Best Iceland waterfalls – The top 10!

Iceland54 comments

Iceland’s most recognizable series of attractions are its numerous waterfalls – some plummeting from huge heights while others almost dribbling across the lava rocks. We saw a few waterfalls nearly every day during our drive across the ring road in Iceland. Some of the best waterfalls for us were not the most famous of Iceland’s waterfalls (stunning though they were, albeit a bit crowded), but the slightly lesser-known ones. 

A question that anyone (us included) travelling across Iceland will invariably ask is why are there so many waterfalls in Iceland? There seems to be a beautiful waterfall at every turn, some not even marked. We came across a few of such unmarked waterfalls on the road and were so compelled by them that we made u-turns to come back and have a closer look! For us, these were among the best waterfalls in Iceland!

Eastern Iceland - an unnamed waterfall
One of the unnamed waterfalls along the road in Eastern Iceland

So, coming back to the question of abundance of waterfalls in Iceland – it is primarily because of the North Atlantic climate (frequent rain & snow) coupled with Iceland’s Arctic location (large glaciers melting into rivers) and its topography (tall mountains & volcanoes). Interesting right?! 

We’ve seen several waterfalls across the world – from the powerful Niagara Falls (which we found a bit too commercialized) in the US to the stunning Iguazú Falls in Brazil (which were as close to nature as can be!) to the beautiful waterfalls in our own backyard of Switzerland (the powerful Trummelbach Falls, the infamous Reichenbach Falls and the beautiful Rhine Falls) – and have been wowed by them all. Iceland, though, is a truly special case. 

Planning a trip to Iceland? Click here for a detailed guide to Iceland – including how many days to spend, the best time to visit, things to do in every season, detailed road trip itinerary and more!

Best waterfalls in Iceland

The waterfalls in Iceland are among the best in the world – very close to nature (most do not even have ropes alongside the falls!) and with beautiful landscapes (from looming glaciers to lava fields!). While some of Iceland’s waterfalls require a bit of a hike or hopping over a few rocks, most of them are easily accessible from the ring road – sometimes even visible from the road!

Waterfalls are going to be one of the major highlights of your trip to Iceland so make sure you visit the top 10 best Iceland waterfalls! Here’s the list arranged in the order of our favourites, complete with details on the location of the waterfall, how to get to it and the GPS location for each for your Iceland waterfalls map.

Note: This post contains some affiliate links. This means if you make a purchase through these, I may earn a small commission, at absolutely no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!

Aldeyjarfoss – the most spectacular waterfall in Iceland!

Iceland_Aldeyjarfoss

Location of Aldeyjarfoss: Northern Iceland

Unique features about Aldeyjarfoss: Remote location (so absolutely no people!), Stunning scenery (this narrow waterfall is situated in a completely bare landscape making it seem out of place!) 

About Aldeyjarfoss

Set in an amphitheatre of basalt columns, Aldeyjarfoss is the most beautiful waterfall I have ever seen and it is for me the best waterfall in Iceland. It reminded me of a bridal gown, complete with a long train!

Aldeyjarfoss drops 20 meters from the ancient Báðardalshraun lava field along the Skjálfandafljót river in North-Iceland. The basalt columns surrounding are it are perfectly smooth & symmetrical and look almost hand-carved! Aldeyjarfoss is one of the most photogenic spots in Iceland.

When we visited, there were just 4-5 people other than us, compared to the tens (and even hundreds!) of people at several other waterfalls. 

The beautiful Aldeyjarfoss waterfall in Iceland. One of the top 10 best Iceland waterfalls

How to get to Aldeyjarfoss

GPS coordinates of Aldeyjarfoss on Iceland waterfalls map: 65°21’52.0″N 17°20’28.9″W

Aldeyjarfoss is located slightly off the beaten path between Akureyri and Mývatn. It needs a 45-50 minute detour from the ring road. But if you are planning to visit Goðafoss, a visit to Aldeyjarfoss is an absolute must. 

To reach this waterfall, you need to take road 842 to the south from another famous Iceland waterfall, Goðafoss and drive for ~40 kilometres, most of it on a gravel road. The last section (~3 km) is on Road F26, Sprengisandsleið which is a mountain road accessible only with a 4-wheel drive vehicle. 

