waterfalls in Iceland

10 Iceland Waterfalls You Need to Visit

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There seems to be a waterfall everywhere you look in Iceland. My partner and I saw 15+ waterfalls during our trip. However, I never got tired of them. Each waterfall is incredibly unique and thus offers a completely different experience from all others. You can walk up to the base of some Iceland waterfalls, though you might receive a misty shower while doing so. Moreover, there is a path behind a few other waterfalls, including one mentioned below. The list goes on and on and on! It can be quite hard to choose your favorite waterfall after seeing so many, but here is my attempt at listing out the 10 best waterfalls in Iceland based on my personal experience. Check out the Iceland waterfalls map below to see where the top 10 waterfalls are located (plus a few honorable mentions).

Are you struggling to plan your Iceland road trip? I know, there are just too many things to do and too little time. Check out my nine-day Iceland road trip itinerary for some inspiration. Additionally, check out my list of international travel essentials to help reduce the stress of packing.

Contents:

1) Gljúfrabúi 

2) Seljalandsfoss

3) Skógafoss

4) Svartifoss

5) Gullfoss

6) Dettifoss

7) Kirkjufellsfoss

8) Brúarfoss

9) Godafoss

10) Öxarárfoss

11) Honorable Mentions

 

Trip map courtesy of Wanderlog, a vacation planner app on iOS and Android 

 

1) Gljúfrabúi – Best Iceland Waterfalls

Gljúfrabúi was my favorite waterfall in all of Iceland. However, most articles about the best waterfalls in Iceland do not have Gljúfrabúi listed as number one. Instead, it is normally listed within the top five, 10, or sometimes even 20. Wild, I know. I could not imagine skipping Gljúfrabúi on my trip to Iceland as it is a hidden gem of a waterfall. All you need is 45 minutes to visit, and then it will jump to the top of your list of the best waterfalls in Iceland just like mine. 

Gljúfrabúi stands at 130 feet (~40 meters) tall and flows from the Gljúfurá River. However, in order to see the wonder of the waterfall, you need to enter a small gorge. The waterfall is not generally visible from the road or from the path leading up to the gorge. For this reason, many people miss out on Gljúfrabúi altogether because they do not even know it exists. When entering the gorge, it is best to wear waterproof shoes as there is a small stream. Otherwise, you can carefully step on rocks to try to avoid getting your feet wet. If you do not trust your balance, I recommend you opt for waterproof shoes.

Once you enter the gorge, you are met with Gljúfrabúi’s power and beauty all at once. It is quite incredible that a waterfall can be hidden in such a small space. 

Check out this article for more information: Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi Waterfalls in Iceland.

Iceland Gljufrabui waterfall

Looking through the gorge to Gljúfrabúi

Location + Nearby Lodging

Gljúfrabúi is located in southern Iceland, just a short drive east of the Golden Circle. Additionally, it is less than a two-hour drive from Reykjavík. Therefore, it is not only one of the best south Iceland waterfalls, but it is also one of the best Iceland waterfalls near Reykjavík.

To arrive at the waterfall, drive along Route 1 through southern Iceland. Then turn onto Route 249, also known as Þórsmerkurvegur, and arrive at a parking lot on the right after a minute or two. Furthermore, Gljúfrabúi is located right next to the popular Seljalandsfoss waterfall. There is a 1.3-mile (~two-kilometer) trail connecting the two waterfalls. Park at Seljalandsfoss parking, which is the first parking lot along the road, and walk the trail to Gljúfrabúi. The parking fee is 800 ISK. 

For lodging, my partner and I stayed the previous night at Skyggnir Bed and Breakfast in Flúðir. The following night we booked a room at South Iceland Guesthouse, which is just west of Vík. On the other hand, book a two-day south coast tour of Iceland if you do not want to have to worry about planning logistics, including lodging, yourself.

