Waterfalls in Iceland

Iceland has hundreds or even thousands of waterfalls. What are the most beautiful and popular waterfalls and where in Iceland are all these waterfalls? 

It has been said before that when it comes to water, Iceland has an abundance of it – in all forms. Be it in swimming pools, hot springs, geysers, lakes, glaciers, rivers, or waterfalls, Iceland is bursting at the seams. 

The waterfalls in Iceland are countless. Every year, new ones form from melting glaciers and almost every river has a few. They can be seen all over the country, many of them from the Ring Road. The best way to see them is to rent a car and drive the Circle. Here are some of the major waterfalls you can see.

• See also: Top 20 Most Beautiful Waterfalls in Iceland

Gullfoss | Iceland's Most Popular Waterfall

Gullfoss waterfall directly translates to "Golden Falls" and is by many considered Iceland’s most beautiful waterfall. It is the most known waterfall in Iceland since it is close to Reykjavík and the Golden Circle draws its name from this waterfall, seeing as it is one of its pitstops along with Geysir and Þingvellir.

It is situated in the southwest part of Iceland and is only about a 2-hour drive from Reykjavík, by road number 35.

As seen from the picture of Gullfoss waterfall above, it looks stunning in winter and was chosen as the #1 waterfall to see in winter in Iceland by Guide to Iceland.

• See also: Top 11 Frozen Waterfalls in Iceland to See in Winter

Glymur | Iceland's Second Tallest Waterfall

Photo by Katherine Kiese

Glymur waterfall is Iceland’s second-highest waterfall, 198 meters high. For a number of years, it was the tallest waterfall in Iceland, and many locals still talk about it as such. But in 2007, a new waterfall emerged with melting glacial water, called Morsárfoss. Morsárfoss is still relatively unknown and is hard to reach, but has a drop of about 228 meters. 

Glymur, however, is situated in Hvalfjörður fjord in the West. Although it is not far from Reykjavík it is not visible from Route 1 and is about a 2-hour hike from the main road. Here you can join a hiking tour to Glymur waterfall.

Hengifoss | Iceland's Third Tallest Waterfall

Photo by Regína Hrönn Ragnarsdóttir.

Hengifoss is 128 meters tall, making it the third-tallest waterfall in Iceland. It is situated in East Iceland, not far from the capital of the East, Egilsstaðir.

The waterfall is a single drop, amongst black lava cliffs with horizontal red stripes of clay in the rock face. The hike to the waterfall is a fairly easy one, although it takes about 40-60 minutes to hike all the way to the waterfall from the parking lot. On the way another waterfall can be admired, Litlanesfoss, and the stunning columnar basalts surrounding it.

As a bonus, if you look in the other direction you'll have a view over the Lagarfljót lake, and Iceland's largest forest, Hallormsstaðaskógur. 

• See also: The Majestic Hengifoss and Litlanesfoss in East Iceland 

Haifoss | Iceland's Fourth Tallest Waterfall

Photo by Michael Luenen

Háifoss waterfall is Iceland’s fourth highest waterfall, 122 meters tall. It is situated in Fossárdalur valley in the south of Iceland, in the inner Þjórsárdalur valley. You may need to hike a little from the road in order to reach it - but if the gravel road is in a good condition then you can reach a parking lot nearby.

From Reykjavík it's a 2-hour drive along Route 1; turn left onto Route 30 after you've passed Selfoss and then turn right onto Route. 32. From Route 32 you can drive the gravel Route 332 all the way up to the waterfall and park. Check the road condition beforehand if you're driving, go with a 4x4 car. 

• See also: The Ultimate Guide to Driving in Iceland

Dettifoss | The Most Powerful Waterfall in Europe

Dettifoss waterfall is the most powerful waterfall in Iceland when it comes to the volume of water and is one of the most powerful waterfalls in Europe. It is only 45 meters tall but about 100 meters wide, and it has an enormous amount of water thrusting down every second.

This waterfall was prominently displayed in the opening scene of Prometheus by Ridley Scott. Dettifoss is in the northeast part of Iceland, and you can reach it on a day trip from Akureyri or nearby Mývatn. It's also a main stop on Diamond Circle tours.