Top 10 Waterfalls to Visit in Iceland along Ring Road Tour
Iceland is a land of breathtaking natural beauty, with its rugged landscapes and stunning waterfalls drawing visitors from around the world. The country is home to numerous magnificent waterfalls that cascade down cliffs and through lush valleys, creating an unforgettable sight for those lucky enough to witness them. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply looking for a picturesque spot to explore, these Icelandic waterfalls are not to be missed.
Here we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 waterfalls in Iceland. For your convenience, they are listed in a counterclockwise order around the country, starting from southwestern Iceland (where you’ll find Reykjavík).
Get ready to chase waterfalls in Iceland and witness nature’s incredible power up close.
1. Gullfoss
Most people in Iceland rent a car to drive around Iceland or book tours if they don’t have a driving license. Gullfoss translated as “Golden Falls” is just two hours away from Iceland’s capital which will be arriving destination for most people. This waterfalls visit is also part of Golden Circle tour.
This is one of the most famous waterfalls in Iceland as well.
Parking near Gullfoss : There is no entrance fee nor is there a parking fee to park in either of the lots for Gullfoss
To reach the waterfalls from the parking, it is a 1.1 mile walk which is quite scenic to reach the waterfalls. The highest drop from one of its tiers is 21 meters.
Gullfoss Iceland
2. Seljalandsfoss
Seljalandsfoss is a stunning waterfall located in southern Iceland, known for its unique feature of allowing visitors to walk behind the cascading water. When visiting Seljalandsfoss, it’s important to be aware of the parking fees and distance from the car park.
There is a small parking lot near Seljalandsfoss that charges a fee for visitors to park their vehicles and the waterfall is easily accessible and visible from the parking area.
Overall, Seljalandsfoss is a must-see destination in Iceland with its impressive natural beauty and unique experience of walking behind the waterfall.
Seljalandsfoss Iceland
3. Skógafoss
Skógafoss is a stunning waterfall located in southern Iceland, known for its impressive 60-meter drop and powerful cascading waters.
The car park at Skógafoss is conveniently located just a short walk away from the waterfall itself. Visitors can easily access the viewing platform by following a well-marked path through greenery and rocky terrain. The walk from the car park to Skógafoss takes approximately 5-10 minutes, making it accessible for visitors of all ages and abilities.
Overall, Skógafoss offers a natural experience that is well worth the visit.
4. Svartifoss
Svartifoss is a stunning waterfall located in Skaftafell Nature park, part of Vatnajökull National Park in Iceland. The unique feature of Svartifoss is the columnar basalt formations that surround the waterfall, creating a dramatic and picturesque setting.
Visitors to Svartifoss can park their cars at the designated parking area near the visitor center in Skaftafell. It’s recommended to check weather conditions before embarking on your journey as Iceland’s weather can be unpredictable.
Overall, visiting Svartifoss is a great experience for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore Iceland’s natural beauty.
5. Hengifoss
Hengifoss is one of Iceland’s most spectacular waterfalls, standing at an impressive height of 128 meters.
In terms of accessibility, reaching Hengifoss requires a moderate hike along a well-marked trail. The trailhead is located near the carpark at the end of a gravel road, approximately 2.5 kilometers away. It takes roughly 1-hour round trip hike to reach the waterfall.
Once you reach Hengifoss, you will see breathtaking views of the cascading waterfall framed by towering basalt columns. The unique geology surrounding Hengifoss adds to its allure, making it a must-see destination for anyone exploring Iceland’s natural beauty.
6. Dettifoss
Dettifoss is a spectacular waterfall located in Iceland, known for being the most powerful waterfall in Europe. It is situated in Vatnajökull National Park in the northeast of the country.
The car park is located approximately 1 kilometer away from the waterfall, making it accessible for most visitors. However, the terrain is uneven and rocky.
The walk to Dettifoss from the car park offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and adds to the overall experience of visiting this natural wonder.
7. Goðafoss
Goðafoss, located in northern Iceland, is a stunning waterfall known for its beauty and historical significance. The name Goðafoss translates to “Waterfall of the Gods”.
Accessibility to Goðafoss is relatively easy, as there is a paved pathway leading from the carpark to the viewing area of the waterfall. The carpark itself is located just a short distance from Highway 1, making it convenient for visitors traveling by car.
Whether you are on a ring road trip or simply looking for a picturesque spot to visit, Goðafoss offers visitors a chance to witness one of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls up close and personal.
8. Hraunfossar
Hraunfossar is a stunning natural wonder located in Iceland, known for its series of cascading waterfalls that flow from the Hallmundarhraun lava field into the Hvita River. The waterfalls are located just a short walk from the car park, making it accessible for individuals of all ages and abilities. The path to the waterfalls is well-maintained and flat.
9. Svöðufoss
Svöðufoss is a stunning waterfall located in Iceland, known for its picturesque surroundings and tranquil atmosphere.
Svöðufoss may be a bit challenging to reach as it requires a moderate hike to reach the waterfall from the car park. The trail leading to Svöðufoss is approximately 2.5 kilometers long, taking around 30-40 minutes to walk one way. Also the path can be uneven at times.
10. Glymur
Glymur is the second tallest waterfall in Iceland, Glymur. Cascading into a spectacular crafted canyon from a height of 198 metres makes it a truly incredible sight to witness.
Iceland’s Ring Road offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness some of the most stunning natural wonders in the world, including its breathtaking waterfalls. From the powerful Skógafoss to the serene Seljalandsfoss, each waterfall along this iconic route showcases the raw beauty and majesty of Iceland’s landscape. So pack your bags, hit the road, and prepare to be captivated by Iceland’s most beautiful waterfalls along Ring Road.
Thank you for reading.