Gljufrabui

Standing inside the gorge to see Gljúfrabúi

 

2) Seljalandsfoss 

Second on the list of the “must-see” waterfalls in Iceland is Seljalandsfoss. It is right next to Gljúfrabúi, which is incredibly convenient. You can cross off two of the most beautiful waterfalls at the same stop. Plan for 45 minutes to visit Seljalandsfoss or around an hour and a half to visit both Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi.

What makes Seljalandsfoss so unique is the path behind it that allows you to see it from a whole new perspective. It is one of the only Iceland waterfalls you can walk behind. However, keep in mind that the mist from the falls sprays onto the path and will likely also spray onto you. Wear a rain jacket and waterproof boots unless you want to count this as your shower for the day. 

Additionally, Seljalandsfoss stands at 200 feet (~60 meters) tall and flows from the Seljalandsá River. This river originates from the Eyjafjallajökull glacier. For a fun fact, Justin Bieber filmed portions of his “I’ll Show You” music video at Seljalandsfoss. Justin Bieber must have liked Iceland as a filming location because he also filmed at the nearby Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon. Moreover, the Amazing Race featured Seljalandsfoss during its sixth season. 

If interested in learning more, check out this article: Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi Waterfalls in Iceland.

Iceland Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

Side view of Seljalandsfoss

Location + Nearby Lodging – Best Iceland Waterfalls

Just like Gljúfrabúi, Seljalandsfoss is located in southern Iceland, just a short drive east of the Golden Circle. Additionally, it is less than a two-hour drive from Reykjavík. 

To arrive at Seljalandsfoss, drive along Route 1 through southern Iceland. Then turn onto Route 249, also known as Þórsmerkurvegur, and arrive at the Seljalandsfoss parking lot on the right after a minute or two. It is the first parking lot located along the road. The parking fee is 800 ISK.

For lodging, we stayed the previous night at Skyggnir Bed and Breakfast in Flúðir. The following night we booked a room at South Iceland Guesthouse, which is just west of Vík. If you are looking to turn your Iceland trip into a romantic getaway, then consider booking a room at one of the most romantic hotels in Iceland.

Seljalandsfoss waterfall

Front of Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

 

3) Skógafoss

Skógafoss might be the most popular and picturesque waterfall in all of Iceland due to its size, strength, convenient location, and the fact you are likely to see a rainbow at the base of the falls. Not only is Skógafoss one of the best waterfalls in Iceland, but it is also one of the best things to do in Iceland overall. 

On most days, one or two rainbows appear at the base of Skógafoss. The waterfall sprays off extensive mist and thus easily creates the rainbows. I highly recommend getting close to the base of the falls, though do prepare for a bit of a shower. 

Skógafoss stands at 197 feet (~60 meters) tall and 82 feet (~25 meters) wide. It flows from the Skógá River, which originates in the Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers. Furthermore, there is a legend attached to Skógafoss. Many years ago a viking settler is believed to have hid a treasure chest behind the falls. It holds an array of treasures and gold. However, no one to this day has succeeded in finding the chest.

Set aside 45 minutes if you plan to visit only the base of the falls. Otherwise, set aside one hour and 15 minutes if you plan to visit the base as well as walk up the 500+ stairs to the top. To hike Fimmvorduhals Pass, which begins at the top of Skógafoss, I recommend two or more hours. You can decide how far along Fimmvorduhals Pass to hike. For example, my partner and I hiked for maybe an hour or so before turning around. However, we did see around five more waterfalls within just that one hour. 

Head here for more information: Hiking Skógafoss (Fimmvorduhals Pass) in Iceland.

Skogafoss waterfall

View from the top of Skógafoss Waterfall

Location + Nearby Lodging

Skógafoss is located in southern Iceland, not too far from the Golden Circle. It is thus in a fairly convenient location, so you should make a point to visit whether you are in Iceland for only a weekend or an entire week. Three south Iceland waterfalls in a row on the list of the best waterfalls in Iceland? Southern Iceland is just showing off at this point. Moreover, Skógafoss is one of the best Iceland waterfalls near the southern, coastal town of Vík at just 30 minutes east. 

