10 Best Waterfalls in Iceland Worth Exploring

The walk around an Icelandic waterfall often reveals as much as the falls themselves. Some spill over lava, some cut deep canyons and others form a chain along a mountain route. Easy access can be misleading: spray freezes, paths erode and river edges collapse.

Use official viewpoints and follow winter closures. Do not cross barriers, approach undercut edges or walk onto shelf ice for a photograph.

Iceland waterfalls at a glance

The 10 best waterfalls in Iceland

Climb beside Dynjandi

In the Westfjords, Dynjandi spreads across a broad rock face above several smaller cascades. The path climbs from the shore, passing each fall on the way to the main cascade.

Wear waterproof footwear and keep to the route to limit erosion. Wind and spray make the upper sections slippery. Leave time for the drive through the fjord; this is more than a quick roadside stop.

Watch Dettifoss

Dettifoss sends a huge glacial river into Jökulsárgljúfur canyon. The eastern and western approaches use different roads and lead to different viewpoints, so choose a side rather than treating them as interchangeable turnoffs.

Check which road is open and choose a side before you set out. Stay behind barriers and off wet rock. Continue along a marked canyon trail only if you have enough daylight and conditions are suitable.

Hike to Glymur

Glymur drops into a narrow, green canyon. The route crosses steep ground and, in some seasons, a river. The hike gives you a closer look at the setting than a distant viewpoint.

Check river-crossing conditions, wear suitable shoes and keep away from the rim. If the full loop is unsafe, return along the same bank. In winter, assess the route separately for technical difficulty.

Walk behind Seljalandsfoss

In season, a path runs behind Seljalandsfoss through heavy spray, with a view of the lowlands through the falling water. The main hazards are crowds and wet rock.

Wear waterproof clothing and follow the one-way route. Skip the path behind the falls when it is icy or closed. Use the managed access to reach nearby Gljúfrabúi.

Follow the Skógafoss waterfall trail

Stairs above Skógafoss lead to the top of the waterfall. From there, a trail runs beside a long chain of cascades along the opening stretch of Fimmvörðuháls. Walk as far as time and weather allow, then retrace your steps.

Keep back from every edge. The easy lower trail does not prepare you for the mountain pass; don't continue without full preparation. Wind at the top can be much stronger than in the car park.

Hike the Svartifoss loop

The path at Skaftafell climbs to Svartifoss, framed by dark basalt columns. Longer circuits reach glacier viewpoints and show the falls in their wider glacial setting.

Stay behind barriers below fractured rock and check the current park trail map. Ice makes the regular loop much harder in winter.

Hike to Hengifoss

Hengifoss drops from a cliff where red sediment runs between basalt layers. On the climb, the trail also passes Litlanesfoss, surrounded by tall basalt columns.

Be ready for wind and mud, and stay on the official viewpoint path. Keep away from the cliff base where rock is loose, especially during thaw or heavy rain.

Walk the Goðafoss viewpoints

Goðafoss spreads across a curved ledge on the Skjálfandafljót. Paths on both banks show different sections of the falls. Its historical associations give the falls context beyond their size.

Use designated crossings and parking; do not walk along the road. Spray freezes in winter. Stay on open paths and keep well back from the river.

Hike to Aldeyjarfoss

Aldeyjarfoss drops into a basalt amphitheatre near the edge of the highlands. Apart from the easier northern route, roads to the falls may have seasonal or vehicle restrictions.

Check road classifications and rental rules before setting out, and use the marked viewing area. Do not descend loose slopes toward the pool. Visit other open sites in Bárðardalur too, rather than forcing an F-road itinerary.

Walk to Háifoss

Háifoss and nearby Granni drop into a deep canyon in Þjórsárdalur. The high viewpoint gives the best perspective. Hikes connecting the area take more time and planning.

Keep well back from the unprotected rim, and check road access after bad weather. Fog and wind can make the exposed plateau unsafe, even when you can still hear the falls.

Choosing an Iceland waterfall journey

Visit the south for Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss and Svartifoss; the northeast for Dettifoss, Goðafoss and Aldeyjarfoss; the east for Hengifoss; or the Westfjords for Dynjandi. Choose a few regions where you can take proper walks instead of racing between car parks.

Continue with Iceland's adventure activities, best hikes and volcano experiences.

Before setting out

• Check road and trail status before choosing a side or approach.
• Expect spray, mud and ice even on short paths.
• Stay behind barriers and away from undercut canyon rims.
• Never walk onto frozen river or waterfall shelves.
• Use marked routes to protect fragile vegetation.