Last Updated on 25.08.2023 by Iliyan
Iceland is a place unlike any other in the world. This land is not only home to fire and ice, but of numerous beautiful waterfalls as well. High, low, powerful, they all have a common trait: they are magnificent in their own way. Thanks to its beautiful nature, the country is a magnet for photographers and nature lovers. The waterfalls in Iceland are some of the prettiest and most varied in the world, and are reason enough to make time to visit this amazing country.
Contents
Waterfalls in Iceland
During our travelling in a motorhome in Iceland we visited 6 of the most beautiful and popular waterfalls in Iceland. However, below you will find the bucket list.
Gullfoss
Gullfoss Waterfall is one of the most emblematic in Iceland and Europe. Its name means “Golden Falls” in the local language. It is located in the south-west part of the country and is part of the “Golden Circle“. The water in Hvítá River is moved by the Langjökull Glacier and goes down in two phases with a total height of 32 metres. The first cascade is 11 metres and the second 21. The sides of the canyon from both sides of the waterfall reach heights of up to 70 metres. Gullfoss is the most visited waterfall in Iceland.
Seljalandsfoss
One of the most famous and photographed waterfalls in Iceland is Seljalandsfoss. It is located in the south part of the country and is part of the Seljalandsá River, originating from the Eyjafjallajökull Glacier. It is easily accessible from the main road and has a parking with a view of the waterfall. On both sides of the waterfall are located lights that illuminate it during the night.
This is the only waterfall in the whole country, which you can walk behind and feel the graciously falling water cascade. Keep in mind that it can be slippery and very wet. The water falls at about 60 metres, which ranks it amongst the highest in the country. The view from behind the waterfall to the whole area is picturesque and charming.
Skogafoss
Not far from the emblematic Seljalandsfoss is located Skógafoss. You can get there very easily – it’s a short distance from the main Ring Road. There is a comfortable parking, where you can park. The waterfall can be seen from afar, but the closer you get, the view gets better and better. When you reach it you will see the perfectly proportional powerful 60-meter water curtain that is about 25 metres wide.
The Skógafoss Waterfall is located on the Skógá River in the south part of Iceland over a former sea rock. Right next to it (on the right side) are stairs, placed in the hill, where there is the option of climbing to its top for a different view. Up there you can enjoy the spacious view to the south Icelandic coast line. Besides that you can walk on the hill, where you can see more of Iceland’s magnificent nature.
Svartifoss
Svartifoss is one of the most unforgettable waterfalls in Iceland. Its name literally means “Black Falls”. It’s located in Skaftafell National Park, which is part of the Vatnajökull National Park. Svartifoss is a real diamond, whose water cascade falls 20 metres off a cliff, made up of magnificent hexagonal black basalt columns. These columns inspired Icelandic architects for the design of the Hallgrímskirkja church in Reykjavík.
Dettifoss
Goðafoss
In a country full of beautiful and amazing waterfalls, it is very hard to pick a favorite, but Goðafoss is at the top of my list. The waterfall is one of the most grandiose waterfalls in Iceland. It is also called “the waterfall of the gods”. The legend says that, when Christianity was declared the main religion, the local legislator Þorgeir Ljósvetningagoði threw away all statues of the ancient Scandinavian gods in the waterfall. It is located in the north-eastern part of Iceland near the main Ring Road. The water of the Skjálfandafljót River falls from 12 meters of height with over 30 meters of width. It has the shape of a horseshoe with a big rock in the middle that splits the stream.
