Iceland is home to thousands of waterfalls, from powerful glacial falls to smaller cascades hidden between lava fields, mountains and canyons. For travelers planning an Iceland road trip, visiting waterfalls is one of the easiest ways to experience some of the country’s most famous natural attractions.
Many of the best waterfalls in Iceland can be reached by rental car from Reykjavík or while driving popular routes such as the Golden Circle, South Coast and Ring Road.
In this guide, we cover 11 famous waterfalls in Iceland, including Gullfoss, Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Dettifoss and Goðafoss. You’ll also find information about where each waterfall is located, how to get there by car, the best time to visit and what type of rental car in Iceland may be suitable for your trip.
Quick Guide: Best Waterfalls in Iceland
| Waterfall | Region | Approx. drive from Reykjavík | Best time to visit |
| Gullfoss | Golden Circle | 1 hr 45 min | Summer / year-round |
| Seljalandsfoss | South Iceland | 1 hr 45 min | Summer |
| Skógafoss | South Iceland | 2 hrs | Summer |
| Dettifoss | North Iceland | 6 hrs 30 min | Summer |
| Goðafoss | North Iceland | 5 hrs 15 min | Summer |
| Svartifoss | South Iceland | 4 hrs | Summer |
| Hraunfoss | West Iceland | 1 hr 45 min | Autumn |
| Dynjandi | Westfjords | 5 hrs | Summer |
| Kirkjufellsfoss | Snæfellsnes | 2 hrs 30 min | Year-round |
| Glymur | West Iceland | Around 1 hr to trailhead | Late spring-early autumn |
| Hengifoss | East Iceland | Almost 8 hrs | Summer |
Top 11 Iceland waterfalls map
A waterfall road trip in Iceland can take you across almost every region of the country. Some waterfalls are close enough to Reykjavík for a day trip, while others are better included as part of a longer Ring Road Iceland itinerary.
Here are 11 waterfalls to consider adding to your Iceland road trip.
1. Gullfoss – The Most Popular Waterfall in Iceland
Where: Golden Circle, around 1.5 hours from Reykjavík
How to get there: Take Route 37 to Route 365 in Laugarvatn, following the Golden Circle until you reach signs and the parking area for Gullfoss. The drive takes around 1 hour and 45 minutes from Reykjavík.
Best time to visit: The best time to visit Gullfoss is during the summer months, although winter can also be beautiful as the waterfall partially freezes.
Carving its way through the Hvítá Canyon, Gullfoss Waterfall is located along the famous Golden Circle, one of Iceland’s most popular road trip routes.
Directly translated as the “Golden Falls”, Gullfoss is one of the most visited waterfalls in Iceland and cascades down two rocky tiers as it makes its way through the canyon. At around 800 feet across, it is also one of the widest waterfalls in Iceland.
Its location on the Golden Circle makes Gullfoss one of the easiest famous Iceland waterfalls to include in a day trip from Reykjavík.
2. Seljalandsfoss – One of Iceland’s Famous Waterfalls
Where: Iceland’s South Coast
How to get there: Take the Ring Road (Route 1) south from Reykjavík. Seljalandsfoss sits just beside the road. The drive takes around 1 hour and 45 minutes from Reykjavík.
Best time to visit: May is one of the best months to visit Seljalandsfoss because temperatures are beginning to warm up before the busiest part of the summer season.
Situated beside Iceland’s famous Ring Road, Seljalandsfoss is one of the best-known waterfalls in South Iceland. It cascades approximately 196 feet over a black rocky overhang, with green hills surrounding the area.
One of the things that makes Seljalandsfoss particularly famous is that visitors can walk behind the waterfall. The short trail from the car park provides a completely different view of the cascade.
If you visit during Iceland’s summer season, the long daylight hours of the Midnight Sun also give you more flexibility when planning your stop.
You can also visit Gljúfrabúi waterfall nearby, making this an excellent two-waterfall stop on an Iceland South Coast road trip.
3. Skógafoss – One of the Most Beautiful Waterfalls in Iceland
Where: Iceland’s South Coast
How to get there: Skógafoss is located around 30 minutes south of Seljalandsfoss along the Ring Road. The drive takes approximately 2 hours from Reykjavík.
