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Top 10 Mesmerizing Waterfalls to Visit in Iceland

Top 10 Mesmerizing Waterfalls to Visit in Iceland

Iceland is a beautiful country with some of the most mesmerizing views in the world, which will leave you in awe.

Your hands will unconsciously reach for your camera to capture the breathtaking landscapes that this lovely country has to offer and there is no doubt about that.

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Speaking of Iceland’s beauty, one can never overlook the vast array of amazing waterfalls that can be seen in this paradise.

You must see these enormous and breathtaking waterfalls if you ever travel to Iceland as these will offer the most precious natural delights.

In this article, you will get to know about the following waterfalls that you can visit in Iceland,

Let’s see each of these in detail…

1. Dettifoss Waterfall

Dettifoss Waterfall, Iceland

The Dettifoss waterfall is one of the largest and most valorous waterfalls in entire Europe.

It is located in northern Iceland.

 The drop of the waterfall is almost 44 meters. The sheer amount of water plunging down creates a hypnotic charm all around.

Dettifoss is widely accessible to the general public because it is situated inside Iceland’s Vatnajökull National Park.

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The discharge from the nearby Vatnajökull glacier gives this waterfall a dazzling grey-white look.

The rumbling roar of the water cascading into the gorge at Dettifoss is one of the most overwhelming experiences you can have here.

2. Selfoss Waterfall

Selfoss Waterfall, Iceland

Selfoss is another magnificent waterfall in northern Iceland and is a must-see destination.

Located in the Jokulsargljufur National Park, this waterfall is just 11 meters high and measures 100 meters broad.

Selfoss and Dettifoss are close to one another, so you may see both these waterfalls on the same day and hike for about 10 minutes between them.

Selfoss may offer you spectacular views, but for the finest view of the waterscapes, it is advised that you enter from the east side.

Be prepared to get drenched in the refreshing sprays and take adequate care of electrical equipment like phones and cameras.

3. Svartifoss Waterfall

Svartifoss Waterfall, Iceland

Svartifoss is another amazing waterfall found in the Vatnajokull National Park’s Skaftafell Nature Reserve in southeast Iceland.

Svartifoss translates to “black waterfall.” 

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The striking contrast between the white water and the black hexagonal basalt columns served as the inspiration for the name. 

Sharp rocks that have broken off of the columns sit at the base of the waterfalls, giving the cascades an unearthly appearance.

4. Gullfoss Waterfall

Gullfoss Waterfall, Iceland

The appropriately named Gullfoss waterfall (The Golden Waterfall), is widely regarded as one of the most popular waterfalls in Iceland.

It is located on the famous Golden Circle, the country’s most well-known tourist route. 

In south Iceland, the Hvita glacial river feeds the Gullfoss waterfall, which plunges over two tiers 105 feet (32 meters) into a small river gorge.

In clear conditions, you can even stroll close enough to feel the water spray on your face. For safety, make sure to stay inside the fence.

The Geysir Geothermal Area and Thingvellir National Park are two additional top attractions that are included in this Golden circle.

5. Kirkjufellsfoss Waterfall

Kirkjufellsfoss Waterfall, Iceland

Kirkjufellsfoss is a little yet endearing waterfall that can be found next to the majestic Mount Kirkjufell.

It is located at Grundarfjordur on the Snaefellsnes peninsula.

Photographers find it especially beautiful as they can capture the placidness of the water with the spectacular mountain in the distance.

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This is one of Iceland’s most beautiful waterfalls, especially if you visit during the midnight sun.

In the winter, when Kirkjufellsfoss is covered in snow and it glitters under the stunning northern lights, it is indeed a sight to behold.

6. Skogafoss Waterfall

Skogafoss Waterfall, Iceland

Skogafoss is a well-known waterfall present on the South Coast of Iceland.

It is one of Iceland’s most stunning and impressive waterfalls, measuring 82 feet (25 meters) broad and 197 feet (60 meters) high.

The most unique thing notable here is the magical effect created by the twinning of sunrise and water sprays to create a spell-bound double rainbow effect.

7. Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, Iceland

Seljalandsfoss is one of the picturesque waterfalls in Iceland because of its accessibility and spectacular presence.

Located roughly 80 miles (128 kilometers) from Reykjavik, Seljalandsfoss waterfall is one of the most photographed destinations in the country.

The waterfall plunges 60 meters into the Seljalands River and is situated in Iceland’s southern region.

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This beautiful waterfall impresses all the visitors and here you can also explore the recessed cave present behind it.

You should plan to visit this waterfall early in the day because it is one of the most popular ones in Iceland.

8. Glymur Waterfall

Glymur Waterfall, Iceland

The Glymur waterfall, which lies close to Reykjavik, is the second-tallest waterfall in Iceland.

This waterfall is located 44 miles (71 kilometers) from the city and is a great excursion for photographers. It requires a 2-hour climb through stunning terrain that includes crossing rivers and going through caves.

This is one of the most picturesque waterfalls in Iceland and is the major draw for the visitors.

It has multiple little falls of various sizes cascading down the steep side of a mountain.

9. Haifoss Waterfall

Haifoss Waterfall is one of the tallest waterfalls in the nation.

It plunges 122 meters into a canyon as it tumbles down an overhanging rock.

Given that the waterfall is close to the Hekla volcano, the surrounding steep rock provides an amazing landscape of the surrounding.

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Leaving Reykjavik, take the Ring Road east toward Háifoss.

Near the top of the falls, there is a parking space and a number of hiking trails that lead to various vantage points near the falls.

You can explore many waterfalls in the area on the same day.

10. Hraunfossar Waterfall

Hraunfossar Waterfall, Iceland

These breathtakingly gorgeous falls are situated in West Iceland’s Borgarfjordur. 

These are created by tiny water streams that run into the glacier river Hvita near the edge of the Hallmundarhraun lava field. 

This glacier river is distinct from the one that feeds the Gullfoss waterfall.

Despite being tranquil and serene, the Hraunfossar waterfall is regarded as one of Iceland’s most stunning waterfalls. 

Due to its location near the equally impressive Barnafoss waterfall, the area is especially ideal for waterfall enthusiasts.

These are some of the popular and mesmerizing waterfalls in Iceland.

They are pure examples of ‘Paradise on Earth’.

The green valleys, gorges, glaciated rivers and waterfalls are bound to leave you spellbound!


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