BEST WATERFALLS IN ICELAND & WHERE TO FIND THEM

1. SELJALANDSFOSS

Seljarlandsfoss (The Waterfall of Seljarland) is a beautiful waterfall around 1,5 hours from Reykjavik (121 km).

The drop is around 60 meters in this one and the water flows from the river on the famous volcano, Eyjarfjallajökull. This beauty has won it’s way to our hearts as one of our most beloved waterfalls.

You can actually walk behind it! But if you do, don’t forget to make a wish!

Tours that visit Seljalandsfoss:

Our South Coast tour visits not only this amazing waterfall, but also Skógafoss which is my favorite waterfall in Iceland (you can see pictures and read more about Skógafoss in this blog post below.)

You'll also explore the Black Sand Beach of Iceland, Gljúfrabúi secret waterfall, Langjökull glacier and much more! It's a full day of fun, excitmend and exploring which I recommend to anyone visiting Iceland.

You can read more about our South Coast tour here.

How to get to Seljalandsfoss from Reykjavik:

The drive to Seljalandsfoss is rather simple as you're pretty much driving straight.

You can click here for driving directions from Reykjavik to Seljalandsfoss.

During the winter time, the sun sets early and the roads can get icey - so I definitely recommend booking a South Coast tour where you'll have en expert driver/guide to take you there.

Fun Fact:

This was the first stop in Iceland in the popular series “The Amazing Race”. Also, Justin Bieber made this well-known waterfall even more famous in the music video “I’ll Show you”.

Local Tip:

Psst.. a little local secret.

If you visit Seljarlandsfoss, make sure not to miss Gljúfrabúi. Gljúfrabúi is right next to Seljalandsfoss, hidden away in the back and is an absolute gem.

You can see it here below!

2. GULLFOSS

Gullfoss (Golden Waterfall) is around 1 hrs and 30 mins car drive from Reykjavik (116 km). Hands down the most popular waterfall of them all, as it sits on the famous Golden Circle route

There are many reasons why this one got so famous. From an angle, it looks like the water vanishes into the ground.

In the right light, it looks like the water is pure gold (Gull means gold).

There have been several attempts and ideas on how to harness electricity from the waterfall, but luckily, no one has dared to actually go for it.

Gullfoss, during winter in Iceland.

Gullfoss, during Summer in Iceland.

Tours that visit Gullfoss:

We visit this little gem on our small group Golden Circle tour.

This awesome tour combines erupting geysirs, waterfalls, hot spring areas, Icelandic horses and so much more - all in one amazing day.

You can read more about our Golden Circle tour here.

How to get to Seljalandsfoss from Reykjavik:

Click here for driving directions from Reykjavik to Gullfoss.

3. SKÓGAFOSS

Skógafoss one is my personal favorite of them all!

Skógafoss is located just around the corner from Seljalandsfoss.

I love how close you can walk up to it. It's also possible to walk above it and to hike around this very stunning area. The water falls so heavily and it’s simply incredible to witness standing right next to it!

The legend says that the Viking “Þursi” hid his hoarded gold underneath it, but you probably shouldn’t go and look for it.

Tours that visit Skógafoss:

This little gem can be found on our South Coast tour.

I beileve it to be one of the best see it all - do it all tours in Iceland. This tour combines a visit to Seljalandsfoss (above), Skógafoss, the Black Sand beach of Iceland, Langjökull glacier and so much more!

You can read more about our South Coast tour here.

How to get to Skógafoss from Reykjavik:

Skógafoss (Forest Waterfall) is about 2hrs drive from Reykjavik (150 km). Here are the directions to get from Reykjavik to Gullfoss.

A quick note to you from me!

I hope you've been enjoying my blog post so far and I truly hope that your excitment for your Iceland trip ahead is through the roof - as it should be!

I also wanted to ask you...

What do you want to explore / experience in Iceland?

Is it waterfalls, glaciers, puffins, northern lights, sightseeing, Icelandic food?

Our goal is to help every traveller experience Iceland in the most fun & memorable way possible!

Which is why we created this list of incredible activities & tours to do in Iceland!

We've carefully scouted out the best tours in Iceland and have handpicked the ones that we consider to be the very best.

I highly recommend checking it out to ensure a truly special and memorable trip to Iceland!

Now, let's continue with our waterfall adventure!

4. DETTIFOSS

Moving to the North East, we can find the almighty Dettifoss (Falling Waterfall).

It’s around 6 1/2 hours from Reykjavik (530 km). This waterfall is the most powerfull waterfall in Europe. That’s quite something.

Dettifoss can be reached by a new tarmac road. It drops down to 45 meters into the biggest canyon of Iceland. It’s so powerful that it makes the whole surroundings shake!

Tip: While you’re there, make sure not to miss Hafragilsfoss, which is right below it and is as stunning as it’s big brother.

5. GLYMUR

Glymur (Echoing) is one of my favorite waterfalls as you have to do a very nice, three hours hike to reach it! Driving for around 50 minutes from Reykjavik to Hvalfjörður (Which has been considered the most beautiful Icelandic fjord) you will reach a point where you have to park your car and put you hiking boots on.

This is the second highest waterfall in Iceland at 196 meters.

Well, it has been considered the highest one for years and years and years, but we really recently discovered that there is another higher one near Morársjökull glacier.

It’s a new waterfall that formed after the melts from the eruption of the volcano Eyjarfjallajökull.

Anyway, this waterfall is really worth the hike. The hike itself can be challenging but very beautiful.

Note: If you are afraid of heights or steep surroundings, please reconsider this one ;)

Here is me, hiking Glymur in the fall of 2018!

6. SVARTIFOSS

Many many many people miss Svartifoss (The Black Waterfall), which is crazy as it really sits by the most popular tourist route in Iceland (South Coast).

Situated in Skaftafell, which is around 4 hours from Reykjavik, you will have to hike for 5.5 kilometers until you reach it. The waterfall is simply astonishing, with unique patterns around.

FUN FACT:

Did you know that Svartfoss was the inspiration for the design of Hallgrimskirkja church in Reykjavik?

Do you se the resemblance?

7. HÁIFOSS

Ahh, Háifoss (High Falls). This one is near the volcano Hekla and drops 122 m and is considered the second highest waterfall in Iceland (Not including the recently discovered waterfall from Eyjarfjallajökull volcano).

Háifoss is situated in Fossá river and plunges down into a canyon where it meets Þjórsá in the valley. It can be a bit tricky to find (134 km from Reykjavik) due to lack of signs, but does have a parking lot above (by Hjálparfoss) and many beautiful hikes around. I would recommend people to drive a 4×4 access this beauty!

8. DYNJANDI

“Dynjandi “is a very special word. It refers to something being overflowing- it almost reminds me of a bridal veil? This is the biggest waterfall of The Westfjords and is truly incredible and majestic. It requires a little hike, but of course, a beautiful one!

To sum it up!

Alrighty!

What do you think & What waterfalls would you like to visit?

Let me know in the comments above and don’t hesitate to get in touch if you need any help.

I hope to see you in some of our awesome local tours!