There is a parking lot specific to the falls, and it is just a short five or 10 minute walk from the lot to the base of the falls. Moreover, there is no fee for the parking lot. 

Whether you have chosen to stay in guesthouses or campsites for your trip, there are plenty of lodging options nearby. We stayed the previous night at Skyggnir Bed and Breakfast in the Golden Circle and the following night at South Iceland Guesthouse in southern Iceland.

Are you looking for a way to relax after visiting Skógafoss and hiking a bit along Fimmvorduhals Pass? Well, then I have the perfect place for you: Seljavallalaug Pool. It is a geothermal pool just down the road. Let the warm waters rejuvenate your mind and body. 

Skógafoss

Rainbow at the base of Skógafoss

 

4) Svartifoss – Best Iceland Waterfalls

It takes a little more effort to reach Svartifoss compared to the previous falls mentioned, though it is well worth it. The hike is about one mile (~1.6 kilometers) each way from the parking lot to Svartifoss. The hike is short yet uphill, so plan for 30 to 45 minutes of hiking each way. That being said, I recommend setting aside at least two hours in your itinerary to conquer Svartifoss. 

Svartifoss is different from all other waterfalls included on this list due to its surroundings. Basalt rock columns make up the background of the falls. The columns formed through lava cooling slowly, crystallizing, and then breaking into a hexagonal shape. Basalt rock columns are present in a few other places in Iceland, such as Stuðlagil Canyon and Reynisfjara Black Sand BeachAdditionally, Svartifoss can be translated to “Black Falls”. The name comes from the dark basalt columns surrounding the waterfall. 

You can walk right up to the base of Svartifoss or sit down and relax on a rock along the stream. My partner and I packed a couple of sandwiches for a picnic so we could reward ourselves after hiking while also enjoying Svartifoss and its scenery.

For more information, check out this article: Visiting Svartifoss in Iceland.

Svartifoss

Standing right at the base of the falls

Location + Nearby Lodging

Svartifoss is located in eastern Iceland within Vatnajökull National Park. For reference, it is a little less than two hours northeast of Vík. Moreover, it is fairly close to the Glacier Lagoon, which is one of my favorite attractions in all of Iceland. Be sure to plan a visit to the lagoon if you are in the area, and you can even consider booking a glacier lagoon kayaking tour.

There is a large parking lot within the national park right by the Svartifoss trailhead. However, there is a small parking fee of 1,000 ISK.

My partner and I stayed at The Barn in Vík the night before visiting Svartifoss. We then stayed at Laekjarhus Farm Holidays in Höfn the following night. I would recommend both accommodations to you. 

Svartifoss waterfall hike

Up-close view of Svartifoss waterfall

 

5) Gullfoss

Gullfoss translates to “Golden Falls” in Icelandic. No, unfortunately there is no gold to be found at Gullfoss. Instead, the waterfall turns a golden-brown color on sunny days.

To catch a glimpse of its golden nature, there are two options. First, you can stop at the viewpoint by the lower parking lot. The viewpoint provides a panoramic view of Gullfoss and possibly of a rainbow over the falls. Second, you can walk along the 1.3 mile (~2.1 kilometer) out-and-back trail from the lower parking lot to a close-up view of Gullfoss. Unfortunately the trail is not wheelchair accessible as there are a few stairs at the beginning. Moreover, keep in mind that you will get wet while walking along the trail. The trail is located right by the falls, and thus the mist sprays onto the trail (and all people there).

For a few fun facts, the water from Gullfoss flows from Langjökull glacier and then the Hvítá river before cascading over the falls. Additionally, Gullfoss is 105 feet (~32 meters) tall. However, Gullfoss does have two sections. The 105 feet in height is a combination of both sections of falls. Furthermore, Gullfoss was saved in the 1920s by Sigríður, who is now hailed as one of the first environmentalists in Iceland. She raised money, walked over 60 miles (~97 kilometers) on foot from Reykjavík to Gullfoss (multiple times), and engaged in preservation efforts. A hydroelectric plant wanted to lease the land, but Sigríður’s work allowed Gullfoss to remain untouched.

