TOP 7 WATERFALLS IN ICELAND

If you like waterfalls, you’ll love exploring Iceland on our tours!

Why are there so many waterfalls in Iceland? There are two big reasons why Iceland is home to thousands of waterfalls, cascades and fosses.

Firstly, there’s a LOT of water around. Billions of liters of moisture fall here as snow, rain, mist and fog, constantly filling the rivers.

As well as that, more than a tenth of Iceland is covered by glaciers and ice caps, which supercharge the waterfalls in the summer with glacial meltwater.

Secondly, Iceland is packed with high mountains, towering volcanoes, and deep canyons. That creates the huge drops required to send the meltwater rushing down to the coast at great speed.

It’s the perfect combination of climate and geology for waterfall watchers!

SELJALANDSFOSS

Seljalandsfoss - see it from all sides

Have you ever seen a waterfall from the other side? When we visit Seljalandsfoss on our South Coast tours in the summer, you can walk all the way around the cascade on a path and see it from every angle! It’s worth getting a little wet for that unforgettable experience! It is one of the most famous and popular waterfalls in the country, and for good reason.

Standing at a height of 60 meters, Seljalandsfoss cascades down from a cliff and offers a mesmerizing sight to behold.

And you can also visit a “secret” waterfall here too! Gljúfrabui (“canyon dweller”) is concealed in a little green cave, like opening the door to a hidden world!

DETTIFOSS

Dettifoss - the most powerful waterfall in Europe

Dettifoss is another magnificent waterfall in Iceland that is worth a visit.

Known for being the most powerful waterfall in Europe, Dettifoss showcases the raw and untamed strength of nature. With a width of 100 meters and a drop of 45 meters, the sheer force of the water cascading down is an awe-inspiring sight to behold. Its location in the remote and barren landscape of Vatnajökull National Park adds to its dramatic allure.

This majestic waterfall has also caught the attention of filmmakers, and it has been featured in several movies. One notable film is Ridley Scott’s “Prometheus,” where Dettifoss serves as the backdrop for a pivotal scene in the movie.

SKÓGAFOSS

Skógafoss - the most classic waterfall

Skógafoss is a breathtaking waterfall located in Iceland that should definitely be on your travel bucket list. With a drop of 60 meters and a width of 25 meters, Skógafoss is a powerful force of nature that will leave you in awe.

The cascading water creates a misty atmosphere, which often results in beautiful rainbows forming in front of the waterfall.

One of the most unique features of Skógafoss is the staircase that allows visitors to climb to the top and enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape. This vantage point provides a truly unforgettable experience and the opportunity to capture stunning photos. Whether you’re a nature lover or an adventure seeker, Skógafoss promises an exhilarating and magical encounter with the wonders of the natural world.

HRAUNFOSSAR

Hraunfossar - "The Lava Falls"

Would you like to see a unique waterfall, a cascade like nowhere else in the world? When you choose our Silver Circle tours, we’ll bring you to Hraunfossar (the Lava Falls), where you’ll see the mesmerizing sight of cascades pouring from the middle of the cliffs instead of over the top of them! Gaze in wonder from several viewing platforms as glacial meltwater emerges from many streams flowing beneath the ancient lava fields into the river, stretching for nearly a kilometer downstream!

Just couple meters away you will also find Barnafoss (Waterfall Of Children), a charming waterfall with a grieving history. This enchanting waterfall offers a unique and captivating experience that will leave you amazed. Unlike its neighboring waterfall, Barnafoss is known for its narrow and turbulent flow, rushing through a narrow gorge with incredible force and power.

GULLFOSS

Gullfoss - "The Golden Falls"

Gullfoss, the most visited waterfall in Iceland, is a truly awe-inspiring sight that will leave you breathless. Located in the southwestern part of the country on so called Golden Circle Route, Gullfoss is known for its dramatic two-tiered drop that plunges into a deep canyon. The sheer power and force of the cascading water is a sight to behold and will make you appreciate the wonders of nature.

Gullfoss waterfall holds historical significance as one of Iceland’s most iconic landmarks. In the early 20th century, there was a proposal to turn the waterfall into a hydroelectric power plant, but thanks to the efforts of environmentalists, Gullfoss was saved and remains a testament to the power and resilience of nature.

DYNJANDI

Dynjandi - series of stunning falls

Dynjandi, located in the remote Westfjords region of Iceland, is home to a collection of spectacular waterfalls that will leave you in awe. The main attraction, also known as Fjallfoss, is the largest waterfall in the area and is a true masterpiece of nature. With a width of over 100 meters and a drop of roughly 100 meters, the sheer power and beauty of Dynjandi is simply breathtaking.

Hiking up Dynjandi trail (around 15-20 minutes one way) is an exhilarating adventure that will take you closer to the heart of nature and leave you with memories that will last a lifetime. As you begin your ascent, you’ll be greeted by the sound of rushing water and the refreshing mist that fills the air.

GÓÐAFOSS

Góðafoss - "The Waterfall of Gods"

Some waterfalls have historical significance. For example, our Ring Road tours visit Góðafoss, a beautiful curved waterfall in North Iceland. Its name means “Waterfall of the Gods”. The story goes that in the year 1000, the Law Speaker Þorgeir Ljósvetningagoði decided that Christianity should be Iceland’s official religion and destroyed his pagan statues by pushing them over the falls here!

Looking out from Godafoss, you’ll see the expansive landscape stretching out before you. The lush greenery and vibrant wildflowers paint a picture of natural abundance and vitality. The surrounding mountains rise majestically, their peaks reaching towards the sky, as if trying to touch the heavens.