In addition to its countless natural wonders, Iceland’s waterfalls stand out. There are many waterfalls on the island, and I will introduce the 10 most beautiful ones!
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Seljalandsfoss
Located in the southern part of Iceland, close to the main road 1. It is one of the most popular and well-known waterfalls in the country, and we can see many wonderful photos of it.
The waterfall, about 60 meters high, has the unique feature that you can walk behind the curtain of water. Its surroundings are also fantastic: it is surrounded by green landscapes and rocky hills.
Gullfoss
Located on a section of the Hvítá river in the southwest of the country, not far from Reykjavik. It is part of the famous „Golden Circle” tour route, which is one of the most popular tourist routes in Iceland.
Gullfoss consists of two separate stages that follow each other. The upper level is about 11 meters high, while the lower level plunges from 21 meters. This two-tier formation makes it particularly spectacular.
The paths and trails leading to the waterfall are well-maintained, making it easy to access. A visitor center has also been established nearby.
Skógafoss
Located in the south of Iceland, along the Skógá river, east of Reykjavik.
It is 60 meters high and 25 meters wide, with a very large water flow. Therefore, rainbows often form, making the place even more spectacular.
A staircase leads to the top of the waterfall, offering a wonderful view of the surrounding landscape.
Svartifoss
Located in the southeast of the island, within the Skaftafell National Park, inside Vatnajökull National Park.
Its popularity is due to the semi-circular black basalt columns, which provide an impressive sight. It gets its name from this: black waterfall.
To reach it, you have to follow a moderately difficult hiking trail that starts from the Skaftafell visitor center. The round trip takes about 1.5-2 hours.
Goðafoss
Located in the north of Iceland, east of Lake Mývatn and west of the city of Akureyri, known as the „Waterfall of the Gods”.
About 30 meters wide and 12 meters high. The arched waterfall splits into several smaller streams, then meanders through the Sjalfandafljot river for 180 km.
The waterfall is easily accessible with a few minutes’ walk and provides excellent views from both sides.
Its name is linked to an important historical event. According to Íslendingabók, Þorgeir Ljósvetningagoði, a pagan lawmaker, threw the statues of his pagan gods in this waterfall around the 1000s, symbolizing Iceland’s conversion to Christianity.
Dettifoss
Located in the north of Iceland, on the Jökulsá á Fjöllum river, which is one of the country’s largest rivers.
The waterfall is 100 meters wide and about 45 meters high. The power of the waterfall is particularly striking, due to the immense amount of water. This makes it one of the most water-rich waterfalls in Europe.
Turn off road 862 and a parking lot is about 1 km walk away.
Dettifoss is popular among tourists and nature photographers, and appears in the opening scene of Ridley Scott’s 2012 film „Prometheus”.
Haifoss
Located in the south, near the Thjórsá river, next to the Fossárfoss waterfall. This waterfall is one of the highest in Iceland.
Its name means high waterfall: water plunges from a height of 122 meters. It is quite difficult to access, but the view is worth the visit.
Dynjandi
Located in the western part of Iceland, in the Westfjords region, it is one of the most impressive and spectacular waterfalls.
Its total height is about 100 meters, of which the top and largest part, Dynjandi itself, is about 30 meters high. The waterfall’s most famous feature is its shape: it widens downwards, spreading out in a semi-circle. This gives it a curtain-like appearance.
A relatively easy path leads to the waterfall, making it a popular attraction among tourists.
Hjálparfoss
Located in the south of Iceland, in the Thjórsárdalur valley, near the Hekla volcano. It is less known, but possesses unique beauty.
It is actually a double waterfall, formed by the convergence of two separate streams. The water comes from the Fossárlék river and falls into a common pool. The basalt lava formations characterizing the area around the waterfall make the sight even more beautiful.
It is easily accessible, and offers excellent photo opportunities for visitors. The roads and paths leading to the waterfall are well developed.
Hraunfossar
Located in the west of Iceland, near the Húsafell settlement and the historic Reykholt village. It significantly differs from other Icelandic waterfalls.
Hraunfossar is a series of waterfalls that burst through the Hallmundarhraun lava field. These waterfalls consist of numerous small streams that emerge from the cracks in the lava and flow into the Hvítá river.
Overall, they stretch about 900 meters wide. This results in sprawling water flows, creating a unique and impressive sight.
It is located beside road 518, with a well-developed parking lot just 100 meters from the waterfall. There is a wonderful view from the front.
The most beautiful waterfalls in the world
Nature has created numerous waterfalls around the world. Here are the most beautiful waterfalls!