To visit both the lower parking lot viewpoint and walk along the trail, I recommend at least one hour to visit Gullfoss.

Pining for more information on Gullfoss? Everything to Know About Gullfoss in Iceland.

Iceland waterfalls Gullfoss

View of Gullfoss Waterfall from the path

Location + Nearby Lodging – Best Iceland Waterfalls

Gullfoss is considered to be one of, if not THE, best Golden Circle Iceland waterfalls. Considering that, what better place for it to be located than at the top of the Golden Circle. For reference, Gullfoss is less than two hours from the capital city of Reykjavík. Due to its convenient location, you can easily visit Gullfoss whether you are road tripping or booking a Golden Circle tour.

There are two parking lots for Gullfoss: (1) an upper lot (2) a lower lot. First, the upper parking lot is located a bit further from the falls. There is a staircase leading from the upper lot down to Gullfoss and the trail alongside it. Second, the lower parking lot is located right beside Gullfoss and the trail. The lower lot fills up at peak times, but otherwise I recommend trying to park there. Ready for good news? There is no parking fee for either lot at Gullfoss.

For nearby lodging, I recommend Skyggnir Bed and Breakfast or somewhere in the town of Bláskógabyggð. Otherwise, check out the best hotels in the Golden Circle if you want to level up your Iceland experience.

Gullfoss

Rainbow over Gullfoss Waterfall

 

6) Dettifoss

Of course the most powerful waterfall in all of Iceland had to make the list of the best Iceland waterfalls. Dettifoss’ average water flow is 6,186 cubic feet (~193 cubic meters) per second. However, the water flow can increase to a staggering 17,657 cubic feet (~500 cubic meters) at its highest in the summer months. Some affectionately refer to Dettifoss as “The Beast”. Moreover, Dettifoss is the second most powerful waterfall in all of Europe.

Dettifoss is 144 feet (~44 meters) tall and 330 feet (~100 meters) wide. Water flows from the Vatnajökull Glacier and through the Jökulsá á Fjöllum River before it then cascades down Dettifoss.

From the western side, it is an approximately 15-minute walk to the viewpoint on a flat trail. From the eastern side, it is an approximately 10-minute walk to the viewpoint on a rocky path. While both sides offer great views of Dettifoss, the western side arguably provides the better vantage point. (More information on the western vs. eastern sides below). No matter which side you visit, I recommend setting aside at least one hour to visit Dettifoss.

For a fun fact, they filmed the opening scene of the movie Prometheus at Dettifoss. Iceland truly is a filming paradise – there is even an old Viking Village in Stokknes that was used as a set for a movie. However, the movie was unfortunately never completed.

Location + Nearby Lodging

Dettifoss is located in northeastern Iceland, specifically in Vatnajökull National Park. It is approximately two hours east of Akureyri. Moreover, Dettifoss is approximately 50 minutes northeast of Myvatn. If you are into hot springs, then Myvatn Nature Baths should be your stop either right before or right after Dettifoss.

There are two parking lots for Dettifoss: (1) west side parking lot (2) east side parking lot. First, the west side parking lot is generally open from the months of April through December due to the fact that is when Route 862 (the paved road leading to the west side of the falls) is open. Second, the east side parking lot is generally only open during the summer months since Route 864 is a bit “adventurous” and necessitates a 4×4 vehicle. Route 864 is the road that leads to the west side of the falls, and it is an unpaved road. Driving between the west side and east sides takes approximately one hour. Furthermore, there is no parking fee for either lot.

