The 7 Best Waterfalls in Iceland

Perhaps what makes Seljalandsfoss so beautiful is the special view it comes with. Because visitors can walk behind this waterfall, you’ll be able to capture a scene that’s hard to find anywhere else in Iceland, as the falls come down in front of you. Seljalandsfoss is 60 meters high and is a very cool place to watch the sunset.

You’ll be able to find it on the Ring Road in South Iceland. This is the 1,300 km highway which wraps its way around the country, and is the most popular road trip option for seeing as much as possible. If you’re doing this road trip we recommend at least 7 days, and a car rental or camper rental in Iceland to save on accommodation.

Located within Vatnajökull National Park, Svartifoss falls are the main reason to come to this park. These falls are one of the best sights to see because of the dark lava columns surrounding the falls, giving it the name, Black Falls. The unique geographical formations have inspired architects in Iceland, but they are just as inspiring to travelers, too.

Háifoss is the second largest waterfall in Iceland, and definitely one of the most stunning. It’s located near the Hekla Volcano, and it’s a wonderful place to come and hike. You’ll be sure to get an extraordinary view of it all and, depending on the weather, you may even see a rainbow over it. Háifoss is located in the Þjórsárdalur Valley, which is a fantastic getaway in itself.

The Gulfoss waterfall is Iceland’s most famous. It attracts travelers from all over the world due to the interesting shape of the falls. The unique curves are something of an optical illusion because at certain angles the falls seem to just disappear into thin air. Gullfoss is part of the Golden Circle, so if you go on a tour, you’ll be sure to see it.

What’s so breathtaking about Skogafoss is not so much the waterfall itself, but its lush green surroundings. There are some Viking legends about this place, and its physical qualities have led it to be featured in quite a few major films. See it for yourself with a trek around the falls.

Dettifoss is the most powerful waterfall in all of Europe, and is something that must be on your Iceland bucket list. Located on the Jökulsá á Fjöllum river, it’s part of the Diamond Circle, another popular tour worth taking through Iceland. The amount of water coming out of Dettifoss is more than any in the country, so make sure you watch out for the spray!

Recently surpassing Glymer as the tallest waterfall in Iceland at 228 meters high, Morsárjökull is certainly a sight to see. Housed in the Vatnajökull National Park, this protected area has a list of superlatives worth boasting about: it hosts the largest peak, the largest glacier, and now the highest waterfall! Although its new height is a clear indication of global warming, it’s nevertheless Mother Nature’s fantastic work.