Iceland's Best Waterfalls

The famous ones (already covered in depth)

If you're working through a first-time Iceland itinerary, start with the two waterfalls that appear on nearly every route: Gullfoss, the thundering two-tier falls on the Golden Circle, and Skógafoss on the South Coast, famous for how close you can walk right up to its base. Both have their own dedicated guides linked above with full visiting details.

Svartifoss

Located in Skaftafell, part of Vatnajökull National Park, Svartifoss is instantly recognizable for the dark hexagonal basalt columns framing the falling water — the same rock formation seen at Reynisfjara beach, but here forming a dramatic natural amphitheater around the waterfall itself. Reaching it requires a moderate uphill hike (roughly 1.5–2 hours round trip from the Skaftafell visitor centre), making it more of a short hike than a roadside stop — but a genuinely rewarding one.

Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon

Technically a canyon rather than a single waterfall, Fjaðrárgljúfur's steep, winding, moss-covered walls carved by the Fjaðrá river became widely known after appearing in a music video and several films. A rim-top walking path gives sweeping views down into the canyon without requiring a difficult hike, though the ground can be muddy — sturdy footwear matters.

Kvernufoss

Just a short walk from the much busier Skógafoss (and often skipped entirely by visitors sticking to the car park), Kvernufoss sits in its own quieter canyon and — like Seljalandsfoss — can be walked behind, without anything like the crowds of its famous neighbor. A genuinely good "hidden gem" stop for travelers already at Skógafoss with a little extra time.

Barnafoss and Hraunfossar

In West Iceland, Barnafoss (sometimes called Barnafossar) is a narrow, forceful waterfall tumbling through a tight lava-rock channel, right next to Hraunfossar — a striking series of small cascades seeping directly out of a lava field over roughly a kilometre of riverbank, rather than falling from a single point like most waterfalls. The two are viewed together from the same short walking path, making this an efficient stop if you're exploring West Iceland or heading toward Snæfellsnes. A somber local legend gives Barnafoss its name ("children's falls"), tied to a story of two children lost crossing a natural stone bridge that once spanned the falls.

Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi

Covered in detail in our South Coast guide — Seljalandsfoss is the other waterfall you can walk behind, and Gljúfrabúi, tucked into a narrow canyon just beyond it, is one of the most overlooked stops on the entire South Coast route.

Planning tip: pick two or three, don't chase them all

Combine this guide with our itinerary planning guide to work out how many of these realistically fit your route and timeframe.