06 Dec The 4 Best Waterfalls in Iceland

There seems to be a waterfall everywhere you look in Iceland. During our trip, we saw 15+ waterfalls. However, I never got tired of them. Each one is incredibly unique and thus offers a completely different experience from all others. You can walk up to the base of some waterfalls, though the mist will give you a shower while doing so. For another, there is a path behind the falls. 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 four best waterfalls in Iceland based on my personal experience. 

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) Honorable Mentions

1) Gljúfrabúi – Best Iceland Waterfalls

• Region: Southern Iceland
• Location: Gljúfrabúi
• Parking: Seljalandsfoss parking
• Estimated visit time: 45 minutes  
• Parking fee: 800 ISK (~$6)
• Article with more information: Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi Waterfalls in Iceland

Gljúfrabúi was my favorite waterfall in Iceland. However, if you look at lists written by others for the best waterfalls in Iceland, Gljúfrabúi is generally never first. Furthermore, sometimes it is not even mentioned within those lists. However, I urge you to not miss out on this hidden gem of a waterfall when you plan your trip to Iceland.

For a list of other hidden gems I discovered while in Iceland, check out my article on 4 Hidden Gems in Iceland.

Location

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. 

To arrive at the waterfall, drive along Route 1 through southern Iceland. Then turn onto road 249, also known as Þórsmerkurvegur. After a minute or two, you will see a parking lot on your right.

Furthermore, Gljúfrabúi is located right next to the popular Seljalandsfoss waterfall. There is a 1.3 mile trail connecting the two falls. Park at Seljalandsfoss parking, which is the first lot you will come to along the road, and walk the trail to Gljúfrabúi. The parking fee is 800 ISK (~$6). 

Looking through the gorge to Gljúfrabúi

Nearby Lodging

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. I would recommend both accommodations to others, as we had pleasant experiences.  

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.

Background – Best Iceland Waterfalls

Gljúfrabúi stands at 130 feet (~40 meters) tall and flows from the Gljúfurá River. However, in order to see the wonders of this waterfall, you will need to enter a small gorge. The falls are not generally visible from the road or from the path leading up to the gorge. For this reason, many people miss out on the waterfall altogether because they do not even know it exists. When entering the gorge, you will need waterproof shoes if you plan to walk through the small stream. Otherwise, you can carefully step on rocks to avoid getting your feet wet.

Another attraction located within a gorge in Iceland is Rauðfeldsgjá on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula.

Why is It My Number One? 

Now, why is Gljúfrabúi my favorite waterfall in Iceland? To see Gljúfrabúi you have to enter a small gorge. It is almost completely hidden when looking from the road or the trail, and thus many people actually miss it. 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.

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

Standing inside the gorge to see Gljúfrabúi

2) Seljalandsfoss 

• Region: Southern Iceland
• Location: Seljalandsfoss
• Parking: Seljalandsfoss parking
• Estimated visit time: 30 minutes  
• Parking fee: 800 ISK (~$6)
• Article with more information: Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi Waterfalls in Iceland

Second on the list is Seljalandsfoss. It is next to Gljúfrabúi, which is incredibly convenient. You can cross off two of the most beautiful waterfalls at the same stop. Furthermore, Seljalandsfoss is fairly popular. You will thus most likely see it mentioned in your research and in various other articles highlighting the best waterfalls in Iceland. 

Location – Best Iceland Waterfalls

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 the waterfall, drive along Route 1 through southern Iceland. Then turn onto road 249, also known as Þórsmerkurvegur. After a minute or two, you will see the Seljalandsfoss parking lot on your right.

Furthermore, Seljalandsfoss is located right next to the Gljúfrabúi waterfall. There is a 1.3 mile trail connecting the two falls. Park at Seljalandsfoss parking, which is the first lot you will come to along the road, and you can then also walk the trail to Gljúfrabúi. The parking fee is 800 ISK (~$6).

Side view of Seljalandsfoss

Nearby Lodging

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.

Background

What makes this waterfall so unique is the path behind it. You can walk behind Seljalandsfoss to see it from a whole new perspective. However, if you plan to do so keep in mind the mist from the falls sprays onto the path and also onto you. Wear a rain jacket and some waterproof boots, and you will be good to go. 

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. Another location in which Justin Bieber filmed portions of music videos is Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon. Additionally, the Amazing Race featured Seljalandsfoss during its sixth season. 

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

Front of Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

3) Skógafoss – Best Iceland Waterfalls

• Region: Southern Iceland
• Location: Skógafoss
• Parking: Skógafoss parking
• Estimated visit time: 45+ minutes  
• Parking fee: none
• Article for more information: Hiking Skógafoss (Fimmvorduhals Pass) in Iceland

Third up on the list of the best waterfalls in Iceland is Skógafoss. This might be the most popular waterfall in all of Iceland due to its size, strength, and the fact you are likely to see a rainbow at the base. 

If you plan to visit only the base of the falls, you just need about 45 minutes. The time needed to visit the base as well as walk up the 500+ stairs is around one hour and 15 minutes. If you also want to hike Fimmvorduhals Pass, which begins at the top of Skógafoss, you will need two or more hours. You can decide how far along the pass you will hike. For example, we hiked for maybe an hour or so before turning around. However, we did see around five more waterfalls within just that one hour. 

Skógafoss was one of my favorite attractions in Iceland, coming in at number six on this list of the Top 10 Things to Do in Iceland.

Location

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. 

There is a parking lot specific to the falls, and it is only a short five or 10 minute walk from the lot to the base of the falls. 

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. 

View from the top of Skógafoss Waterfall

Nearby Lodging

Whether you have chosen to stay in guesthouses or campsites for your trip, there are plenty of places to stay the night in the area. 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.

Background

Skógafoss might just be the most picturesque waterfall in Iceland, and thus of course it made my list of the best waterfalls in Iceland. 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. 

(For another waterfall in Iceland that often has a rainbow appear, head to Gullfoss in the Golden Circle).

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.

Check out this article for more information: Hiking Skógafoss (Fimmvorduhals Pass) in Iceland.

Rainbow at the base of Skógafoss

4) Svartifoss

• Region: Eastern Iceland
• Location: Svartifoss
• Parking: Skaftafell and Svartifoss Parking
• Estimated visit time: 2 hours 
• Parking fee: 750 ISK (~$5)
• Article for more information: Visiting Svartifoss in Iceland

Lastly, we have Svartifoss on my list of the four best waterfalls in Iceland. 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 each way from the parking lot. It will take about 30 to 45 minutes each way, for the hike is short yet uphill. 

Location

Svartifoss is located in eastern Iceland within Vatnajökull National Park. For reference, it is a little less than two hours northeast of Vík. Additionally, it is fairly close to the Glacier Lagoon, which was 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.

Standing right at the base of the falls

Nearby Lodging – Best Iceland Waterfalls

We stayed at The Barn in Vík the night before we visited Svartifoss. We then stayed at Laekjarhus Farm Holidays in Höfn the following night. I would recommend both accommodations to others, as we had great experiences. 

Background

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 Beach. 

Additionally, 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. We packed a couple of sandwiches for a picnic so we could enjoy Svartifoss and its scenery after hiking.  

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

Up-close view of Svartifoss waterfall

5) Honorable Mentions – Best Iceland Waterfalls

The following did not make it into my top four best 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: 

• Kirkjufellsfoss
• Gullfoss
• Bruarfoss
• Dettifoss 

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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.