From Myvatn to the west side parking lot, drive along Route 1 for about 30 minutes before then turning left onto Dettifossvegur Route 862. Finally, turn right onto Dettifossvegur vestri to reach the west side. From Myvatn to the east side parking lot, drive along Route 1 for about 40 minutes before then turning left onto Hólsfjallavegur Route 864. Finally, turn left onto Dettifossvegur eystri to reach the east side.

Since Dettifoss is a bit out there in Northern Iceland, your best bet is to either spend the night in the nearby town of Myvatn or the city of Akureyri.

 

7) Kirkjufellsfoss – Best Iceland Waterfalls

Kirkjufellsfoss is one of the best waterfalls in Iceland because of its background. While it might not be the tallest or most powerful, it is one of the most picturesque due to Mt. Kirkjufell. Mt. Kirkjufell stands at 1,560 feet (~460 meters) tall. If you are a Game of Thrones fan, you might recognize Mt. Kirkjufell as Arrowhead Mountain. Moreover, Kirkjufellsfoss with Mt. Kirkjufell in the background is one of the most photographed locations in all of Iceland.

To reach the waterfall, walk a short 0.3 mile (~0.5 kilometer) trail from the parking lot to the falls. The trail is mainly flat with a small slope once you reach the falls. For a unique twist, Kirkjufellsfoss is actually a three-tiered waterfall. Two tiers of the waterfall are located upstream from the pedestrian bridge, and the other two tiers are downstream from the bridge. Once you reach the final, bottom tier of Kirkjufellsfoss, please respect any boundaries present. There was a rope sectioning off the bottom tier area when my partner and I visited. Such boundaries are essential for vegetation preservation and erosion prevention.

I recommend a visiting time of around 45 minutes to walk the trail from the parking lot to the falls and to take in the views.

Iceland Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall

Top tier of Kirkjufellsfoss

Location + Nearby Lodging

Kirkjufellsfoss is the first waterfall on this list located on the west coast of Iceland. More specifically, Kirkjufellsfoss is on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula just two and a half hours northwest of Reykjavík. That being said, you have to travel a bit west of the Ring Road to reach the waterfall. If you are driving from Reykjavík, head onto Route 54 from Route 1. Then turn right onto Vatnaleið, left onto Snæfellsnesvegur, and then left again once you reach the parking lot.

There is a small parking lot dedicated to Kirkjufellsfoss. Please note the lot can easily fill up during peak visit time. Moreover, there is a small fee of 1,000 ISK for parking.

For nearby lodging, I recommend staying somewhere on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula for convenience. Otherwise, check out options in the city of Reykjavík, such as Guesthouse Pavi.

Kirkjufellsfoss

Kirkjufellsfoss with Mt. Kirkjufell in the background

 

8) Brúarfoss

While Brúarfoss is the shortest waterfall on this list at only 10 feet (~three meters) tall, it is still grand in its own right. If you want to visit a waterfall in Iceland with water as blue as the Blue Lagoon, then look no further than Brúarfoss. The water cascading down Brúarfoss originates from the Langjökull glacier before then flowing down the Brúará River and over the falls. The reason the water is so blue is because it is glacial melt water. Furthermore, Brúarfoss is admiringly referred to as the bluest waterfall in all of Iceland.

Brúarfoss translates to “Bridge Falls”. It received its name from a natural stone bridge that stretched across the waterfall hundreds of years ago. Unfortunately, an individual associated with the Skálholt church destroyed the natural bridge in 1602 during a famine. They destroyed it in order to prevent starving individuals from crossing the bridge and accessing the fertile land of the church.

However, they did build a wooden bridge for pedestrian access. Visitors can thus enjoy panoramic views of Brúarfoss from the wooden bridge as well as access to both sides of the waterfall. Moreover, you can walk down to the river’s edge to get an up-close view of the striking blue water.