Best time to visit: Because Skógafoss produces a large amount of spray, summer is a popular time to visit and avoids some of the icy conditions found around the waterfall during winter.
Named after the Skógá River, Skógafoss Waterfall cascades over a dramatic cliff face created by thousands of years of receding sea cliffs.
The source of Skógafoss lies deep inside the Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers before becoming the Skógá River and making its way towards the sea.
The top of the waterfall is accessible using the staircase beside the falls. There are around 370 steps, but visitors who make the climb are rewarded with wide views across the surrounding landscape.
On sunny days, the large amount of spray produced by Skógafoss also makes it an excellent place to spot rainbows.
If you want to get close to the waterfall, bring a rain jacket and waterproof shoes with good grip.
4. Dettifoss – The Biggest Waterfall on This List
Where: North Iceland
How to get there: Follow the Ring Road (Route 1) north from Reykjavík before turning onto Route 862, just after the Mývatn Nature Baths. The drive takes around 6 hours and 30 minutes from Reykjavík.
Best time to visit: Summer is the best time to visit Dettifoss because access can become difficult during winter due to snow and ice.
Dettifoss is the largest waterfall in Iceland on this list and one of the country’s most impressive natural attractions.
At approximately 328 feet wide and 144 feet tall, Dettifoss also holds the title of the second most powerful waterfall in Europe. Around 193 cubic metres of water rush over the rocky cliffs every second.
You can see the waterfall from either side, although following Route 862 is one of the easiest ways to reach a viewpoint.
For travelers driving the Ring Road in Iceland, Dettifoss is one of the major waterfalls worth adding to a North Iceland itinerary
5. Goðafoss – The Waterfall of the Gods
Where: North Iceland
How to get there: Follow the Ring Road (Route 1) north from Reykjavík. Goðafoss sits close to the road, just east of Akureyri. The drive takes approximately 5 hours and 15 minutes from Reykjavík.
Best time to visit: May to September are among the best months to visit Goðafoss, as winter road conditions can make traveling in the area more challenging.
Directly translated as the “Waterfall of the Gods”, Goðafoss is one of North Iceland’s most recognisable waterfalls.
Set in a striking valley, the waterfall pours over a crescent-shaped cliff face before plunging into the Skjálfandafljót River.
Located around 45 minutes from Akureyri, Goðafoss is a convenient waterfall to include when exploring North Iceland by rental car.
6. Svartifoss – Iceland’s Black Waterfall
Where: Iceland’s South Coast
How to get there: Follow the Ring Road (Route 1) south from Reykjavík towards Skaftafell. The drive takes around 4 hours from Reykjavík.
Best time to visit: Svartifoss can be visited year-round, although summer is the preferred season for many travelers.
Tucked away inside Skaftafell Nature Reserve within the Vatnajökull National Park area, Svartifoss is one of the most distinctive waterfalls in Iceland.
This tall, narrow waterfall flows over a wall of black basalt columns, before reaching the boulder field below.
Unlike many waterfalls on this list, Svartifoss requires a hike. The moderate walk takes approximately 45 minutes each way.
Visitors are rewarded with views of the imposing basalt rock formations and the approximately 66-foot-tall waterfall flowing over the cliffside.
7. Hraunfossar – Iceland’s Lava Waterfalls
Where: West Iceland, north of Reykjavík
How to get there: Follow the Ring Road (Route 1) north until just before reaching Borgarnes. Turn onto Route 50 and then Route 518, which leads towards the parking area for Hraunfossar. The drive takes around 1 hour and 45 minutes from Reykjavík.
Best time to visit: Summer is beautiful, but autumn can be particularly impressive as the surrounding foliage turns shades of orange, red and yellow.
Hraunfossar is a collection of smaller waterfalls cascading from the Hallmundarhraun lava field into the Hvítá River.
Rather than one large drop, the water appears in a network of streams flowing through the lava landscape.
Iceland’s longest cave, Víðgelmir, is also located near Hraunfossar, making it possible to combine both attractions during a road trip through West Iceland.
8. Dynjandi – A Westfjords Waterfall
Where: Iceland’s Westfjords
How to get there: Follow the Ring Road (Route 1) north from Reykjavík until reaching Route 60, one of the main roads into the Westfjords. The drive takes around 5 hours from Reykjavík.