In case you are driving a 2WD vehicle, you can park it along the road before the F26 starts – there is a wooden gate marking the starting point – and hike the ~3 kilometres to the falls. You could also hitchhike the last part – we gave a lift to a lovely German couple and ended up finding out about some more amazing places to visit!

From the car park (free parking), there is a short walk down to the falls, about 10 minutes downhill.

The beautiful Aldeyjarfoss waterfall in Iceland. One of the top 10 best Iceland waterfalls

Where should I stay to visit Aldeyjarfoss

The town of Mývatn is ~85 kilometres away (1.5 hours’ drive) while the larger city of Akureyri is 75 kilometres away (~1 hours’ drive).

Click here to find places to stay in Mývatn

Click here to find places to stay in Akuryeri

Facilities available at Aldeyjarfoss: None (told you it was remote!)

Dettifoss – among the most powerful waterfalls in Europe!

The beautiful Dettifoss waterfall in Iceland. One of the top 10 best Iceland waterfalls

Location of Dettifoss: Vatnajökull National Park in Northeast Iceland

Unique features about Dettifoss: Supremely powerful and majestic, Added bonus – another beautiful waterfall Selfoss is located a short walk away, Part of the Diamond Circle

About Dettifoss

The mighty glacier river Jökulsá á Fjöllum flowing from Vatnajökull, the largest glacier in Europe feeds this gigantic waterfall. It is 100 meters wide and falls 45 meters into the Jökulsárgljúfur canyon.

The sheer power of this waterfall makes it one of the best waterfalls in Iceland.

Dettifoss has also been featured in a few Hollywood movies – Prometheus’ opening scene is a shot of this waterfall!

The beautiful Dettifoss waterfall in Iceland. One of the top 10 best Iceland waterfalls

How to get to Dettifoss

GPS coordinates of Dettifoss on Iceland waterfalls map: West side: 65°48’43.9″N 16°24’03.0″W; East side: 65°49’09.3″N 16°22’45.8″W

This gigantic waterfall has two entrances – the Eastside accessible through route 864 which is a gravel road and the Westside accessible through route 862. The two entrances are about an hour’s drive apart. We visited both sides and loved them! But if you had to choose, pick the east side – it brings you right next to the waterfall, close enough to touch the water flowing down! Both sides have ample free parking.

The drive towards the Eastside of the waterfall is quite stunning – barren and desert-like for long stretches with a large no. of interesting crater formations. It’s hard to imagine a large waterfall to be anywhere close by! Since it’s in a canyon you don’t see it till you are right there. Even from the parking lot (free parking), it’s hardly visible. You need to walk downhill for about 10-15 minutes to bring you close to the river and the waterfall. It’s a completely open area with not even any rope fencing so be careful!

The road leading to the Eastside may be closed in the winter due to snow/ muddy conditions so do check before visiting.

The Westside of the waterfall is more organized with multiple viewing platforms than the east side though the falls are much further away. You do need to walk about 15 minutes from the parking lot (free parking) to get to the viewing platforms. This side also sees a lot of mist from the waterfall to be prepared to get wet!

The beautiful Dettifoss waterfall in Iceland. One of the top 10 best Iceland waterfalls

Also, take the 15-minute walk to Selfoss from either side. Framed by basalt columns, this waterfall makes for a stunning picture.

Selfoss Iceland
Selfoss

Where should I stay to visit Dettifoss

The town of Mývatn is 60 kilometres away (1-hour drive) from the west side and 78 kilometres away (1.5 hours’ drive) from the east side while the town of Húsavík is 90 kilometres away (1.5 hours’ drive) from either side.

Click here to find places to stay in Mývatn

Click here to find places to stay at Húsavík

Facilities available at Dettifoss: Toilets

Have 5 days in Iceland? Check out this Iceland itinerary.

Goðafoss – the waterfall of the gods!

One of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland - Godafoss

Location of Goðafoss: Northern Iceland

Unique features about Goðafoss: Beautifully turquoise waters

About Goðafoss

Fed by the river Skjálfandafljót (the same river on which Aldeyjarfoss is located), Goðafoss has a fall of 12 metres over a width of 30 metres. This horseshoe-shaped gigantic waterfall with its clear bluish white water makes for a stunning sight and a deserving spot on Iceland’s best waterfalls’ list.

Goðafoss derives its name from an old Icelandic saga from 1000 AD about chieftain Þorgeir Ljósvetningagoði who threw pagan statues into the waterfall to symbolize the adoption of Christianity as the official religion.

One of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland - Godafoss

How to get to Goðafoss

GPS coordinates of Goðafoss on Iceland waterfalls map: 65°41’02.5″N 17°32’25.1″W

Located right on the ring road, Goðafoss is easy to visit. There are two parking lots (free parking) to visit both sides of the waterfall and you can easily walk from one to the other.

Where should I stay to visit Goðafoss

The town of Mývatn is 45 kilometres away (45 minutes’ drive) while the larger city of Akureyri is 35 kilometres away (~30 minutes’ drive). There is a guest house right at the waterfall as well.

Click here to find places to stay near Goðafoss

Click here to find places to stay in Mývatn

Click here to find places to stay at Akuryeri

Facilities available at Goðafoss: Toilets, Cafe, Souvenir shop, Gas station, Guesthouse 


Gullfoss – the most popular waterfall in Iceland!

One of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland - Gullfoss

Location of Gullfoss: South-west Iceland

Unique features about Gullfoss: Part of the Golden Circle (Gullfoss translates to ‘Golden Falls’, a name it lends to the Golden Circle)

About Gullfoss

The mighty glacier river Hvítá flowing from Langjökull, the second-largest glacier in Iceland, feeds this powerful waterfall. Gullfoss plummets in two dramatic stages – the first one is relatively short 11 metres drop followed by a giant 21 metres drop sending up so much mist that you can’t even see the full drop!

Since it’s part of the popular Golden Circle in Iceland, it tends to be quite crowded. It might be difficult to find a spot for yourself to take in the falls in peace! Nonetheless, it’s a stunning sight and a must-see.

One of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland - Gullfoss

How to get to Gullfoss

GPS coordinates of Gullfoss on Iceland waterfalls map: 64°19’31.2″N 20°07’47.5″W

Located at the heart of the Golden Circle and just 10 minutes away from Geysir, Gullfoss is easy to reach. It can be done as a day trip from Reykjavik or as part of a Golden Circle tour.

There’s ample parking on-site (free parking) and from the car park, you can walk down towards the multiple viewing platforms and can get so close to the waterfall that you can actually touch the water! 

The barely-there rope boundaries did make me a bit nervous though, but that was early days in Iceland and I had much to learn for the waterfalls to come had no ropes to hold on to whatsoever. I could stand as close to the edge of some waterfalls (Dettifoss, Aldeyjarfoss and more!) as I dared – which wasn’t much though since I’m a bit of a chicken! There were people literally hanging off the cliffs and taking pictures giving me second-hand nervousness!

One of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland - Gullfoss

Where should I stay to visit Gullfoss

The town of Geysir is just 10 kilometres away (10 minutes’ drive), the town of Flúðir is 30 kilometres away (30 minutes’ drive), the city of Reykjavik is 120 kilometres away (~2 hours’ drive).

Click here to find places to stay near Gullfoss

Facilities available at Gullfoss: Toilets, Restaurant, Souvenir shop

Kirkjufellsfoss – the most iconic location in Iceland!

Iceland_Kirkjufellsfoss and Kirkjufell

Location of Kirkjufellsfoss: Western Iceland

Unique features about Kirkjufellsfoss: The most photographed spot in Iceland (and deservedly so!) due to the dramatic shape of  Mt. Kirkjufell and the beautiful coastal location.

About Kirkjufellsfoss

This waterfall is more about the mountain framing it than the falls itself. Located on the Snæfellsnesnes peninsula, Mt. Kirkjufell is a ~465-metre high mountain standing above the tiny fishing village of Grundarfjörður. It’s uniquely conical shape makes it one of the most beautiful mountains in the world. This iconic mountain lends its name to both the river (Kirkjufellsá) and the waterfalls (Kirkjufellsfoss) situated on the river.

The name Kirkjufell translates to ‘Church Mountain’ due to the resemblance to a church steeple.

