5 Stunning Waterfalls in Iceland You Must Visit

Iceland has many spectacular waterfalls. Each waterfall is unique with its shape, size and surrounding landscape and has historic significance behind each waterfall. These crystal clear waterfalls attracts tourists worldwide. Your tour is incomplete without visiting these stunning waterfalls in Iceland.

Plan your trip to visit at least these mentioned 5 stunning waterfalls during your stay in Iceland.

Iceland has many spectacular waterfalls. Each waterfall is unique with its shape, size and surrounding landscape and has historic significance behind each waterfall. These crystal clear waterfalls attracts tourists worldwide. Iceland’s tour is incomplete without visiting these stunning waterfalls.

Plan your trip to visit at least these mentioned 5 stunning waterfalls during your stay in Iceland.

1. Oxararfoss

Oxararfoss is a small waterfall located in Thingvellir National Park. As it lies on the Golden Circle route, it can be visited during your Golden Circle day trip from Reykjavik. It is one of the popular attraction as it is a manmade waterfall. It is said that, in 9th century, The Oxrar River was physically moved and thus the waterfall was created.

You can witness this beautiful waterfall during your visit to Thingvellir National Park. It is just ten minute walk from the parking area. This waterfall is more attractive during winter as the rocks around the waterfall is covered with ice.

Car Parking Fees: 750 ISK    

2. Gljufrabui

Gljufrabui is the stunning waterfall located in the south coast of Iceland, right off the Ring Road near Seljalandsfoss. It is just 10 minute walk from Seljalandsfoss viewing area. It is also known as “The Dweller of the George”. The waterfall is hidden inside a small canyon and visiting this hidden waterfall is completely adventurous. You need to wade a river for few meters and get into the narrow opening in the cliff to explore the captivating waterfall. It will be a wonderful experience going close to the waterfall, where you will be surrounded by green rocks.

It is recommended to wear waterproof clothes and shoes to visit this waterfall. You need to be extra careful as the path towards the waterfall is wet and slippery.

Car Parking Fees: 700 ISK

3. Kirkjufellsfoss

Kirkjufellsfoss is the short waterfall of 20 feet in height, located on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula near Grundarfjorour in the West of Iceland. The waterfalls is divided into three separate flows and the River Kirkjufellsa is fed by the extinct volcano, Helgrindur. This spectacular waterfall is famous for its photographic place as it has Kirkjufell Mountain in the background.

You can visit this waterfall in different angles, such as, from top, go near the falls or even behind the waterfall. During winter, witnessing Northern Lights above the waterfall is truly magical. Even the midnight sun offers the unique spectacular view.

Parking area is just a minutes’ drive from west of Grundarfjorour. You can even hike for 2.5 km from Grundarfjorour town. Walk a short trail from parking area to go near the waterfall. There is no parking fee. During winter, be careful as the place will be icy and slippery. This is a must visit waterfall when you are in Snaefellsnes Peninsula.       

If you want to enjoy the view for the rest of the day or spend time more at Kirkjufellsfoss, then look no further book your stay at Kirkjufells Guesthouse.

The location, just in front of Kirkjufell mountain, where you can enjoy spectacular sunsets. It will be a paradise for photographers and nature lovers.

4. Aldeyjarfoss

Aldeyjarfoss waterfall is one of the most beautiful and unique waterfall located in Northern Iceland. It is 90 km drive from Husavik and 41 km drive through the Bardardalur Valley after leaving from the main road (roads 842 and 844). When you are going on your own, you need 4WD vehicle. It is just 10 minute walk from the parking area to reach Aldeyjarfoss waterfall view point.

The amphitheater of basalt columns with the 20 m height waterfall offers the stunning view. The basalt columns were formed due to the lava eruption. It is one of the most photogenic place of Iceland. You can witness the waterfall from both north side and south side. From the north side, hiking to the waterfall is easy to access and gives you the picturesque view. Witnessing the waterfall from the south side is challenging. You need to hike down the rocky hill which is bit dangerous. You need to be extra careful. Aldeyjarfoss waterfall is a must to visit to get the magical experience during your Iceland trip.

5. Haifoss

Haifoss waterfall is one of the tallest waterfall in Iceland, which is 122 m tall located in South Iceland. The name “Haifoss” means “High Falls”. It was discovered in the 19th century and was believed to be the tallest waterfall in Europe. Hence, the name “Haifoss”. This stunning waterfall is on the Fossa River and the narrow stream flows in the Pjorsardalur Valley.

It is two hour drive from Reykjavik to reach the beautiful waterfall. You need to travel east from the Ring Road. After crossing Selfoss, take left on the Road 30 and after travelling 14 km, take right on Road 32 to enter the Pjorsardalur Valley. After travelling 45 km, you will find a mountain track which is 7 km to reach the Haifoss. As the terrain is not suitable for small car, you need to take 4WD vehicle. There is even a hiking trail where you can enjoy hiking. It is better to hike with your hiking shoes.

Upon reaching the captivating waterfall, you will get a bonus waterfall to witness. Right next to Haifoss waterfall, there stands another waterfall known as Granni waterfall, which means “Neighbor” in Icelandic language. On the whole it will be an amazing experience visiting Haifoss waterfall.  

So these are some of the best waterfalls in Iceland, and this includes, Haifoss the tallest waterfall in Iceland and kirkjufellsfoss, the short waterfall in Iceland.

Have you been to one of these waterfall, which one do you found more beautiful and captivating, please let us know through comments below.

Please let us know if you found this post useful and what you are looking for through comments, we would love to help you out in that..

More Reads