Iceland has numerous adventures waiting to be explored. The splendid waterfalls across the region enhance the natural beauty, as do the spectacular glaciers, Northern Lights, hot springs, and volcanoes. If you plan to visit Iceland, exploring its waterfalls is one of the best choices.
There are many day tours from Reykjavik that you can register for or tag along to once you are in Iceland. They will guide you through the mesmerizing waterfalls of Iceland. Sparing a day in your itinerary to visit Iceland’s waterfalls is something you will never regret doing. This blog will explore some of the most visited waterfalls in Iceland and the best season to witness them in their full glory.
Best Time to Visit
Meticulous planning is key if you dream of removing Iceland’s waterfalls from your bucket list. From selecting the right season to packing the essentials and mapping out your itinerary, these steps are vital to ensure a memorable and hassle-free adventure.
When is the best time to experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Iceland’s waterfalls? Is it the vibrant summers or the serene winters? Let’s delve into the unique charms of each season to help you decide when to embark on this unforgettable journey.
Summer (June to August)
During summers, Iceland receives nearly 24 hours of daylight. In other words, there is no darkness or nighttime during the summer in Iceland. This facilitates extended sightseeing and is ideal to visit multiple waterfalls in one day. Also, choosing to visit the waterfalls in summer will save you from the harsh winters. Temperature ranges between 10 to 15°C (50°F to 59°F), making it comfortable for outdoor activities. Iceland is known for quick weather changes. However, during summer, the weather is comparatively stable. This will prevent any unforeseen disruptions to your planned outdoor activities. You can access some of the remote waterfalls like Háifoss during the summers. The countryside will be covered in lush greenery and wildflowers, making the place even more enchanting.
Winter (November to March)
Iceland receives only 4-6 hours of daylight during the winter; meticulous planning is crucial to making the most of it. Winters are harsh, and the temperature might drop up to -1°C to 4°C (30°F to 39°F). Some waterfalls may even freeze during the winter, which is an ethereal sight. The chance to see the Northern Lights is the cherry on top when visiting Iceland in winter. However, you might be unable to visit all the waterfalls on your list, as many highland roads may be closed due to heavy snowfall.
Let’s now explore the scenic waterfalls in Iceland, which you must visit at least once in your lifetime.
1. Gullfoss
Gullfoss Waterfalls is a magnificent waterfall in the Golden Circle that should be included in your day trip.
“Gullfoss” means “Golden Falls” in Icelandic. The name is believed to be derived from the golden aura the water casts on sunny days. The waterfall is in southwestern Iceland, in the canyon of the Hvítá River in the Haukadalur valley. It includes Þingvellir National Park and the geothermal area in Haukadalur, home to the famous Geysir and Strokkur geysers. Gullfoss is easily accessible from Reykjavík, making it easily accessible for day trippers and guided group tours.
Gullfoss is a beautiful two-tiered waterfall that plummets in two stages. The top cascade falls 11 meters, and the lower cascade drops another 21 meters. The total height of the waterfalls is 32 meters or 105 feet. The narrow gorge into which the Hvita River falls is hidden from view when you approach, giving the feeling that the river is simply disappearing in the middle of the ground, making the waterfall even more interesting for visitors. Visitors can enjoy the panoramic views of the waterfall from the different viewing platforms hoisted around the area. There is a path leading to the edge of the falls, from where you can feel the soothing mist on your face close up.
2. Skógafoss
Skógafoss is one of Iceland’s spectacular waterfalls, towering up to 60 meters and having a width of 25 meters. As the water cascades down, a thunderous sound reverberates, surrounded by a magically refreshing mist, casting magnificent rainbows on a sunny summer day. The waterfall is located near a small village, Skógar, and is easily accessible from Route 1, which is easily accessible for travelers passing through the Ring Road. A viewing platform at the top lets you take in the stunning beauty of the waterfall, adjacent landscape, and the river below.
3. Seljalandsfoss
Seljalandsfoss is just 90 minutes away from the Gullfoss waterfalls. It is located near Ring Road and is one of the waterfalls that can be included on your day trip from Reykjavik. Seljalandsfoss is famous for its peculiar pathway, which allows visitors to walk behind the waterfalls, offering an immersive experience. The trail takes you around the waterfalls as you get a 360-degree view of the surroundings. Upon reaching the back of the waterfall, you will find yourself in a natural cave-like alcove with the roaring water creating a dramatic backdrop. The path leading to this ethereal experience might be slippery, and using the handrails for safety is important. Waterproof jackets and non-slip shoes are recommended for personal safety.
This path behind the waterfalls comes with stunning opportunities to capture the most fascinating photographs. Choosing early mornings or late afternoons to visit the waterfalls will reward you with fewer tourists.
4. Háifoss
Located in the remote highlands of Iceland, Háifoss offers a spectacular view. Háifoss means high waterfall in Icelandic. It is 128 meters tall and has its place among the tallest waterfalls in Iceland. The white facade of the waterfall offers a contrasting image to the black volcanic rocks, giving you a visual spectacle. The surroundings add to the ethereal beauty of the waterfall, and the canyon adds to its beauty.
Háifoss is located in a remote location, and reaching the waterfalls is an adventure. The off-beat terrain and the journey through the interiors of Iceland are yet another experience to cherish during your trip. If you are interested in a more challenging option, there are hiking trails that will take you to the waterfalls.
5. Dettifoss
Located in the north of Iceland, Detifoss is rumored to be the second most powerful fall in Europe. Not pretty but rough and raw, Dettifoss is a monument to scale and power. The falls are fed by the most powerful glacier river in Europe, Jökulsá á Fjöllum, which originates in Vatnajökull, the largest glacier in Europe. Dettifoss is 100 meters wide and falls 44 meters and is an impressive display of dominant force.