- Waterfalls
- 10,000+
- Glymur (2nd highest)
- 198 m
- Dettifoss
- 44 m
- Most waterfalls
- Free
Iceland's most famous waterfalls
| Waterfall | Region | Height | Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gullfoss | Golden Circle | 32 m | Next to car park |
| Seljalandsfoss | South Coast | 60 m | Next to car park |
| Skógafoss | South Coast | 60 m | Next to car park |
| Svartifoss | Skaftafell | 20 m | 1.5 km walk |
| Dettifoss | North | 44 m | 1 km walk |
| Goðafoss | North | 12 m | Next to car park |
| Dynjandi | Westfjords | 100 m | 15 min walk |
| Kirkjufellsfoss | Snæfellsnes | ~5 m | Next to car park |
| Hengifoss | East | 128 m | 2.5 km uphill |
| Glymur | West | 198 m | 7 km hike |
Waterfalls by route
Golden Circle: Gullfoss, Brúarfoss and Öxarárfoss; add Háifoss and Hjálparfoss in Þjórsárdalur. South Coast: Seljalandsfoss, Gljúfrabúi, Skógafoss and Kvernufoss, all within 30 minutes of each other. North: Goðafoss, Dettifoss, Selfoss and Aldeyjarfoss, linked by the Diamond Circle. West: Hraunfossar, Barnafoss and Glymur are good stops on the way to Snæfellsnes.
South Coast tours from Reykjavík stop at Seljalandsfoss, Gljúfrabúi and Skógafoss.
South Coast waterfall tours ↗Tips for visiting waterfalls
- Bring a waterproof jacket and trousers: spray from Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss soaks you in seconds.
- Paths near waterfalls freeze in winter. Wear microspikes and respect closed ropes, especially at Gullfoss and behind Seljalandsfoss.
- Many car parks now charge a parking fee, paid by app or machine. Entry to the waterfalls themselves is free.
- Visit popular falls early in the morning or late in the evening in summer, when the midnight sun lights them without the crowds.
Plan your trip to Iceland
Tours & tickets
Guided tours, day trips and activities with free cancellation on most bookings.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the most famous waterfall in Iceland?
Gullfoss on the Golden Circle is the most famous, closely followed by Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss on the South Coast.
What is the most powerful waterfall in Iceland?
Dettifoss in North Iceland, with an average flow of around 190 m³ per second, is considered the most powerful waterfall in Europe.
Which waterfall can you walk behind in Iceland?
Seljalandsfoss on the South Coast has a path that loops behind the falling water. Kvernufoss also has a path behind it. Both can be closed when icy.
What is the tallest waterfall in Iceland?
Morsárfoss, revealed by the retreat of Morsárjökull in Vatnajökull, was measured at about 228 m in 2011, but it is hard to reach. Glymur, at 198 m, is the tallest one most visitors can hike to.
Last reviewed October 2026. Opening hours, prices and road conditions change: check official sources before you travel.