Iceland is a place endowed with so many natural attractions from unique hot springs to amazing black sand beaches, magnificent volcanoes, and stunning waterfalls. To be able to fully explore these attractions, one has to dedicate time to explore each one individually and the Waterfalls are the perfect attractions to begin this exciting Icelandic adventure. Icelandic people call them “Foss'' and they are indeed beautiful. While there are lots of them on the Island, these are the best to visit for a wonderful and unforgettable experience.
10 Seljalandsfoss
Seljalandsfoss is, without doubt, a top destination for tourists seeking amazing scenery and relaxation. The 60 m waterfall is located on the south coast of Iceland and it can be seen from all sides although the view from the front and back are the best. While the front view has the mountain as the background, the rear view presents the scenic sky and vast landscape as the background. It gets crowded here during the summer months but travelers can escape that crowd by visiting early in the day or late at night. Visiting during the period of the midnight sun is also a unique experience one should experience here. The scenery would be out of this world.
9 Gullfoss
Gullfoss is located less than 10 km from Geysir in Iceland and is part of the 300 km-long Golden Circle which is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Iceland. Its name means “Golden Falls” and the view of the waterfall is characterized by beautiful sky colors, stunning canyons, and green grasses. Gullfoss presents a view from above because the waterfall can only be seen from an elevated point. One intriguing thing visitors will enjoy here is watching the foaming water as it rushes from the Hvita river through a canyon down to a point where it gets swallowed by the earth.
8 Skogafoss
Skogafoss is majestic, beautiful, and refreshing. It is one of the largest waterfalls with an impressive height of 60 m and a width measuring 25 m. The waterfall is located on the Skoga River in Southern Iceland and the views of the waterfall are characterized by beautiful rainbow colors and a never-ending downpour of water. Visitors can enjoy the views of the waterfalls and the beautiful surrounding landscape from the top by climbing a staircase by the side of the waterfall to the elevated observation deck. Those seeking a more intimate experience can view the waterfall from the flat land below and then walk right to the front to feel the spray.
7 Dettifoss
With a drop of 100 m and a width of 44 m, the Dettifoss is regarded as the second most powerful waterfall in Europe and the second-largest in Iceland when measured by volume discharge. The waterfall is located in Northeast Iceland and is part of Iceland’s Diamond Circle. The waterfall may be difficult to access but the spraying mist, the powerful flow of water, and the unique canyons are exciting rewards to enjoy.
6 Godafoss
Godafoss is located in northern Iceland, approximately 45 minutes from the isolated town of Akureyri and the colors of the beautiful river below it is what makes it unique. The waterfall is 30 m wide and the views are beautiful on all sides. A rainbow is usually visible on the waterfall when there is sunshine and the flow is strong enough to drench those who come close to the falls.
5 Gljufrabui
Gljufrabui is a hidden gem located close to Seljalandsfoss and while many visitors never get to see it, the experience at the waterfall is unique and adventurous. At Gljurfrabui, visitors will have to walk on rocks that barely come out of the stream through a narrow canyon just to get to the waterfall. Those who don’t mind getting their feet wet can simply walk in the stream to the waterfall but just know that no one is safe from getting wet here. It is located less than 1 km from Seljalandsfoss offering an opportunity to explore the two amazing waterfalls at once.
4 Selfoss (Waterfall)
Selfoss waterfall makes up for its limited height with a massive width that surpasses the nearby Dettifoss - one of the largest waterfalls in Iceland. Selfoss is located in Northern Iceland less than 1 mile from Dettifoss and the hike is less than one hour. The views of this smaller waterfall are beautiful from the west side but the best views can be seen from the east side.
3 Bruarfoss
Bruarfoss is located in Western Iceland, 95 km from Reykjavik. It is part of the Golden Circle in Iceland but unlike other popular waterfalls, its appeal does not lie in its width or height but its charming blue color. The black rocks by the sides of the waterfall and the surrounding green flowers also combine to make it stand out among other waterfalls in the Golden Circle.
2 Kvernufoss
Located in South Iceland, Kvernufoss is one unique waterfall that offers visitors a rear view of the scenery with the sky as the background. The view from the front is characterized by the flowing waterfall and the stunning canyon carpeted with green grass and flowers. Kvernufoss is usually less crowded and it is located close to Skogafoss making it easy for one to see both waterfalls the same day.
1 Dynjandi
Dynjandi is a stunning waterfall located in Westfjords. With a height of 100 m and a width of 30 m, it is one of the largest waterfalls in Iceland and the largest in Westfjords. Those visiting will enjoy the little walk to the foot of the waterfall and get to explore other smaller waterfalls along the way as well. Getting to the waterfall, visitors will be met with an impressive sight and the thunderous noise of the endless flow. This resounding sound is the main reason why the people gave the waterfall the name - Dynjandi which translates to “thunderous.”