Location + Nearby Lodging – Best Iceland Waterfalls

Brúarfoss is another one of the best Golden Circle Iceland waterfalls. It is located in the northwestern section of the Golden Circle. For reference, it is only a 30-minute drive southwest from Gullfoss – another Golden Circle waterfall mentioned previously. Moreover, Brúarfoss is one of the best waterfalls near Reykjavík as it is only a 1.5-hour drive away. It is the perfect distance for a day trip if your base is the capital city.

From Reykjavík, drive along Route 1 and then turn right onto Þingvallavegur Route 36. Keep driving along the road as it turns into Lyngdalsheiðarvegur Route 365 and then turns into Laugarvatns Vegur Route 37. Finally, turn left onto Bláskógabyggð to reach Brúarfoss.

There are two parking lots for Brúarfoss: (1) a lot on Route 37 (2) a closer lot. First, the lot on Route 37 is the parking lot that has existed longer for Brúarfoss. However, it is a 4.1 mile (~6.6 kilometer) round trip hike from the parking lot on Route 37 to Brúarfoss. There is an elevation gain of 1,540 feet (~469 meters). The hike takes an average hiker approximately two to three hours to complete. However, there is an added bonus of passing by two other waterfalls on the trail to Brúarfoss: Hlauptungufoss and Miðfoss. Moreover, there is no parking fee at the lot on Route 37.

Second, the closer lot is a new addition as of 2023. From this lot, it is only a short five-minute walk to the viewpoint for Brúarfoss. However, there is a small parking fee of 750 ISK.

For lodging, my personal recommendation is Skyggnir Bed and Breakfast. Otherwise, book a room at one (or more) of the best Golden Circle hotels in Iceland.

 

9) Godafoss

In my opinion, Godafoss has one of the most interesting backgrounds / myths of all of the waterfalls in Iceland. Norwegian settlers that arrived in Iceland in the 9th and 10th centuries followed the Old Norse religion. However, Europe began to exert more and more influence, including Christianity, over Iceland once it became a commonwealth in 930 AD. The clash of religions caused the Icelandic parliament to have to make a decision around 1000 AD. Otherwise, they were worried about a war breaking out over religion. An Ásatrú priest pondered the decision carefully and ultimately decided that Christianity would be the national religion of Iceland. However, that was not the end of it. The priest then traveled to Godafoss and threw idols of the Old Norse gods into Godafoss. Godafoss is thus accurately named, for it translates to “the waterfall of the gods”.

Moreover, Godafoss is 39 feet (~12 meters) tall and 98 feet (~30 meters) wide. The water flowing through Godafoss originates from the Icelandic highlands and then travels down the Skjálfandafljót river before cascading over the falls. When visiting Godafoss, you can walk right up to the water’s edge. Be careful as the rocks are likely to be wet and slippery. Nevertheless, getting so close to the falls is a unique experience.

Overall, I recommend spending around 30 minutes to one hour at Godafoss.

Goðafoss best waterfalls Iceland

Practicing some yoga poses at Godafoss

Location + Nearby Lodging

Godafoss is one of the best waterfalls in northern Iceland. While Godafoss is pretty far from the capital city of Reykjavík, it is only 30 minutes from Akureyri. Akureyri is the largest town in northern Iceland. From Akureyri, drive east along Route 1 for approximately 30 minutes. Then turn right onto Bárðardalsvegur Eystri and drive until you reach the east bank parking lot.

However, there are two parking lots available: (1) west bank parking lot (2) east bank parking lot. First, the west bank parking lot has a viewpoint of Godafoss. Nevertheless, you cannot access the base of the falls from the west side. Second, the east bank parking lot has a short trail down to the water’s edge where you can stand at the base of the falls. You are able to park in either lot, or you can walk between the two lots in just over 10 minutes. In good news, there is no parking fee for either lot.

For lodging, the nearby town of Akureyri has a lot of options. My partner and I stayed in Akureyri H.I Hostel and would recommend it to others. Otherwise, check out some of Iceland’s romantic hotels to add a bit of romance and spice to your getaway.

