Iceland’s landscape was designed by nature specifically for waterfall enthusiasts. Around every corner of this island nation, water tumbles over ancient lava fields, plunges from dizzying heights, and carves through canyons in ways that can make even the most seasoned travelers stop in their tracks. While Gullfoss gets most of the tourist attention as part of the famous Golden Circle route, it barely scratches the surface of Iceland’s waterfall wonders.
Ready to discover the hidden gems that make even Gullfoss look ordinary? Let’s venture beyond the tour buses to find the waterfalls that will leave you speechless and your camera memory card full.
Háifoss
Standing at a jaw-dropping 400 feet tall, Háifoss claims the title of Iceland’s second-highest waterfall, creating a thundering roar you can feel in your chest from hundreds of yards away. The name means ‘High Waterfall’ in Icelandic, which might seem unimaginative until you’re standing at the canyon’s edge, dwarfed by its massive scale.
Getting here requires navigating a bumpy gravel road that keeps the tour crowds away, making it likely you’ll have this natural wonder all to yourself. The contrast between the dark basalt columns and the white rushing water creates a dramatic scene that looks like something from a fantasy movie.
Dettifoss
Known as Europe’s most powerful waterfall, Dettifoss pumps out an astonishing volume of water that makes the ground beneath your feet vibrate with raw natural force. The massive wall of grayish water crashes into a canyon surrounded by a stark, almost lunar landscape that feels like the world’s edge.
Visiting on a sunny day creates breathtaking rainbows that dance through the enormous mist cloud rising hundreds of feet into the air. The east side offers the more dramatic views, while the west side provides better access, but both will leave you in awe of nature’s unstoppable power.
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Aldeyjarfoss
Aldeyjarfoss, surrounded by geometric basalt columns that look like ancient giants placed them, creates one of Iceland’s most striking visual contrasts. The bright blue water seems almost unreal as it plunges into a dark basin surrounded by perfectly formed hexagonal rock formations.
Located in the highlands of northern Iceland, the journey here takes you through lunar-like landscapes that make you feel like you’re traveling to another planet.
Seljalandsfoss
As the only major waterfall in Iceland that you can walk behind, Seljalandsfoss offers a perspective that transforms a simple waterfall visit into an immersive natural experience. Standing in the cave behind the falling water as light filters through the liquid curtain creates a moment that no photograph can truly capture.
During summer evenings, the setting sun sometimes shines directly through the water, creating a golden glow that feels almost magical. Just be prepared to get thoroughly soaked as you make the circuit around this 200-foot cascade explicitly designed for Instagram.
Dynjandi
Like a wedding cake designed by nature, Dynjandi cascades down a series of increasingly wider tiers that spread to nearly 100 feet at its base. The name means ‘thunderous’ in Icelandic, and when you stand before it, you’ll understand why as the collective roar from all the tiers creates a symphony of water sounds.
Located in the remote Westfjords region, getting here requires an effort that keeps away the crowds but rewards visitors with one of Iceland’s most distinctive waterfalls. The hike alongside the cascade offers spectacular views and several smaller falls to discover.
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Svartifoss
Framed by dark, hanging hexagonal basalt columns, Svartifoss looks like it was designed by a Gothic architect rather than formed by nature. The name translates to ‘Black Falls,’ referring to the dramatic dark columns that starkly contrast the white water.
This waterfall inspired the design of Hallgrímskirkja, Reykjavík’s famous church, with its distinctive columnar façade. The pleasant hike through Skaftafell National Park to reach Svartifoss makes the final reveal even more rewarding when you turn the corner and see this architectural wonder of nature.
Skógafoss
With a perfect rectangular drop and consistent 200-foot width, Skógafoss looks almost too perfect to be real, like a waterfall a child might draw. The volume of water creates a mist cloud so substantial that double rainbows are common on sunny days, making photographers lose track of time trying to capture the perfect shot.
According to local legend, a treasure chest was hidden behind the waterfall by the first Viking settler in the area, and on sunny days, people still occasionally glimpse the glint of gold. The steep staircase climbing up the side offers increasingly breathtaking views and access to the start of one of Iceland’s most beautiful hiking trails.
Hraunfossar
Unlike typical waterfalls that plunge over cliffs, Hraunfossar emerges mysteriously from beneath a lava field, with hundreds of rivulets seeping through the porous rock to create a 3,000-foot-wide series of cascades. The name means ‘Lava Falls,’ perfectly describing how the crystal-clear water appears to be born directly from the ancient volcanic rock.
During autumn, the surrounding birch trees turn golden, creating a color palette that looks almost too beautiful to be real. The wooden walkway lets you take in the entire panoramic view without disturbing the delicate ecosystem that makes this one of Iceland’s most unique waterfall systems.
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Glymur
Until recently considered Iceland’s tallest waterfall, Glymur plunges an impressive 650 feet down a moss-covered canyon that belongs in a fantasy novel. Reaching this natural wonder requires a moderately challenging hike, including a river crossing on a log and a trek through a small cave, ensuring only the most determined visitors can witness its glory.
The amphitheater-like canyon amplifies the sound of the falling water, creating the thunderous roar that gave the waterfall its name. The various viewpoints along the trail offer dramatically different perspectives, making this feel like several waterfall experiences in one adventure.
Kirkjufellsfoss
Though modest, Kirkjufellsfoss has become Iceland’s most photographed waterfall due to its perfect positioning in front of the distinctively shaped Kirkjufell mountain. The three-tiered falls create a foreground that perfectly complements the conical mountain behind it, forming a composition that landscape photographers dream about.
During winter, the northern lights sometimes dance above this scene, creating beautiful photographs that look almost computer-generated. Despite its growing fame, visiting at sunrise or in bad weather can still give you this iconic spot.
Sigöldufoss
Hidden in the highlands and overlooked by most tourists, Sigöldufoss pours its electric-blue water over red and orange rhyolite rocks, creating a color combination that looks almost artificially enhanced. The waterfall’s unusual color comes from glacial minerals suspended in the water, creating an otherworldly azure shade that stands out against the volcanic landscape.
The surrounding area feels like a painter’s palette of natural colors, with green moss, black lava, and multicolored mountains creating a scene that defies belief.
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Brúarfoss
Known as ‘The Blue Waterfall,’ Brúarfoss features water so intensely turquoise it looks like hidden lights have illuminated it from below. Rather than one big drop, the water churns through several small cascades, creating a braided pattern of blue water against black lava rock.
The waterfall got its name (‘Bridge Falls’) from a natural stone arch that once spanned it but has since collapsed, leaving only the stunning color as its defining feature. Though relatively small, many photographers consider Brúarfoss the most beautiful watercolor of any waterfall in Iceland.
Hengifoss
With distinctive red clay layers striping the black basalt cliff face behind it, Hengifoss looks like nature decided to create a geological layer cake. At 420 feet tall, it ranks among Iceland’s highest waterfalls and requires a rewarding uphill hike that weeds out the less enthusiastic waterfall chasers.
The red stripes are clay layers from volcanic eruptions that happened millions of years ago, making this as much a geology lesson as a scenic wonder. The hike up also features another beautiful waterfall called Litlanesfoss, which is surrounded by some of the tallest basalt columns in Iceland, giving you two spectacular falls for the effort of one hike.
Kvernufoss
Hidden behind Skógafoss’s famous neighbor, Kvernufoss remains relatively unknown despite being just a short walk from one of Iceland’s busiest tourist spots. Like Seljalandsfoss, you can walk behind this 100-foot cascade without the crowds, creating a magical, intimate experience with nature.
The small canyon it’s tucked into amplifies the sound of the falling water while the surrounding moss-covered walls create a scene that feels like stepping into a secret garden. Local farmers kept this spot relatively quiet for years, making it feel like your discovery when you find the unmarked trail leading to it.
