I remember it like it was yesterday. The emerald green frame and a perfect blazing bow above. A deafening roar filled the air as a white mist rose from the falls. The joy welled inside me as I trotted towards the overlook. Gullfoss was pure majesty.
This was me during my first visit to Iceland when I saw Gullfoss “ gold falls,” in Iceland’s Golden Circle region. And now, an eight-time visitor to Iceland, I still can’t get enough of the waterfalls and other people’s expressions when they see them. Here is part of my (too many to list!) of my must-see waterfalls in Iceland, along with photography tips!
Iceland is famous for many things; glaciers, volcanoes, puffins, hot springs the aurora, and its waterfalls. From crystal clear blue waters to epic powerhouses like Dettifoss to the mystical Godafoss, there is a plethora of waterfalls to admire!
Thousands of visitors flock to popular spots like The Golden Circle to see Gullfoss or to the southern gem, Skogafoss, every year. Last summer I witnessed an elderly man walking up from the carport with a smile that could have melted a glacier. Despite the effort it took him to reach the viewing platform, his demeanor appeared no longer that of an old man but a child witnessing nature’s majesty.
Waterfalls exist whether we are there or not, yet the joy, wonder, and beautiful photo subjects they provide are invaluable. Even more the reason why we need to protect this natural beauty.
I have been to Iceland eight times, and although I have seen most of Iceland’s waterfalls grandeur I have not still seen them all. However there are a few that I return to each visit, and one I visited first time this summer that really stole my heart.
I can appreciate each one, even the lesser-known hidden gems that I have stumbled upon while cruising the highlands, their names barely visible on the signage. These are the ones I take a pause from life by. I find a seat beside them and just be for a little while.
Because there are so many favorites, I am dividing this into two parts. Here is part 1 of my favorite waterfalls in Iceland with pro tips to visit. I could quickly write two more parts if I included the lesser-known and harder-to-find hidden falls!
But first some fun facts about Icelandic waterfalls:
- There are over an estimated 10,000 waterfalls in Iceland! It is not uncommon to spot waterfalls on a cruise around the Ring Road or a hike.
- Iceland is home to Europe’s second most powerful waterfall, Dettifoss! Nicknamed the “Beast” Dettifoss is fed by the Iceland’s largest glacier Vatnajokull.
- Foss is Icelandic for falls.
- Glymur is Iceland’s tallest waterfall, standing an impressive 198 meters ( 650 ft) high!
The Phenomenal Five
Skogafoss
Skogafoss will always be my king. There is just something about it. I love standing near it, watching the water cascade from the cliff with its thunderous roar. Day or night, summer or winter, this is a sight you cannot miss!
Skogafoss is one of Iceland’s most popular waterfalls and is easily accessible from the Ring Road in Iceland’s south coast. Skogafoss flows from the river Skogar and stands at an impressive 60 m/ 197 ft high. It is a popular stop for tourists and can get crowded during the summer season, so I recommend visiting in the off hours or off-season if you want to photograph it sans people.
A popular folktale is tied to Skogafoss, and a treasure is hidden behind the falls. I wrote a short story based on this folktale that you can read here. You can read more about this folktale at the Skogar museum onsite.
Parking is free at Skogafoss and there is a campground available there with limited facilities but it is a nice way to visit the falls first in the morning or late at night.
There is a steep and rather long stairwell to the right side of the falls that will lead you to the top for another view. Here you will also find the start of the Fimmvorduhals trail a 26 km trail from Skogar to Thorsmork that includes a series of thirteen waterfalls on the way!
Sadly drones are no longer permitted at Skogafoss for obvious reasons. The area gets pretty crowded and is rich in bird life near the cliffs of the falls. The area above the falls is considered protected and drones are not permitted there either. A phone and camera /tripod setup can take lovely pictures of this falls as well. Make sure to have a person for scale!
Height: 60 meters / 197 feet
Coordinates: GPS N63° 31′ 54.500″ W19° 30′ 43.187″
Godafoss
This “mystic of the north land” is one of my absolute favorites. I ventured North on my first Ring Road in Iceland in 2021 and Godafoss was an early morning stop for me. I was. the only one there so I got to enjoy the serenity of hiking down to the falls and watching from a closer viewpoint. Since then, I always make it a point to visit Godafoss when in the North.
Godafoss or waterfall of the gods is known for its ethereal appearance and that is primarily due to the crescent like shape the falls cascade from. It is like a bowl of nature’s beauty!
It is a lovely sight with the northern lights above, and is located in the northern region where dark skies are plentiful in the fall and winter season.
Godafoss is not known for its height or power, like Skogafoss, but its mystical beauty and story behind it. According to legend, when Iceland converted from paganism to Christianity in 1000 AD, idols of the heathen gods were tossed in these waters. I’d like to believe their presence lingered here, lending it the waterfall’s mysterious allure.
