It’s said that Iceland has over 10,000 waterfalls. They range in size, shape, and power and some are more challenging to visit than others. In 2016, we did a 10-day road trip around the Ring Road. We visited many of the most well-known waterfalls. These are all really easy to access. Some are visible from the road; others require a short walk or hike. We’ll list these in order going counterclockwise from Reykjavik.
Waterfalls We’ve Visited (Oops – we ended up with more than 10):
Seljalandsfoss
Around 2 hours from Reykjavik, this is a popular stop for tourists as you can visit as a daytrip from the capital. One of the unique things about this waterfall is you can actually walk behind/under the falls. Be sure to wear your raincoat as you will get wet from the mist.
Gljúfrabúi
This shares a parking lot with Seljalandsfoss and is a short walk away. You’ll likely get wet here as well. It feels a bit like a secret as you walk in through the rocks and find the falls coming down with a backdrop of green moss.
Skógafoss
One of the biggest waterfalls off the Ring Road. Seeing single or double rainbows here is common due to the mist coming off the falls. You can walk up around to see the top of the falls. We actually have this photo hanging in our house!
Svartifoss
Located within Skaftafell National Park (now part of Vatnajökull National Park), you can see this waterfall as well as Hundafoss on an approximate 2-hour hike. Svartifoss is the most popular and is surrounded by dark basalt columns.
Hengifoss
Located within the Fljótsdalur valley, Hengifoss is the larger of two falls on this trail. Litlanesfoss is first and is smaller. Hengifoss is one of the tallest waterfalls in Iceland. In 2016, we were able to get up close to the falls. Be careful crossing streams as the rocks are covered with moss and extremely slick. Amanda learned the hard way and had to spend some time drying out her clothes after she slipped in.
Detifoss
The most powerful falls in Iceland based on water flow and drop, is a sight to behold. Selfoss is found a short distance away. While it is not quite as powerful, it’s pretty in its own way. The wide river feeding the mouth of the falls creates multiple cascades that beside the trail.
Goðafoss
Located about 45 minutes from Akureyri, you’ll see this waterfall as you’re driving through the farmlands that surround it. To us, it is one of the most beautiful due to the glacial blue water flowing from it. You can walk on both sides of this falls by crossing over the bridge.
Hraunfossar
Definitely not the most powerful or tallest but we think Hraunfossar is a must-see. The water flows through multiple openings in the less porous lava rocks. Very close by, Barnafoss is completely different as it flows through a narrow canyon.
Kirkjufellfoss
A little walk around these falls and you’ll get a stunning view of the Kirkjufell Mountain in the background. This is another waterfall that is very close to the road if you find yourself on west coasts Snaefellsnes Peninsula.
Roadside Foss
We also have no idea which waterfall this is but captured it as we were driving. Just an example of the type of views that will surround you on this incredible road trip. Oh – and ‘foss’ mean ‘waterfalls’ in Icelandic 😉
We can’t wait to explore the West Fjords and Highlands to find other waterfalls in this amazing country.
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