Known as ‘the land of fire and ice’, Iceland has such environmental contrasts it is inevitable that ice from glaciers is constantly melting, and it is because of this ‘melt water’ that Iceland has such an amazing abundance of waterfalls. Our Top 10 most magnificent waterfalls in Iceland may not comprise all the waterfalls (‘foss’ is Icelandic for ‘falls’) which you may choose once you have visited this stunningly remote yet beautiful country – but we hope you will certainly consider them as sights well worth a visit should you decide to embark on your own Icelandic Odyssey:
10. Hraunfossar
flickr/Þorsteinn V. Jónsson
Leading us into our top ten are the Hraunfossar – a series of waterfalls in western Iceland which were formed by springs channelling through the Icelandic rock from the Hallmundarhraun lava field which flowed following a volcanic eruption under the Langjökull ice cap. These falls, which are a beautiful turquoise colour due to the suspension of rock powder within their waters, stretch for more than half a mile along the Hvitá river.
9. Dynjandi
flickr/Lev Glick
As waterfalls go this one is really quite something. The Dynjandi falls are in multiple tiers which give it a unique almost fountain-like look and makes for spectacular photos. This waterfall which is located at the head of a fjord in western Iceland is 100 metres tall. Why not walk to the base of the top tier for some really artistic water-shots?
8. Seljalandsfoss
flickr/Snorri Sævarsson
One of the greatest attractions of this particular waterfall, located in southern Iceland, is that not only is it in an extremely picturesque setting but it is a waterfall that you can actually stand behind. Being able to stand behind an entire wall of water as it pummels into the rocks has to be experienced and for many visitors to Iceland this is a once in a life-time opportunity to do just that. This waterfall is widely featured in calendars and Icelandic travel brochures and for good reason – it is very beautiful.
7. Godafoss
flickr/Ryan Mallady
In the north-eastern region of Iceland known as the Mývate District lays the Godafoss – a wide-river waterfall intrinsically linked to Icelandic legend. In the year 1000AD the Icelandic law speaker for their assembly (a man named Þorgeir) had to decide whether Iceland would convert to Christianity or remain under the influence of Norse deities. He cast the Norse deity idols into the falls – thus ensuring that Iceland would from that day forth be a Christian nation. Asides from this legend, these scenic falls are wonderfully accessible from either side of the river and are well worth a visit.
6. Selfoss
flickr/IceNineJon
The Selfoss waterfall is probably one of the most popular waterfalls in Iceland. This waterfall is only about 10 m high but it extends for about 30 kilometres along the river Jökulsá á Fjöllum in the north of Iceland before it finally empties its waters into the Arctic Sea at Öxarfjörður. Why not make a full day of visiting this natural wonder and try walking its entire length?
5. Glymur
flickr/Michael Schmid
At number five in our top ten most magnificent waterfalls in Iceland is Glymur – which also happens to be the tallest waterfall in the country at a neck-stretching 196 m high. This beautiful waterfall can be reached by the intrepid traveller – since it’s far from the well-beaten tourist routes – however the hike to reach it, through natural rock arches and stunning remote scenery makes it a day-trip from Reykjavik well-worth the effort. Definitely one for the zoom lens unless you decide you want to see the falls from above – in which case make sure you heed the marked route – otherwise you could find yourself only able to view a small part of the falls (from the left) as opposed to seeing all of the falls when viewed from the right. The trek to the top is not for the faint hearted and you need to be wearing sensible clothes and hiking boots, and ready for all eventualities.
4. Háifoss
flickr/Jens Klettenheimer
In the remote south of Iceland is waterfall number four on our list. The Hiáfoss waterfall is set within a deeply carved gorge and is the second highest waterfall in Iceland. The trip to this remotely located waterfall is somewhat hazardous by vehicle but can be done, but – like all things that require that little bit of effort – if you do take the trouble to see this cascading giant you’ll not be disappointed – plus you get the added bonus of a neighbouring waterfall – the Glanni just nearby.
3. Skógafoss
flickr/Ryan Mallady
Skógafoss in southern Iceland is quite simply one of the most beautiful waterfalls you are ever likely to see in your life – indeed it is considered by many in Iceland to be their most beautiful waterfall. This 60 m high giant thunders over cliffs and can be viewed either from below (naturally wearing water-resistant boots and clothing, since you’re going to get pretty wet otherwise!) or from above – provided you’re feeling very energetic and up for the not inconsiderable hike up the mountainside to the viewing area above the falls. If you do make the effort however, the view of the falls from above and of the spectacular surrounding natural beauty will take your breath away.
2. Dettifoss
flickr/Ómar Runólfsson
Dettifoss in the north-east of Iceland in the area now known as the Vatnajökull National Park and just a short white-water ride away from its popular counter-part Selfoss has the awe-inspiring reputation of being the most powerful waterfall in all of Europe. With an incredible flow rate of 500 cubic metres per second in full flow, this staggeringly powerful waterfall is 100 metres wide and 44 metres tall and, like so many others of Iceland’s waterfalls, is set in an area of outstanding raw natural beauty.
With so much water crashing over the rocks it isn’t any wonder that if you stand near the banks of the river below it feels like the very land beneath your feet is rumbling! But one word of caution – don’t get too close – there aren’t any handrails and as one would expect from melting glacial waters, the temperature and the water’s velocity are not conducive to a quick dip in its milky waters (caused by sediment from rock erosion). You have been warned – but safety lessons aside – do take the time to view this absolute monster of Mother Nature.
1. Gullfoss
flickr/O Palsson
Heading our list is the most famous waterfall in all of Iceland – the incredible Gullfoss waterfall drops dramatically in two quite distinct stages and changes of direction which, when viewed from besides the bank of the river Hvita makes it seem to disappear into an abyss. This uniquely angled waterfall is extremely popular and very photogenic – making it a tourist hot-spot. Why not try a visit on a sunny afternoon to capture pictures of the beautiful rainbows which appear in the mist above these beautiful waterfalls. Gullfoss for the Icelandic Tourist Board must surely be the pot of gold at the end of its own rainbows. A real treasure!
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