I have visited Godafoss in the summer and the fall, and during my last visit was treated to a northern lights show that I could not believe! The entire sky became the aurora in one of the most specatucaul sky dances I have ever seen.
This is a popular spot to photograph the Northern lights, but I would recommend being prepared for some windy and cold conditions, even in the late summer!
There is a small fee to park at Godafoss. There are two lots. I recommend either lot, but you can access the path that will take you to the bottom of the falls from the second lot. Take caution; this area can be slippery near the falls.
If you are doing photography don’t forget your lens cloths and tripod!
Height: 12 meters / 39 feet
GPS coordinates: 65.6828° N, 17.5502° W
Haifoss
This lesser known and harder to reach gem is located in Iceland’s southern highlands region, not too far from another beautiful location known as Gjain. I first discovered Haifoss last summer and was lucky enough to have a calm day so I could take some drone shots of this beauty.
There is a small lot to park at and from there you will take a short dirt path to the overlooks for Haifoss. Next to Haifoss is, another beautiful waterfall, Granni.
If you continued on the path you can hike down to the bottom of the falls. This hike is a bit tricky in some spots and steep so I would recommend good hiking boots and allow for extra time.
The road to Haifoss is rough and unpaved and only recommended for a 4 x 4 vehicles.
Height: 122 meters/ 400 feet
GPS coordinates: 64.153642, -19.672586
Kvernufoss
Not too far from Skogarfoss sits a hidden and lesser known gem, but no less beautiful, Kvernufoss.
Almost everyone has seen pictures of Seljalandsfoss, the tall waterfall visitors enjoy the walk behind, but few know about Kvernufoss! I love coming here in the early morning or during midnight sun hour.
At the start of the trail to Kvernufoss, there is a small car park with a fee. It takes approximately ten minutes to walk to the falls. You can also walk behind the falls on a rocky path. Be prepared to get wet, and be cautious with slippery rocks! Don’t forget to stop along the way to savor the views of the valley and the falls from afar.
Height: 40 meters/ 130 ft
GPS coordinates: 63°31′44.3712″N 19°28′49.0692″W
Dynjandi
It is SO hard to pick my favorites and there are many smaller falls that I have stumbled upon during my visit that wont make the list but that are also my favorites. However, they may be favorites because they were so quiet and away from everything. They were not tall, or wide, or bright blue, but peaceful, and this environment always appeals to me. regardless an absolute must see in Iceland’s West Fjords region is the impressive Dynjandi!
Dynjandi is both tall and wide lending it this stunning bridal veil like shape. You can see from my picture below an idea of how wide these falls are!
Dynjandi can be very popular stop in. the summer months so I recommend visiting early or late in the day. There is a fee for parking and bathroom facilities onsite
Height 100 meters/ 328 feet
GPS coordinates: 65.7328° N, 23.1998° W
Photography Tips for Waterfalls
In my opinion, nothing truly captures the majesty of seeing something with our own eyes, however if you are a photographer like myself you enjoy freezing these moments in time whether its for your own creative endeavors, wall art, memories or to even sell prints!
Here are my tips for photographing waterfalls in Iceland:
- Use a wide angle lens
- Use a tripod to achieve the dreamy waterfall look at slower shutter speeds.
- Carry a lens cloth and jacket for your lens to protect from the spray, especially on windy days or at walls such as Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss.
- Golden hour or early morning is prime for the best lighting, chances to see rainbows, and less people.
- If you prefer a dreamy look to the waterfall, lower your f/stop and keep your shutter speed between 1-3 secs. I always have my ISO on auto or at the lowest setting possible to reduce noise.
- Keep in mind your surroundings and scout the area if time allows. When I photographed the lower falls at Dynjandi, a tripod setup was relatively useless due to the rocky terrain, so instead, I propped my camera up on my energy bars!
- If you plan on photographing the Aurora, arrive before dark if possible to scout the area and get an idea of how you would like your image framed.
- Utilize a person or subject in the foreground to show the scale of larger waterfalls.
- Consider using a shutter remote. I use the Shutter app on my phone with my Canon EOS M50. This helps reduce camera shake and keeps me focused on my subject. You can also set the remote to take interval shots. Most modern cameras come with Wifi, so you have the option to connect the camera to an app or a camera shutter remote!
Please practice sustainable tourism at all stops and double-check to ensure you leave nothing behind by mistake! Take caution when walking around sensitive flora. Iceland has put a lot of work into trail maintenance and restoring flora species that take decades to grow. If the trail is available, stay on the trail at all times.
In Part II, I will list my most visited falls and one of the hidden gems that I stumbled upon!
More articles of interest for your Iceland trip:
