Top 7 Most Beautiful Waterfalls in Iceland

Iceland is one of the most diverse and beautiful European counties, known for its incredible natural beauty, consisting of volcanoes, massive glaciers, colorful northern lights, and some of the world's most significant and prominent waterfalls. Without a doubt, Iceland can be called one of the best places globally that are perfect for waterfall exploring. During the summer season, giant glaciers are getting melted and helping to feed rivers. So at that season, waterfalls get even more spectacular. There are more than 10,000 waterfalls in Iceland. Some of them are smaller, and you will see them in every direction as you drive through the country. Among the 10,000 waterfalls, we have listed the top 7 waterfalls you must see in Iceland. Plan your next sightseeing with our list of top 7 waterfalls in Iceland.

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Most Beautiful Waterfalls in Iceland

1. Dynjandi 

Dynjandi falls(Also known as Fjallfoss)is a series of seven waterfalls that fall in Arnarfjorour, the West Fjords. This lovely waterfall can be called one of the most dynamic waterfalls in Iceland due to its multiple segments. When combined with all those segments, the waterfall reaches a height of 100 meters. The waterfall is about 30 meters wide at the top of the cascade that flows, and it has spread out to 60 meters wide at the bottom. It's a breathtaking sight. However, you will need to take a short hike to get there. During the visit, you will see another six additional waterfalls below Dynjandi.

2. Svartifoss

Svartifoss is one of the best waterfalls in Vatnajokull national park, Southern Iceland, which is famous as one of the best camping sites in-country during the summer season. Svartifoss is often referred to as a Black waterfall because it is surrounded by Black columnar basalt. The stark contrast of the black columnar basalt and the snow-white waterfall offers a brilliant sight for viewers. Two paths lead back to the waterfall. For an excellent view of Svartifoss, go up on one trail and come down on the other.

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3. Haifoss

Haifoss is another beautiful waterfall in Southern Iceland, and it is located near the Hekla volcano. So the steep rock around the waterfall makes stunning landscape features. Haifoss is the fourth highest waterfall in Iceland; hence, it rises to a massive height of 122 meters. Haifoss is one of the less crowded waterfalls in Iceland because of its location off the beaten track. So you may only listen to the crashing of water below you. You can reach Haifoss by heading east on the Ring road out of Reykjavik. There are several waterfalls in the Haifoss area and the historical farm Pjooveldisbaerinn, which can be seen in Game of Thrones, is also not far from Haifoss. So you can visit all of them on the same day.

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4. Gullfoss

Gullfoss waterfall is one of the most famous waterfalls located in Iceland's famous golden circle. The waterfall consists of 2 sections. So the pattern of the waterfall is beautiful. When combined, Gullfoss reaches a height of 32 meters and drops into the Hvita river below. During the summer season, thousands of tiny rainbows can be seen around the waterfall. It was an extremely breathtaking sight. If you want to get near the waterfall, there are several paths around it. But be careful on the walkways, which may be slick while the waterfall is crowded.

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5. Bruafoss

Bruafoss is a small but beautiful waterfall in South West Iceland. It is located just off the golden circle route, not far away from Gullfoss. So you can visit both on the same day. Although the waterfall is just 3 meters in height, the waterfall's water has a dramatic glacial blue color which makes it a magical sight. So Bruafoss can be called the Bluest waterfall in Iceland. There are no parking facilities available next to the waterfall because it is on private land. So you have to park your vehicles in the camp near Bruara bridge and then walk to the waterfall.

Image by Bernd Hildebrandt from Pixabay 

6. Glymur

Glymur is another beautiful waterfall in Hvalfjorour Fjord, Western Iceland, and is considered the second-highest waterfall in Iceland. It reaches a massive height of 198 meters and falls Hvalsfell into a steep canyon. If you want to get a closer look, you'll need to follow a marked path on the Botnsa River's east bank. The hike to the waterfall will take approximately 5 hours. However, it is a difficult journey. So you must need to hire an experienced guide who knows the landscape and can provide proper safety equipment.

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7. Gljufrafoss

Gljufrafoss is one of the smaller waterfalls in Iceland, and it is located few meters away from the lager fall Seljalandsfoss. The Gljufrafoss is almost completely hidden behind a cliff face. So the waterfall can not be seen from outside. To get near the fall, you need to follow a trail leading to a narrow canyon where the waterfall drops. There is also a wooden staircase that leads to another breathtaking view of the waterfall. When you get near the waterfall, you can feel the mist on your face and the sound of the water crashing. So it is good to wear rain gear and waterproof boots.

Photo from When in Iceland