One of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland - Kirkjufellsfoss

How to get to Kirkjufellsfoss

GPS coordinates of Kirkjufellsfoss on Iceland waterfalls map: 64°55’38.6″N 23°18’26.1″W

Located just a few minutes’ drive west of Grundarfjörður, Kirkjufellsfoss is easy to reach. There is a car park on-site (free parking) however it is not large enough to accommodate the crowds. A lot of folks had parked right on the road due to lack of space. 

From the car park, you can walk up to and across the waterfalls to get the perfect shot of the falls and the mountain.

Where should I stay to visit Kirkjufellsfoss

The village of Grundarfjörður is just 3 kilometres away (5 minutes’ drive), the town of Borgarnes on the Ring Road is ~105 kilometres away (1.5 hours’ drive), the city of Reykjavik is ~185 kilometres away (2.5 hours’ drive), 

Click here to find places to stay in Grundarfjörður

Click here to find places to stay in Borgarnes

Click here to find places to stay in Reykjavik

Facilities available at Kirkjufellsfoss: None

Skógafoss – the waterfall with the best rainbows!

One of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland - Skogafoss

Location of Skógafoss: Southern Iceland

Unique features about Skógafoss: Rainbows!

About Skógafoss

One of the biggest waterfalls in Iceland, Skógafoss is located on the Skógá river at the cliffs of the former coastline. It has a width of 25 metres and a drop of 60 metres. Due to this large fall, there’s always a lot of spray resulting in multiple rainbows!

As with several other locations in Iceland, Skógafoss also has a legend behind it – it’s said that the first Viking settler buried a treasure behind the waterfall. Many attempts were made to recover the treasure and years later the locals were able to find the treasure chest but were only able to grasp the ring before the chest disappeared. This ring is now on display at the Skógar museum near the waterfall.

This waterfall has been featured in several movies –  Thor: The Dark World, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, Dilwale etc.

Skógafoss - Iceland waterfall with rainbow

How to get to Skógafoss

GPS coordinates of Skógafoss on Iceland waterfalls map: 63°31’46.6″N 19°30’45.8″W

Located right on the ring road, Skógafoss is easy to visit. As you drive towards this waterfall, not only will you be able to see the rushing 60-meter waterfall but also the icy glaciers around it. 

There is a large car park on-site (free parking). A short walk from the car-park brings you to the base of the falls. You can either spend time close to the waterfall at the bottom or walk up (the many, many) steps to the top of the gorge for a different view of the waterfall.

Where should I stay to visit Skógafoss

Skógar is only 1.5 kilometres away, the town of Vik is 35 kilometres away (30 minutes’ drive), the city of Reykjavik is ~150 kilometres away (2 hours’ drive). 

There is a hotel at the waterfall itself, Hotel Skógafoss and a guest house nearby, Guesthouse Skógafoss.

Click here to find places to stay near Skógafoss

Click here to find places to stay in Vik

Facilities available at Skógafoss: Toilets, Restaurant, Hotel


Hraunfossar – the lava waterfalls!

One of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland - Hraunfossar

Location of Hraunfossar: Western Iceland

Unique features about Hraunfossar: Waterfall appears to originate out of nowhere!

About Hraunfossar

This is a unique waterfall originating out of the lava field Hallmundarhraun in the form of rivulets and flowing into the Hvítá River in Borgarfjörður. The falls run in a cascade along a 900-metre cliff with water originating from Langjökull, Iceland’s second-largest glacier.

The name Hraunfossar translates to lava waterfalls – again quite a clear description of what the waterfall is about!


The lava waterfalls in Iceland - Hraunfossar

How to get to Hraunfossar

GPS coordinates of Hraunfossar on Iceland waterfalls map: 64°42’07.4″N 20°58’42.3″W

Getting to Hraunfossar is easy – the route is well marked and paved. There is a large parking lot (free parking) and the falls are a 2-minute walk away.

Where should I stay to visit Hraunfossar

The town of Borgarnes on the Ring Road is ~60 kilometres away (45 minutes’ drive), the city of Reykjavik is ~120 kilometres away (2 hours’ drive).

Click here to find places to stay in Borgarnes

Click here to find places to stay in Reykjavik

Facilities available at Hraunfossar: Toilets, Restaurant

Seljalandsfoss – the 360-degree waterfall!

Iceland_Seljlandsfoss

Location of Seljalandsfoss: Southern coast of Iceland

Unique features about Seljalandsfoss: Walk behind the waterfall! Bonus waterfall: Gljúfrabúi

About Seljalandsfoss

Originating in the volcano glacier Eyjafjallajökull, this waterfall is part of the Seljalands river. The powerful Seljalandsfoss drops 60 metres into a shallow pool in a pretty, lush green meadow.

The steep cliff over which the waterfall drops allows you to walk behind the waterfall for a truly unique view! Prepare to get wet though.

Since it’s one of the most popular sights in Iceland, it tends to be quite crowded. Nonetheless, the waterfall a spectacular sight and deserves a visit.

A 10-minute walk from Seljlandsfoss is the beautiful hidden waterfall Gljufrabui. Do note that you have to walk inside a canyon, up a river to get to this waterfall so it’s gonna be wet and slippery. I didn’t fancy getting all wet so it was only Milind who made his way in but he claimed it was worth it! 

Gljufrabui waterfall Iceland

How to get to Seljalandsfoss

GPS coordinates of Seljalandsfoss on Iceland waterfalls map: 63°36’58.1″N 19°59’33.8″W

This waterfall is located right next to the ring road and is one of the most easily accessible waterfalls in Iceland. You’ll be able to see it in the distance long before as you drive towards it.

There is a large car park on-site. You do need to pay for parking here.

Where should I stay to visit Seljalandsfoss

The town of Hvolsvöllur is 20 kilometres away (20 minutes’ drive), the town of Hella is 35 kilometres away (30 minutes’ drive), the town of Vik is 60 kilometres away (50 minutes’ drive), the city of Reykjavik is ~130 kilometres away (1.75 hours’ drive).

Click here to find places to stay near Seljalandsfoss


Facilities available at Seljalandsfoss: Toilets, Cafe


Öxarárfoss – the historic waterfall!

Iceland_Öxarárfoss

Location of Öxarárfoss:  Þingvellir National Park

Unique features about Öxarárfoss: Located in Þingvellir, a UNESCO world heritage site and one of the most important historical and cultural sites in Iceland. 

About Öxarárfoss

While quite small (20 metres drop), this beautiful waterfall is one of the most popular attractions of the wonderous Þingvellir National Park. Þingvellir is a UNESCO world heritage site and is one of the most important historical and cultural sites in Iceland. Iceland’s parliament met here from the 10th to the 18th century. Þingvellir is also unique for its geological feature of having the boundaries of the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates.

Situated on the river Öxará, the Öxarárfoss was created when the river was diverted to channel water into the ravine Almannagjá in the 9th century to provide water for the Icelandic parliament.

One of the best waterfalls in Iceland - Oxararfoss

How to get to Öxarárfoss

GPS coordinates of Öxarárfoss on Iceland waterfalls map: 64°15’53.6″N 21°06’53.5″W

Getting to Öxarárfoss is easy – the route is well marked and paved. There is a large parking lot (paid parking) and the falls are a short 10-minute walk, slightly uphill, away.

Where should I stay to visit Öxarárfoss

The town of Laugarvatn is 25 kilometres away (30 minutes’ drive), the city of Reykjavik is 50 kilometres away (1 hours’ drive).

Click here to find places to stay near Þingvellir National Park

Facilities available at Öxarárfoss: None

Folaldafoss – the hidden gem of Iceland!

One of the best waterfalls in Iceland - Folaldafoss

Location of Folaldafoss:  Eastern Iceland

Unique features about Folaldafoss: Unknown waterfall, so you have the place to yourself!

About Folaldafoss

This 20 metres waterfall on the river Berufjarðará falls into a stunning turquoise pool, below which is another small cascading fall. 

One of the best waterfalls in Iceland - Folaldafoss
One of the best waterfalls in Iceland - Folaldafoss

How to get to Folaldafoss

GPS coordinates of Folaldafoss on Iceland waterfalls map: 64°48’20.4″N 14°33’30.2″W

Take route 939 instead of the ring road as you drive north from Höfn towards Egilsstaðir. While heading from Höfn, from the junction of the ring road and road 939, the waterfall is only about 3 kilometres away.

There is a small car park (free parking) here.

You will need to walk about 10 minutes from the car park to reach close to the waterfall. Not the easiest walk since you’ll need to scramble over small cliffs and a lot of rocks & boulders. 

Where should I stay to visit Folaldafoss

The town of Djúpivogur is 25 kilometres away (30 minutes’ drive), the village of Breiðdalsvík is 45 kilometres away (40 minutes’ drive), the town of Egilsstaðir is ~140 kilometres away (2 hours’ drive),

Click here to find places to stay in Djúpivogur

Click here to find places to stay in Breiðdalsvík

Click here to find places to stay in Egilsstaðir

Facilities available at Folaldafoss: None


Map of the top 10 best Iceland waterfalls

Iceland waterfalls map
Iceland waterfalls on the map (Google Map data ©2020 ) – Click to expand map


Practical tips for visiting Iceland’s best waterfalls

  • Weather – Iceland is cold throughout the year, even during summers! Make sure you are wearing layers and have a cap/ scarf. It can also be very windy – in fact, our rental car guy had told us to always check the wind direction before opening the door so that the door doesn’t get ripped away! Apparently that happens a fair bit and is not covered by insurance!
  • Food – Iceland is expensive so it might be a better idea to cook yourself. Also, restaurants/ grocery stores are few and far between so carry packed lunches with you and stock up as often as you can. In a similar vein, toilet facilities are few and far between so make use of them when you can!
  • Petrol/ Diesel – Same as food, stock up as often as you can. There are long stretches with no civilization whatsoever where you do not want to get stuck! We filled up our car’s tank nearly every day. You can get fuel discount cards from your rental company to save on the pricey fuel.
  • The emergency number for Iceland is 112

Further reading for visiting Iceland 

  • Click here for a detailed guide to Iceland – including how many days to spend, the best time to visit, things to do in every season, detailed road trip itinerary and more!
  • The weather is quite unpredictable – the best way to keep track of it is this website by the Icelandic Met Office
  • While Iceland is a completely safe country, there could be natural phenomenon (strong winds, rockfalls, hazardous waves etc.) which could put you at risk. Stay safe and check the safetravel Iceland page regularly

Which waterfall do you think looks the most spectacular? Which one is your favourite?

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TRAVEL RESOURCES

Planning a trip? Here are some of my go-to travel resources to make it more efficient for you, while staying within budget!

ACCOMMODATIONBooking.com is my favourite platform for hotel or apartment bookings. I love their map interface (I prefer to stay within walking distance of major attractions!) and they have an excellent customer service

FLIGHTS – I prefer to use Skyscanner to find the cheapest flights. I often use their monthly view of prices to decide my travel dates!

TOURS & ACTIVITIESGet Your Guide is my go-to choice for fun tours and activities. They have a wide range of options and a great interface.

TRAVEL INSURANCE – Travel insurance is absolutely essential for all your international travels. I’ve been saved by it a few times when I fell sick while travelling and I swear by it since then! World Nomads is an excellent choice for travel insurance.

54 Comments

  1. I used to live in Iceland and I have to say, all of these are really nice. My favorite, however, is called Dynjandi and you can find it in west fjords 🙂

    Reply
  2. Wow! I knew Iceland was gorgeous, but I guess I didn’t realize how gorgeous. I would love to go chasing waterfalls !!

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  3. I won’t lie, Iceland was never on my list because it just seemed to get so saturated by bloggers immediately. THESE PHOTOS, however, have made me rethink and truly appreciate its natural beauty! Thank you for sharing the stunning waterfalls!

    Reply
  4. Okay, so I knew Iceland was gorgeous but your pictures just made me fall in love with the place even more. I’ll definitely save this post for the time I visit Iceland. The waterfalls look absolutely incredible. Thanks for sharing!

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  5. This is definitely the ultimate list! Great sharing, thanks!

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  6. WOW. There are so many waterfalls in Iceland. I didn’t know that. This is a really unique post.

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  7. The pictures of the waterfalls are incredible! I’ll have to cross-check your list with my itinerary for Iceland. I’d hate to miss out!
    Don’t ask me why, but I especially love SELJALANDSFOSS.

    Reply
  8. We were able to visit just one…Godafoss. It was so great to see it. I envy you having seen the nine others.