Best time to visit: Summer is the best time to visit Dynjandi because roads in the Westfjords can become challenging in snow and ice.
Flowing in several tiers of rushing water, Dynjandi waterfall is located in Iceland’s remote Westfjords region.
The wide waterfall flows down a stepped cliff face and is sometimes compared to a giant wedding cake. Its name translates to “Thunderous”.
Towering more than 100 feet high, Dynjandi flows into several smaller waterfalls further downstream.
For travelers planning a Westfjords Iceland road trip, Dynjandi is one of the region’s major natural attractions.
9. Kirkjufellsfoss – One of Iceland’s Most Photographed Waterfalls
Where: Snæfellsnes Peninsula
How to get there: Head north from Reykjavík along the Ring Road (Route 1). At Borgarnes, continue onto Route 54 and follow it towards Kirkjufellsfoss. The drive takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes from Reykjavík.
Best time to visit: Kirkjufellsfoss can be visited throughout the year. Mount Kirkjufell turns green during summer, while winter can bring snow and the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights.
Kirkjufellsfoss sits in the shadow of Mount Kirkjufell, creating one of the most recognisable views on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.
The Kirkjufellsá River runs over several rocky ledges, creating the waterfall in front of the mountain.
Once you park, the walk to see the waterfall is short, at approximately 0.4 miles.
You may also recognize this landscape from Game of Thrones.
10. Glymur – One of the Tallest Waterfalls in Iceland
Where: West Iceland
How to get there: Depart Reykjavík northbound on Route 1 before taking Route 47 into Hvalfjörður. The drive to the area takes around one hour. From the parking area, a challenging hiking trail leads towards the waterfall and includes a river crossing. Allow approximately 2–3 hours for the round trip.
Best time to visit: Late spring through early autumn is the best period to visit Glymur, when the hiking trail is generally at its most accessible.
At 198 metres high, Glymur is Iceland’s second-highest waterfall, taking more recently discovered waterfalls flowing from the Highlands into account.
The waterfall descends into a narrow green canyon, creating a very different experience from the roadside waterfalls found elsewhere in Iceland.
The hike to Glymur provides views across the fjord, wildflowers and opportunities to see Icelandic wildlife.
It is particularly suitable for travelers who enjoy hiking and want to explore beyond Iceland’s most frequently visited attractions.
11. Hengifoss – A Famous Waterfall in East Iceland
Where: East Iceland
How to get there: Take the Ring Road (Route 1) from Reykjavík in a clockwise direction. Once you reach Fellabær, turn onto Route 931. The car park for Hengifoss is located on the right-hand side of the road. The drive from Reykjavík to Hengifoss takes almost 8 hours.
Best time to visit: The hike to Hengifoss takes around 1.5 hours, so summer is generally the best time to visit when the trail is safer and weather conditions are more favourable.
Located in East Iceland, Hengifoss is the third-tallest waterfall in the country, standing approximately 420 feet high.
The landscape surrounding Hengifoss is particularly distinctive because red layers appear between the basalt strata, creating terracotta-coloured stripes across the cliff.
If you have additional time in East Iceland, you can also stop at nearby Lake Lagarfljót, where local folklore tells of an ancient lake monster.
What is the Best Way to Visit Waterfalls in Iceland?
For travelers who want to see several waterfalls during one trip, renting a car in Iceland gives you the flexibility to combine waterfalls with other attractions along routes such as the Golden Circle, South Coast, Ring Road, Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Westfjords and East Iceland.
Some waterfalls, including Gullfoss, Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss and Goðafoss, are conveniently located close to popular roads. Others, including Glymur and Svartifoss, require additional hiking.
Your route, season and the areas you plan to explore should therefore be considered when choosing an Iceland rental car.
Choosing the Best Rental Car for Exploring Iceland’s Waterfalls
Planning an Iceland waterfall road trip also means choosing the right rental car.
Iceland has everything from paved highways to gravel roads, while weather and driving conditions can change quickly. The right vehicle will therefore depend on the season, your route and the waterfalls you plan to visit.
Weather and Road Conditions in Iceland
The most stable weather generally occurs during summer, from June to August, when long daylight hours are ideal for road trips. Roads are also generally clearer, making many popular tourist destinations and waterfalls more accessible.