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Fardagafoss
Tumbling through a narrow crack in the mountainside, Fardagafoss reveals its full beauty only to those willing to squeeze through a small rock cave to reach its hidden inner chamber. According to local folklore, a troll once lived in the cave behind the waterfall, and his pot can still be seen if you venture far enough inside.
The moderately challenging approach trail offers spectacular views of the eastern fjords and the town of Egilsstaðir spread out below. The waterfall’s name comes from ‘moving days’ in the old Icelandic calendar, suggesting it marked an important landmark for travelers in ancient times.
Gufufoss
Located on the eastern side of Iceland along a spectacular road full of switchbacks, Gufufoss creates a perfect stopping point to catch your breath and take in the majesty of the eastern fjords. The name means ‘Steam Falls,’ referring to the substantial mist cloud that envelops the area, creating an almost mystical atmosphere on cool days.
Unlike many Icelandic waterfalls requiring hikes, you can practically see Gufufoss from your car window, making it accessible to everyone regardless of hiking ability. The falls drop about 100 feet through a narrow channel before spreading out at the bottom, creating a shape that perfectly complements the surrounding rugged mountains.
Hjálparfoss
Two separate streams merge at the top of this unusual waterfall before plunging together into a tranquil pool surrounded by hexagonal basalt formations. The name translates to ‘Helping Falls,’ supposedly because it provided much-needed grass and water for horses of travelers who had just crossed the barren highlands in earlier centuries.
Located at the edge of a lava field with views of Hekla volcano in the distance, the stark surroundings make the waterfall’s beauty even more striking. The relatively easy access and lack of crowds make this a perfect place to spread out a picnic and enjoy one of Iceland’s more peaceful waterfall settings.
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Öxarárfoss
Flowing through Þingvellir National Park, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates visibly pull apart, Öxarárfoss adds a dynamic water element to a dramatic geological setting. Despite being artificial—the river was redirected centuries ago to provide water for parliamentary gatherings—the 44-foot cascade feels natural as it tumbles between continental plates.
During winter, the falls partially freeze into spectacular ice formations that completely change the area’s character. The wooden walkway makes it easily accessible while protecting the delicate ecosystem of Iceland’s most historically significant national park.
Rjúkandi
Visible from the Ring Road but missed by many rushing travelers, Rjúkandi cascades down a series of moss-covered steps on the side of a mountain in East Iceland. The name means ‘Smoking,’ referring to the mist that often envelops the falls and drifts across the road on windy days.
Unlike the milky glacial waters common in Iceland, Rjúkandi features crystal-clear water that catches the light spectacularly during the golden morning and evening hours. The small pullover area lets you stretch your legs and take a brief walk for a better view, making it a perfect quick stop during an eastern Iceland road trip.
Morsárfoss
Recently revealed by a retreating glacier and now Iceland’s tallest waterfall at nearly 790 feet, Morsárfoss represents nature’s constantly changing canvas. Accessing this giant requires hiring a glacier guide and using specialized equipment, making it the most challenging waterfall to reach on this list.
The relatively recent appearance of this waterfall—fully exposed only around 2007 as Morsárjökull glacier retreated—means it doesn’t appear in older guidebooks despite its record-breaking height. Standing before this newcomer to Iceland’s waterfall scene connects you to the dynamic forces shaping this young island.
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Memories in Mist
These 20 waterfalls represent just a fraction of the estimated 10,000 falls scattered across Iceland’s dynamic landscape. Each one tells a story about the forces that shaped this island—volcanic eruptions, glacial movements, and the relentless erosive power of water itself.
What makes Iceland’s waterfalls so special isn’t just their beauty but how they connect visitors to the raw elements that continue to shape our planet. As climate change accelerates glacial melt, new waterfalls emerge.
In contrast, others change in character, making each visit to these natural wonders a moment in time that can never be exactly replicated
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