Iceland map of waterfalls

Taking in the views of the breathtaking falls

 

10) Öxarárfoss – Best Iceland Waterfalls

Öxarárfoss lies within Thingvellir National Park, which is located on the rift between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. You read that right! Within the national park, you can even snorkel between the tectonic plates. As a fun fact, the rift between the tectonic plates widens every year by approximately 0.8 inches (~two centimeters).

Öxarárfoss is a total of 44 feet (~13 meters) tall and 20 feet (~six meters) wide. Moreover, its water flows from the Öxará River. The waterfall received its name from when a settler stuck their axe in the frozen Öxará River to claim the land. Öxi translates to “axe” in Icelandic, and thus the waterfall became known as Öxarárfoss.

Ready for a legend? It is said that Öxarárfoss can predict the future on New Year’s Eve at exactly midnight. If the water runs red with wine, then the next year will bring prosperity. If the water runs red with blood, then the next year will bring war. Is the legend true? Visit at midnight on New Year’s Eve and let me know.

Plan to spend around 30 minutes to one hour at Öxarárfoss. However, you can spend an entire day in Thingvellir National Park as it holds a variety of other attractions.

Iceland Oxararfoss waterfall

View of Öxarárfoss from the path directly in front of it

Location + Nearby Lodging

Similar to Gullfoss, Öxarárfoss is one of the best Golden Circle Iceland waterfalls. Specifically, it is located on the western side of the Golden Circle within Thingvellir National Park. Moreover, Öxarárfoss is one of the closest waterfalls near Reykjavík as it is only a 50-minute drive northeast. If you are driving from Reykjavík, take Route 49 until it turns into Route 1. Then turn left onto Route 36 Þingvallavegur before finally turning right onto Route 361 Efrivallavegur into Thingvellir National Park.

Since Öxarárfoss is within Thingvellir National Park, there are multiple different parking lots available. However, Öxarárfoss Parking is the closest lot to the waterfall at a two-minute walk. The next closest option is Þingvellir Parking P2 at a 10 to 15-minute walk. Please be aware that there are steps on the path from Þingvellir Parking P2 to Öxarárfoss. Moreover, there is a parking fee of 1,000 ISK for all parking lots within Thingvellir National Park.

For lodging, check out Skyggnir Bed and Breakfast (they have my personal recommendation). Otherwise, book a room at one of the best Golden Circle hotels.

Öxarárfoss waterfall in Thingvellir National Park

Stream leading past Öxarárfoss

 

11) Honorable Mentions – Best Iceland Waterfalls

The following did not make it on my list of the top ten waterfalls in Iceland, but they definitely deserve an honorable mention. I would suggest including all waterfalls listed above in your Iceland itinerary and maybe a couple of the following as well if you have enough time.

You might be thinking…how many waterfalls does Iceland have? I mentioned 10 waterfalls above and five more below. However, estimates say that Iceland is home to around 10,000 waterfalls. You could easily spend years and years traveling the country to visit them all. I think I just discovered your retirement plan!

  • Selfoss
  • Haifoss
  • Glymur
  • Aldeyjarfoss

 

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Check out my favorite activities in Iceland: Top 3 Things to Do in Iceland. 

Be prepared for hiking in Iceland: Iceland Hiking Essentials: 5 Items to Pack.

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24 Comments
  • Alexandra
    Posted at 13:41h, 05 July Reply

    I would love to travel with you! I always look for waterfalls anywhere I travel to, too. What a helpful post.

    • Alaina Thomas
      Posted at 15:29h, 22 July Reply

      It sounds like we would travel well together! Waterfalls are so beautiful. No matter how many I see, I am still fascinated by each one.

  • Jenn | By Land and Sea
    Posted at 08:45h, 04 July Reply

    We are really hoping to go to Iceland in 2023 and your post continue to inspire our travel plans! These waterfalls look fantastic! Pinning this for later.

    • Alaina Thomas
      Posted at 15:30h, 22 July Reply

      So glad to hear an Iceland trip is in the works! You are going to absolutely love it.

