Iceland isn’t just a country—it’s a full-blown natural wonderland. Between its black sand beaches, active volcanoes, and hot springs, this Nordic dreamland keeps surprising you at every turn. But if there’s one thing that truly defines its raw beauty, it’s the waterfalls.
If you’re planning your adventure with Iceland tour packages or scouting the best Iceland holiday packages, make sure these incredible waterfalls are part of the itinerary. Some are thunderous and wild, others are serene and otherworldly—but every single one of them will leave you speechless (and probably drenched).
Here are 7 epic Icelandic waterfalls you absolutely need to experience:
1. Seljalandsfoss – The One You Can Walk Behind
Seljalandsfoss is one of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls—and for good reason. This 60-meter tall beauty has a secret: you can walk behind it. Yes, literally. There’s a pathway that wraps around the back of the waterfall, letting you see the water cascade down right in front of you.
Just a heads-up: you will get misted (or soaked), so bring a waterproof jacket and protect your camera gear. But the view at sunset from behind the falls? Unmatched.
📍 Location: Along the South Coast, right off the Ring Road.
2. Skógafoss – The Mighty Wall of Water
Just a 30-minute drive from Seljalandsfoss is the majestic Skógafoss, and it’s a totally different experience. This one doesn’t whisper—it roars. At 25 meters wide and 60 meters tall, Skógafoss crashes down with serious power, often creating double rainbows in its mist on sunny days.
You can admire it from below, or—if you don’t mind the 500+ steps—climb to the top for an aerial view that makes the workout totally worth it.
📍 Location: South Coast, near the town of Skógar.
3. Gullfoss – The Golden Waterfall
Part of Iceland’s famous Golden Circle, Gullfoss is a two-tiered beast that tumbles into a dramatic canyon. The name means “Golden Falls,” and if you visit on a sunny day, you’ll see why—it glows with golden mist.
The sheer power of Gullfoss is awe-inspiring. And the viewing platforms give you the perfect angle to watch it crash and twist into the Earth like some ancient force is pulling it down.
📍 Location: In the southwest, on the Golden Circle route.
4. Dettifoss – Europe’s Most Powerful Waterfall
Dettifoss doesn’t care about your camera angles or Instagram dreams—it’s here to dominate. Often called Europe’s most powerful waterfall, this monster of the North throws down water with a force that shakes the ground beneath your feet.
It’s not pretty—it’s primal. And that’s what makes it unforgettable.
📍 Location: Northeast Iceland, in Vatnajökull National Park.
5. Goðafoss – The Waterfall of the Gods
Now here’s a waterfall with a backstory. According to legend, Goðafoss (literally “Waterfall of the Gods”) got its name when Iceland converted to Christianity around 1000 AD. A local chieftain is said to have thrown his Norse god statues into the falls as a symbolic gesture. Dramatic, right?
The waterfall itself is wide, graceful, and especially stunning in winter when it partially freezes over.
📍 Location: Near Akureyri in North Iceland.
6. Hraunfossar – The Lava Waterfalls
Hraunfossar is unlike anything you’ve ever seen. Instead of a single drop, this waterfall is made up of dozens of tiny rivulets trickling out from beneath a lava field. It’s delicate, peaceful, and looks like something straight out of a fantasy novel.
It’s the kind of place that makes you slow down and just breathe it all in.
📍 Location: West Iceland, near the town of Húsafell.
7. Svartifoss – The Black Waterfall
This one’s for the artsy souls. Svartifoss is framed by dark basalt columns that look like organ pipes carved by nature. It’s smaller in size compared to the others, but the dramatic black-rock backdrop makes it feel bold and moody—like a waterfall straight from a Gothic fairytale.
You’ll need to hike a bit to get there, but it’s worth every step.
📍 Location: Skaftafell in Vatnajökull National Park.
Planning Your Waterfall Adventure?
If chasing waterfalls across Iceland sounds like your dream itinerary (it definitely was mine!), you’ll be glad to know that many Iceland tour packages already include stops at major falls like Gullfoss, Skógafoss, and Seljalandsfoss. For the more remote gems like Dettifoss and Goðafoss, Iceland holiday packages that explore North and East Iceland are your best bet.