Even during summer, however, it is important to check the weather and road conditions before setting off each day.
Winter, particularly from November through March, brings snow, ice and limited daylight.
If you are planning an Iceland winter road trip, a 4×4 rental car can be a suitable choice for more challenging winter driving conditions.
Spring, from April to May, and autumn, from September to October, are transitional seasons. Travelers may experience snow, sleet and ice during spring, while early snowfall can begin during autumn, particularly at higher elevations and in more remote parts of Iceland.
Recommended Rental Cars for an Iceland Waterfall Road Trip
Economy cars: Economy rental cars can be a good option for solo travelers and couples staying mainly on primary roads, particularly during summer. They are fuel-efficient and can be suitable for popular routes such as the Golden Circle.
SUVs: An SUV can be useful when traveling as a group or family and needing additional passenger and luggage space. They can also provide additional comfort when traveling longer distances around Iceland.
4×4 vehicles: A 4×4 rental car in Iceland can be particularly useful during winter or when traveling into more remote areas of the country.
Whatever season or type of vehicle you choose, make sure you have suitable insurance coverage for your Iceland road trip.
FAQ: Visiting Waterfalls in Iceland
- What are the best waterfalls to visit in Iceland?
Some of the best and most famous waterfalls in Iceland include Gullfoss, Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Dettifoss, Goðafoss, Svartifoss, Hraunfossar, Dynjandi, Kirkjufellsfoss, Glymur and Hengifoss. Which ones you visit will depend on your Iceland road trip route and how much time you have.
- What is the most famous waterfall in Iceland?
Gullfoss is one of the most famous and most visited waterfalls in Iceland. It is located on the Golden Circle, making it easy to combine with other major attractions during a day trip from Reykjavík.
- What waterfalls can I drive to from Reykjavík?
Several famous waterfalls can be reached by car from Reykjavík. Gullfoss, Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Hraunfossar and Kirkjufellsfoss are all within approximately 2–2.5 hours of Reykjavík, depending on the route and driving conditions.
- Can you drive to waterfalls in Iceland?
Yes. Many of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls are accessible by road and have parking areas nearby. However, waterfalls such as Svartifoss, Glymur and Hengifoss require hiking after you park.
- Do I need a 4×4 to visit waterfalls in Iceland?
Not necessarily. Many popular waterfalls are located close to major roads and can be reached with a standard rental car during suitable conditions. A 4×4 rental in Iceland can be useful during winter or when exploring more remote regions.
Your choice should always depend on the season, weather, road conditions and your planned route.
- What are the best waterfalls on Iceland’s South Coast?
Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss are two of the most popular waterfalls on Iceland’s South Coast. Svartifoss, located in the Skaftafell area, can also be included on a longer South Coast road trip.
- What waterfalls can I see on the Golden Circle?
Gullfoss is the main waterfall on Iceland’s Golden Circle and one of the route’s three most famous attractions.
- What waterfalls can I see while driving Iceland’s Ring Road?
Several waterfalls can be included on an Iceland Ring Road trip, including Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Goðafoss and Dettifoss. Other waterfalls can be reached by making detours from Route 1.
- When is the best time to visit waterfalls in Iceland?
Summer, particularly June to August, provides long daylight hours and generally easier access to waterfalls around Iceland. However, many waterfalls can also be visited during spring, autumn and winter.
Always check current weather and road conditions before driving.
- Should I rent a car to see Iceland’s waterfalls?
A rental car is one of the most flexible ways to visit multiple waterfalls in Iceland. Having your own car allows you to choose your route, combine waterfalls with other Iceland attractions and travel beyond Reykjavík at your own pace.
Conclusion: Explore Iceland’s Best Waterfalls by Rental Car
From the powerful waters of Dettifoss to the famous Golden Circle views at Gullfoss and the South Coast scenery surrounding Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, waterfalls are a major part of almost any Iceland road trip.
You don’t need to see every waterfall in Iceland to experience the variety the country has to offer. Choose the waterfalls that fit naturally into your route, consider the season and driving conditions, and leave enough time to enjoy each stop.
Whether you’re planning a short Golden Circle drive, exploring Iceland’s South Coast or completing the entire Ring Road, having your own rental car gives you the freedom to build your trip around the places you most want to see.