  • Sharyn
    Posted at 00:21h, 03 July Reply

    Iceland is on my bucket list – I can’t wait to see all the waterfalls (and the Northern Lights). Thanks for the inspiration.

    • Alaina Thomas
      Posted at 15:34h, 22 July Reply

      I unfortunately did not get to see the northern lights when I visited, but that just leaves the door open for another trip!

  • Shannon
    Posted at 22:30h, 02 July Reply

    All so beautiful! Iceland is on my bucketlist!

    • Alaina Thomas
      Posted at 15:34h, 22 July Reply

      Glad to hear it is on the bucket list! It was on mine for a while before I finally planned a trip.

  • Lorraine Caputo
    Posted at 19:09h, 02 July Reply

    Very cool places. Svartifoss must be a trip to see in person!

    • Alaina Thomas
      Posted at 15:36h, 22 July Reply

      It was quite beautiful! It is a waterfall truly unlike any other we saw in Iceland.

  • Lauren
    Posted at 17:36h, 02 July Reply

    I love waterfall hikes so much! this is an incredible resource. Which one was your favorite to see?

    • Alaina Thomas
      Posted at 15:36h, 22 July Reply

      That is a hard question! But I think Gljúfrabúi was my favorite due to the fact we had to enter a small gorge to see it.

  • Kristin
    Posted at 14:07h, 02 July Reply

    This reminded me of my own trip to Iceland. Such a beautiful country. Thanks for the informative article.

    • Alaina Thomas
      Posted at 15:37h, 22 July Reply

      You are welcome! Glad to hear it helped you reminisce on your own Iceland memories.

  • Cris
    Posted at 20:02h, 17 December Reply

    I love waterfalls, probably because we just don’t have many where I live so they’re a natural beauty I don’t see often. Love the basalt columns around Svartifoss and, of course, Skógafoss is also stunning.

    • Alaina Thomas
      Posted at 12:32h, 18 December Reply

      That definitely makes it even more special when you are able to travel and visit some waterfalls! The basalt columns definitely make Svartifoss unique and a must-see while in Iceland.

  • Alex
    Posted at 21:05h, 16 December Reply

    Waterfalls are my absolute favorite! I have never been to any this impressive though! Adding these to my bucketlist!

    • Alaina Thomas
      Posted at 12:33h, 18 December Reply

      The waterfalls in Iceland are STUNNING – it will be hard to choose your favorites ones after seeing so many with such natural beauty.

  • Hannah
    Posted at 12:30h, 16 December Reply

    I would love to visit Iceland one day. I want to visit the black sand beaches and puffins! That rainbow at Skógafoss photo is stunning – great capture!

    • Alaina Thomas
      Posted at 20:19h, 16 December Reply

      Oh my goodness the puffins were one of my favorite things in Iceland. At the black sand beach in Vík, there is a small hill/mountain you can climb. At the top, we saw puffins flying everywhere!

  • Denise
    Posted at 09:50h, 16 December Reply

    Would love to see these waterfalls in Iceland! What a great shot with the rainbow!

    • Alaina Thomas
      Posted at 20:16h, 16 December Reply

      The rainbows at the base of the waterfalls will never get old! If you plan to travel to Iceland, I definitely recommend seeing a bunch of waterfalls, as each is unique and beautiful in its own right.

  • Carrie Ann
    Posted at 18:15h, 15 December Reply

    I’m a huge fan of hiking to waterfalls (and I’m planning a trip to Iceland) so this is the perfect post for me! I love your pics of Svartifoss—those basalt columns are just so striking. Saving this post to refer back to before my trip!

    • Alaina Thomas
      Posted at 20:18h, 16 December Reply

      Yay, I am glad you found this article to be helpful as you are planning your trip to Iceland! Svartifoss was incredibly unique with the basalt rock columns in the background. You should definitely add it to your itinerary!

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