nearby Accommodation: Black Beach Suites
Nearby Food: The Soup Company- try the Icelandic Lamb Soup
Nearby Attractions:
- Skogar Cultural Museum
- Skogafoss
- Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
- Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
- Vatnajokull Glacier
- Katla Ice Cave
- Icelandic Lava Show
Svartifoss Waterfall- Southern Iceland
Svartifoss waterfall is the other contender for my favorite waterfall. Known as “Black Falls”, Svartifoss is located in the Skaftafell Nature Reserve. The waterfall stands a mighty 65 feet tall and is surrounded by stunning basalt columns.
This iconic waterfall inspired the famous Hallgrimskirkja church in Reykjavik and the ceiling of the National Theater of Iceland.
The hike to the waterfalls is about 1 mile each way and is mostly uphill on the way there. I’d be lying if I didn’t mention that the hike kicked my ass a little bit, but man was it worth it!
At the base of the waterfall, there is a wooden bridge that overlooks the unworldly waterfall. Take a moment to sit on the rocks at the foot of the cascade and let the spray cool you down. Dip your bottle in the fresh water and relax a bit before trekking back.
On the way to Svartifoss, you’ll pass 3 smaller waterfalls. So, on this incredible hike, you get 4 waterfalls!
Nearby Accommodations:
Nearby Attractions:
- Mulagljufur Canyon
- Jokulsarlon- Glacier Lagoon
- Diamond Beach
Seljalandsfoss Waterfall- Southern Iceland
Seljalandsfoss is hugely popular amongst tourists since it is only 80 miles away from Reykjavik and near the Golden Circle.
The waterfall is 197 feet high and features a path circling it. This path lets visitors walk behind the waterfall (just be prepared to get wet!). If you want to cheat, you can also view the waterfall from the parking lot.
Nearby Accommodation:
Nearby Attractions:
- Gljufrabui Waterfall
- Paradise Cave
- LAVA Center
- Caves of Hella
- Kerid Crater
Gullfoss Waterfall- Southern Iceland
Gullfoss Waterfall, or “Golden Falls” as it translates, is located on the famous Golden Circle– the most popular route in Iceland. The falls get their name from the fact that on a sunny day, the water takes on a golden-brown color from the sediment that the water has carved out of the Earth throughout the years.
This two-tiered waterfall features a 105-foot drop that plummets into a narrow river gorge.
Gullfoss was named one of the world’s Top 10 Waterfalls by world-of-waterfalls.com, so it’s obviously pretty legit. It is about a 2-hour drive from Reykjavik and well worth a visit.
Nearby Attractions:
- Bruarfoss
- Lava Center
- Gljurabui
- Seljalandsfoss
- Thingvellir National Park
Skogafoss- Southern Iceland
Skogafoss is known as one of the most jaw-dropping waterfalls in Iceland. I have to admit…it’s pretty freaking incredible!
My favorite thing about Skogafoss is that you can walk right up to it- if you don’t mind getting wet (I didn’t!).
It is said that way back in the olden days (we’re talking during the settlement of Iceland), a sorcerer named Thrasi Thorlaksson, buried a treasure chest in the cave behind the waterfall. Allegedly, in the 1600s, a group of men found the treasure chest. As they were pulling on the ring-shaped handle, it broke off and the treasure chest disappeared (SORCERERS, I TELL YOU!!) back into the cave. The ring is on display at the Skogar Museum.
Nearby Accommodation: Black Beach Suites
Nearby Food: The Soup Company- try the Icelandic Lamb Soup
Nearby Attractions:
- Skogar Cultural Museum
- Skogafoss
- Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
- Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
- Vatnajokull Glacier
- Katla Ice Cave
- Icelandic Lava Show
Bruarfoss Waterfall- Western Iceland
Shhh! This one is a hidden gem! Located on the Bruara River, in the Grimsnes area of Southwest Iceland, you’ll find Bruarfoss.
While this might not be the tallest waterfall, nor the widest, or the most powerful- it just may be the most blue!
Getting to this waterfall requires an hour-long hike down a dirt path. You’ll pass two other waterfalls along the river before coming to the impressive Bruarfoss Waterfall.
Nearby Attractions:
- Lava Center
- Gljurabui
- Seljalandsfoss
- Thingvellir National Park
Hraunfossar Waterfall- Western Iceland
This waterfall is like something out of a movie! The stunning falls are located in the fjord of Borgarfjordur in Western Iceland. The falls are located at the end of the Hallmundarhraun lavafield which was formed after an eruption of volcanoes lying under the nearby Langjokull Glacier. Hraunfossar translates to “Lava Falls”.
The falls can be observed for a viewing platform. Although the falls aren’t super tall, they are definitely with a visit!
Legend has it that an old stone bridge once went over the falls. Nearby, a farmer and his wife left for church leaving their two boys behind. In a rush to catch up with their parents, the boys decided to cross the bridge. The boys toppled off of the bridge and drowned. This story led to the waterfall’s name Hraunfossar- which translates to Children’s Falls.
The hike to the falls should take less than 15 minutes, making it super easy to access.
Nearby Attractions:
- Barnafoss waterfalls
- Selgil Hot Spring
- The Cave Vidgelmir- a subterranean cave with lava formations
- Surtshellir- ice formations in a lava-formed cave
- Deildartunguhver- natural hot springs
The Complete List of 10 Epic Waterfalls in Iceland
- Dettifoss Waterfall
- Godafoss Waterfall
- Fardagafoss Waterfall
- Kvernufoss Waterfall
- Svartifoss Waterfall
- Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
- Gullfoss Waterfall
- Skogafoss Waterfall
- Bruarfoss Waterfall
- Hraunfossar Waterfall
What Do You Think of the List?
Well…what do you think of our list? Did your favorite waterfall make it to our list of 10 epic waterfalls in Iceland? What waterfalls do you think should be included in the list?
For future reference, be sure to save our post “10 EPIC Waterfalls in Iceland”! Pin one of the images below to Pinterest. Go ahead and follow 5 Suitcases on Pinterest while you’re at it!
For more inspo for your Iceland trip, check out our posts on the Katla Ice Cave, snorkeling between the tectonic plates, and Diamond Beach. If you plan on visiting The Blue Lagoon or other geothermal pools or lagoons, be sure to read up on the proper etiquette!
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