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  9. Okay Smita, I have read a lot of posts about Iceland, but I think this is my favourite! I LOVE waterfalls, and you chose so many amaaazing ones! I especially love the rainbows at Skógafoss <3

    I also really love your photos – I'm guessing this post must have taken ages to edit if you have hundreds of photos to chose from!

    We did visit Iceland, but it was in winter so we didn't get to see many waterfalls…I hope we get to go back and hike to some in the summertime! You just gave me waaay to much waterfall wanderlust.

    Reply
    • Thanks so much, Josy! 🙂 I love waterfalls too and Iceland has them in abundance!

      And yeah I’ve got too many photos, took a while to select & edit.

      Iceland in winter must have been amazing too – did you get to see the Northern Lights?

      Reply
  10. Hey Smita, its a great post for anyone who wants to do a road trip in Iceland. I love the fact that you have given the cordinates of the waterfalls and event the road directions for the same. All the waterfalls looks amazing and whenever I plan to visit Iceland, I will definitely look up your blog again.

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    • Thanks, Suman!

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  11. Oh my gosh, I had no idea that places like this existed outside of Heaven! This is breathtaking! I actually have never seen anything like these and had no idea that Iceland was this gorgeous! I just don’t think I could wrap my fingers around the cold. However, I noticed in at least one of the photos you had a sleeveless top on so maybe there are times the temperatures aren’t too too bad. However, the water looks like the springs and I would want to jump right in but I doubt that they are as warm as the springs. These places are truly amazing!

    Reply
    • Iceland’s spectacular natural beauty was a surprise to us too! It was beyond anything we had expected 🙂 The weather is not as bad in the summer or the shoulder months – a light jacket might be all you need during the mornings/ evenings. We went in September and it was quite pleasant.

      Reply
  12. Wow! I didn’t realize there were so many beautiful waterfalls in the area, I don’t think I could pick which I like the best. All of these photos are gorgeous.

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    • Thanks, Luna! Iceland has so many beautiful waterfalls, it was difficult to narrow it down to the top 10!

      Reply
  13. Omg, the picture of the waterfall are amazing! I love your red outfit and the contrast with nature is perfect! You glow in here. Thanks for sharing these tips. I am adding it to our bucket list. I hope we can visit one of this falls.

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    • Thanks, April! Iceland is a worthy bucket-list destination!

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  14. Wow! These pictures look incredible. Definitely makes me want to take a flight to Iceland soon 🙂

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    • Thanks, Wes! And yeah these make me want to go back for another visit too!

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  15. I’ve never been to Iceland but the stunning waterfall pictures that regularly surface, like the ones you have shared here, has always put it near the top of my ‘must visit’. We do have some beautiful waterfalls here in Ontario, but these take it to a whole new level!

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    • Iceland is indeed a ‘must visit’ place – the waterfalls, amazing landscapes, glaciers etc. are all just incredible!

      Reply
  16. I am in love with the stunning waterfalls of Iceland. I was there last winter and loved each and every waterfall I have visited. From your blog, I must say that I am fascinated by the Folaldafoss and Hraunfossar. These are the ones I haven’t visited when I was there and surely going to visit when I visit Iceland again in next summer.

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    • Hraunfossar is incredible. There’s another waterfall called Barnafoss right next to Hraunfossar as well which is just as beautiful. Have a great trip!

      Reply
  17. I love being near waterfalls and find the sound of falling water mesmerizing. All these waterfalls look different and amazing. Iceland is in my plans for next year and this post of yours will be so useful in my planning. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
    • I love waterfalls too! Have a great trip – let me know if you have any questions.

      Reply
  18. Iceland is one of my favorite travels! We saw a few of these waterfalls you said and they were incredible.

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    • Iceland has become my favourite place to travel as well!

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    • Thanks, Kate!

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  19. It must have been difficult to narrow it down to the 10 best waterfalls in Iceland. I have a friend who spent over a month there exploring-she said it was the most beautiful place she had ever been! Gorgeous shots here-thanks for sharing:)

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    • Thanks, Megan! Wow, a month in Iceland sounds like a dream!

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  20. I wonder how hard it is to make such a list! Each waterfall is special and these are absolutely spectacular! I love Iceland and dream to visit it one day

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    • It was hard! There were so many beautiful waterfalls in Iceland – we saw at least 2-3 nearly every day of our week-long trip!

