Iceland's scenic waterfalls are a huge draw to the country, as many are easily accessible and tower from impossible heights into scenic river canyons. The country's famed cascades are diverse, from Kirkjufellsfoss with its magnificent mountain backdrop to Seljalandsfoss with its impressive spray within a cave. You'll find waterfalls in every corner of the country, though some of the most popular include Skogafoss in the south and Godafoss in the north.

Getting Oriented

Iceland's famed waterfalls in the winter.

You'll find beautiful and impressive waterfalls in every corner of Iceland, and many visitors make an entire vacation out of simply touring the county's cascades. From north to south, east to west, you'll find some of the world's most famous waterfalls, including Kirkjufellsfoss with its gorgeous mountain backdrop, Seljalandsfoss with its popular walking path that takes you behind the spray, and the wide and powerful Skogafoss. Others include Glanni that flows as wide as its river and drops into multiple tiers, Glymur that requires a scenic trek, and Godafoss, the "Waterfall of the Gods."

Western Iceland

Western Iceland is the region in Iceland that's closest to Reykjavík. So, if you fly in and out of the capital, visiting a waterfall is an easy addition to your itinerary. As a bonus, some of the country's most famous cascades are set here!

Kirkjufellsfoss Waterfall

Kirkjufellsfoss is one of Iceland's most-photographed scenes.

Visit one of (if not the) most photographed scenes in Iceland. Kirkjufellsfoss is a waterfall backdropped by the picturesque Kirkjufell Mountain, called "Church Mountain" by the locals, or "Sugar Top" by old Danish sailors. Set on the scenic Snæfellsnes Peninsula, you can reach the falls by a trail from a small parking lot. You'll pass a few smaller cascades and cross the Old Bridge before stopping at its famous viewpoint. Read More 

Glanni Waterfall

The three sections of Glanni Waterfall.

Glanni means "shining" or "light," getting its name from the shimmering surf that hits the rocks as the water rushes down the Nordura River. Enjoy the views of Glanni Waterfall from the viewing deck, with picturesque landscapes surrounding the cascade. Glanni is set near the Grabrok Volcano and the Grabrokarhraun lava field. Read More 

Glymur Waterfall Hike

Hike to the top of Glymur Waterfall for incredible views of the canyon.

Relish the majestic views of Glymur Waterfall, officially Iceland's second-highest cascade (it was once the tallest before a receding glacier stole its title). To get there, you'll drive through Hvalfjordur fjord and hike within the scenic Botnsdalur Valley. This moderate hike takes you across logs, river stones, and caves, all adding to the excitement of this beautiful trek. Read More

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Southern Iceland

Most visitors to Iceland take the famed Ring Road to reach the country's South Coast, a popular region complete with two of the country's most beloved waterfalls: Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss.

Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

Enjoy the walk behind Seljalandsfoss Waterfall.

One of the most photographed and visited waterfalls in Iceland is the picturesque Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, which once sat at the country's edge. Today, you can still see the coast from the falls, but the views stretch across lowlands formed by volcanic activity. This waterfall is particularly popular because you can walk behind it through a cave that sits under the cliff. Read More

Skogafoss Waterfall

The powerful Skogafoss Waterfall in winter.

The sheer width and power of Skogafoss Falls are what get the waterfall so much attention. Standing next to it is the best way to experience the power, but be prepared to get wet! If the sun is shining, you might also witness a rainbow shimming in the mist. You can easily walk to the waterfall's base from the Ring Road, but another route, the Fimmvörðuháls Trail, offers other views and perspectives. Read More

Northern Iceland

If you venture into Northern Iceland (which is worth the effort), you can visit the impressive Godafoss, called the "Waterfall of the Gods," thanks to its very interesting history.

Godafoss Waterfall

Godafoss, the Waterfall of the Gods.

Known as the "Waterfall of the Gods," Godafoss got its name when the country converted to Christianity in 1000 BCE. Legend says the local chieftain threw the Nordic gods into the falls to symbolize the transition. You can easily see the cascade after a quick walk from the parking lot, or a slightly longer hike takes you along the cliffs for several other views and perspectives. Read More

How to Craft the Perfect Waterfall Itinerary in Iceland

Waterfalls at sunrise.

Because Iceland's most popular and scenic waterfalls are sprinkled throughout the country, it's easy to build them into any itinerary. Of course, how much time you spend in Iceland depends on where you plan to travel within the country, but even if you have just a few days, you can enjoy a cascade or two.

Combining Reykjavík with Western Iceland or the South Coast requires just about one week in the country. This itinerary can include several of the country's most scenic falls. If you'd like to tack on a visit to the country's north, plan for about one and a half or two weeks in Iceland.

Past kimkim travelers have enjoyed the following itineraries that involve waterfalls in Iceland: