Iceland's Most Popular Waterfalls

Thanks to its unique geographical location and climate conditions, Iceland is home to over 10,000 waterfalls. Each and every one is special, unique and worth seeing. There are the famous ones that you probably know already from your guidebook or you might have Googled them. There are less famous which should not be ommited either. In this post we will focus on the most popular and beautiful waterfalls that you should see on your RV rental in Iceland.

South iceland waterfalls

Waterfalls in Iceland have one thing in common: all of them are stunningly beautiful. Most of them are easily accessible from the main road, the Ring Road. Some you can even spot right from the car window.

If you are visiting the south of Iceland, you will be able to admire several powerfull waterfalls.

• Seljalandsfoss

You probably have not even realized it, but I am sure that you have already seen this one. It became a favorite point for the photos. This waterfall is one of the most photographed places in Iceland and there is a reason for that. It is well known because of its beauty and is a really magnificent waterfall.

There is also something unique about this waterfall. It is the fact that you can walk behind the cascade and see it from a completely different perspective. You can enjoy the view of the water falling down from the rocks. The water falls from a height of 60 meters (197 ft). It is really impressive.

The picturesque landscapes in the surrounding area makes this waterfall a perfect photo opportunity. Especially on a sunny day so make sure you also check the weather forecast before you hit the road.

When you climb behind the waterfall, you will be able to hear the water coming out of the Eyjafjallajokull glacier roar when falling and crashing against the rocks. Make sure you wear waterproof clothes and use plastic protection around your camera because you will definitely get wet.

It will be easier to enjoy the stunning view in dry clothes, for sure.

If you are a fan of day tours, this one is a perfect plan for a trip from Reykjavik. It takes around 1.5 - 2 hours to get there by driving. There is a parking lot near the waterfall where you can leave your car. It should definitely go on a list of favourite waterfalls. Sejlandsfoss definitely must be on your to-see list during your visit in Iceland. The beauty and majesty of this unique waterfall is one of the many reasons that Iceland has became so famous among tourists.

• Svartifoss

Svartifoss is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland. It is also located in the South Iceland, in  Vatnajokull National Park. It is known as the black waterfall. You probably now imagine the waterfall with water like black onyx. However, the name does not come from the colour of the cascade but rather the volcanic rock surrounding the volcano. The hexagonal basalt columns form cliff walls which looks similar to church organ pipes.

Svartifoss may not be the highest waterfall in Iceland, the most powerful or largest waterfall in terms of volume. Its unique geological properties and visual appeal make it one of the most spectacular and amazing waterfalls of Iceland.

Svartifoss is located at the southern end of Vatnajokull National Park in the Skaftafell zone. If you are travelling from the west of Icland to east bypass, this will be the perfect place to stop. It lies about 2 hours drive from the fishing village of Vik. And do not owrry about the exceeding your travel costs with seeing another waterfall as the entrance to each of them is free of charge!

Must see waterfalls in iceland

• Dettifoss

Dettifoss is a definitely a waterfall that you must see when travelling around Iceland. It is the most popular waterfall in Iceland. And definitely the most characteristic one because of the stream of water flowing through it is full of dust which makes it of a very grey color.

Dettifoss is located in northeastern Iceland and is a part of the Jokulsa a Fjollum river. It is a glacier river coming from the Highlands (yes, this is the part of Iceland where you drive on gravel roads). The source of the river starts from Vatnajokull glacier - the largest one in Europe. It is 100 meters wide and 45 meters high. There is average 193 m3  per second of water flowing through the waterfall. This makes it the most powerful waterfall in Europe.

Not only this makes Dettifoss so famous. It gained enormous popularity thanks to the movie Prometheus directed by Ridley Scott. The starting scene of the movie perfectly shows the power of this magical waterfall. Make sure you see the movie!

Gullfoss waterfall in iceland.

Gullfoss literally means the Golden Waterfall and is one of the most famous waterfalls in Iceland. It is close to attractions such as Geyser and Thingvellir National Park which all are part of the Golden Circle route. Gullfoss is located in a canyon on the Hvita river which flows from the Langjokull glacier. The water flows from a height of 32 meters, splitting into two separate waterfalls. The first one of 11 m and second one of 21 m heigh.

There are two parts of the waterfall area with several viewpoints. It is really worth taking a look at the waterfall both from above and below. The first one is the natural terrace which is between two cascades.  You need to be careful because the rocks are wet and slippery. The splashes of water can also be wet, so make sure you are wearing the waterproof clothes.

This waterfall is located just off the Road 35. Accessing this route from the south should not cause you any problems.