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  21. From one blogger to another, this is simply one of the best articles on travel that i have read in a long long time. I went to school in switzerland. I love flying over Iceland. It is just beautiful. I know it was famous for geysers and health. Never realized it has so many waterfalls. Your pictures are amazing and out of this world writing. Keep it up.

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    • Thanks so much Jerry! 🙂 Iceland was just so beautiful that I think the pictures and the writing come easy! So cool about Switzerland – I currently live in Zurich and am absolutely in love with the place. For me, Iceland & Switzerland are the most beautiful countries in the world!

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  22. Your photos are spectacular! Especially the ones with the rainbow. So pretty! Sitting by a waterfall is so peaceful and relaxing.

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    • Thanks Kelly! The rainbows in Iceland were really spectacular – nothing like I’d ever seen before!

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  23. I have always wanted to visit Iceland for so many reasons before I even knew about these waterfalls. I wouldn’t even know which one to choose they are all so breathtaking. One of my bucket list items was to visit the Blue Lagoon in Iceland and see the Northern Lights and now I have to add the waterfalls. Very detailed post and love the pictures.

    Reply
    • Thanks Scott! Iceland’s waterfalls need as much as recognition as the Northern Lights and the Blue Lagoon! We got lucky with the northern lights and got to see them during our trip – surprisingly for us since it was September and we thought we needed it to be the dead of winters to see them!

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  24. Wow, these waterfalls and your photos are incredible. Each one better than the last, how much of a factor does the weather play in visiting them?

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    • Thanks Derek! These were all really stunning places. The weather would play a big factor in visiting in my opinion – if it’s too overcast or rainy it’ll be difficult to truly appreciate the magnificence and beauty of these waterfalls. Plus some of the waterfalls need you to hike a bit over uneven, rocky surfaces that could get slippery if it’s raining/ snowing.

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  25. I’m desperate to visit Iceland and now even more so, this is my idea of heaven! Aldeyjarfoss are stunning, beautiful colours and the Goðafoss equally so, and interesting to know how it got its name. The article is very thorough with details of where to find these incredible waterfalls and where to stay, I’ll bookmark for a trip I hope to plan for next year.

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    • Thanks Vanessa! Iceland is really heaven in terms of natural, unspoiled beauty. You can go for miles on the road without coming across any signs of civilisation (other than the road of course!) – no fields, no electricity wires – just beautiful nature!

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  26. I absolutely love waterfalls! I’m saving this list because I really want to visit Iceland (sooner than later). They are all so incredibly beautiful, it would be impossible to pick just one favorite! And you got so close to them – thanks for the tips on how to get the best views!

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    • I love waterfalls too! Iceland was a dream destination for me. Hope you are able to plan your trip soon!

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  27. I love waterfalls. They are almost majestic. If I ever travel to Iceland, I will be referring to your post. Reading it, I kept thinking, “this is my favourite.” Then I scrolled onto the next photo! They are all so beautiful.

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    • haha I can relate to your changing your mind scrolling through these – that’s exactly what happened to us on the trip as well. Every place was more amazing than the previous one!

      Reply
  28. Whoa! These pictures can inspire the non hiker! This looks like it was a wonderful trip and I must get myself to Iceland to experience all of these waterfalls. Fantastic post!

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    • Thanks Sarah! It really was a great trip. Most places were so easy to visit, while still having options for the hikers to explore more – best of both worlds!

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  29. Absolutely stunning! Reading about this not only introduce me to some breathtaking scenery (thanks for those great photos), but also made me realize how far from anything these places can be. Iceland is definitely on my top 10 list of places to visit.

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    • Thanks for the comment Lene! Iceland is indeed a top 10 place!

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    • Oh wow! All of these waterfalls look incredible! Thank you for sharing such an informative post, I hope we’re able to visit all of these when we visit Iceland 🙂

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      • Thanks, Sarah! Hope you’re able to visit Iceland soon – it’s a spectacular place!

        Reply

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About me

Gruezi, Hi! My name is Smita, a part-time traveller and a travel writer. So far I’ve been what you might call a serendipitous traveller! I got a chance to visit several amazing places more by chance than by design. I would love to put all my extensive travel planning to good use by sharing it with you and hope that these inspire you to visit all those famous, and not-so-famous locations! Read More

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