Must- See Waterfalls in Iceland Along the Ring Road!

Iceland is known for its incredible waterfalls, and if you’re driving the Ring Road, you’re in for a treat! We visited 19 waterfalls during our trip, and I’ve put together this guide so you don’t miss any of these amazing spots along the way!

Waterfalls in Iceland Along the Ring Road

This list starts off in the Golden Circle then goes in order they come, counter clock wise along the Ring Road, If you plan to travel the Ring Road clock wise, just start at the button of this list and work backwards.

Þórufoss

Location: Just outside Thingvellir National Park

Length: 0.4 miles

This hidden gem is just a quick detour from Thingvellir National Park. There’s a small parking lot, but no restrooms. You can view the waterfall from the edge of the canyon, but for the best view, hike the short trail down to the base of the waterfall.

Öxarárfoss

Location: Thingvellir National Park

Length: From the Visitor’s Center – 1.2 miles round trip. From the Öxarárfoss parking lot – 0.37 miles round trip.

I recommend parking at the Visitor’s Center (P1) and walking the loop. From the overlook, take the path that leads through Almannagjá (a dramatic rift marking the eastern edge of the North American tectonic plate). Follow this trail and watch for signs to Öxarárfoss on your left. Keep going until you reach the beautiful 42-foot waterfall!

Reykjafoss

Location: Hveragerði 

Length: Just a short walk

Reykjafoss is located in the town of Hveragerði and can easily be seen from the road. If you’d like, you can take the short path down and cross the bridge to reach the base of the falls. While it’s not as dramatic as some of Iceland’s other waterfalls, it’s still worth a quick visit, especially if you’re staying in Hveragerði. It’s a nice little stop for an afternoon walk!

Faxafoss

Location: Golden Circle

Length: ~0.2 miles

You can enjoy scenic views from the overlook or take a short trail down to the base of the falls. To the left of the waterfall, you’ll spot a salmon ladder. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of salmon making their way upstream! Just a heads-up: if you visit before 9 a.m., the gate may still be closed.

Gullfoss

Location: Golden Circle

Length: ~ 2 miles

Parking is free here, and bathrooms are available in the gift shop. Follow the paved trail to the upper observation deck for a stunning view of the Gullfoss gorge. Then, take the stairs down for a closer view of the waterfall, but be cautious as the trail can be slippery. The final viewing platform requires a bit of a rock scramble, but you can still enjoy great views from the rest of the trail.

If you’re short on time, you can just stop at the upper platform. But if you can, I recommend walking the full trail for the best experience.

Brúarfoss

Location: Golden Circle

Length: 5 minute walk

This waterfall is known for its incredibly blue water, fed by the Langjökull Glacier. Use GPS to find the new parking lot, which is located down a short gravel road. From there, it’s a quick walk along a gravel trail to the river. A bridge offers the best view of the falls.

On the other side of the bridge, you’ll find the start of a 4-mile trail that leads to the old parking lot. There’s a small parking fee, which you can pay through the Parka app or at the payment stall in the lot. Just a heads up, there are no bathrooms at this location.

Seljalandsfoss

Location: South Iceland

Length: 0.4 miles loop behind the waterfall

Seljalandsfoss is one of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls and for good reason! This stunning 200-foot waterfall might be narrow, but what makes it truly special is the fact that you can walk all the way behind the waterfall. It’s just a short stroll from the parking lot, making it an easy stop along the South Coast.

Be sure to bring a raincoat or poncho, because you will get misted! There’s a small parking fee, and you’ll find amenities nearby like restrooms, a café, and a gift shop. It’s a popular spot, so arriving early is your best bet to beat the crowds.

Gljufrabui

Location: South Iceland, right by Seljalandsfoss

Length: additional 0.5 mile after Seljalandsfoss

About half a mile from Seljalandsfoss is Gljufrabui, a waterfall inside a canyon. Although less popular, it can still get crowded. Follow the trail from Seljalandsfoss until you reach a small river and canyon opening. You’ll get glimpses of the waterfall from here, but for a better view, enter the canyon by staying to the right side and walking along the rocks.

Skógafoss

Location: South Iceland

Length: Varies

Skógafoss is just 25 minutes from Gljúfrabúi and is one of Iceland’s largest waterfalls—82 feet wide and 197 feet tall! There’s free parking, a campground, and bathrooms, all just a short walk from the falls.

If you have time, you can climb the 527 stairs to the top for a different perspective and access to a 4-mile trail with even more waterfalls. We skipped the stairs, so I can’t speak to the views from the top or the trail, but the view from the base was still incredible!

Kvernufoss

Location: South Iceland

Length: 0.9 miles

Though often skipped, this waterfall is worth a visit! Located less than 5 minutes from Skógafoss, the trail begins at the Skogar Museum, where there’s a small parking fee. You can pay inside the museum or online.

The 15-minute, easy hike starts beyond a gate and offers great views of the waterfall and gorge. You can even walk behind the falls for a different perspective of it!

Hundafoss

Location: Southeast Iceland

Length: 1.2 miles

We personally weren’t able to fit this one in, but if you have extra time and energy, definitely checkout this hike! The trail to Hundafoss starts at the Skaftafell visitor center parking lot and is part of the route to the famous Svartifoss waterfall.

If you visit only Hundafoss and turn back, the round trip is about 1.2 miles. The well-marked trail offers stunning views and is relatively easy, making it ideal for families or those with limited time.

Skútafoss

Location: East Iceland

Length: Short walk

A hidden gem right off the ring road! From the parking lot follow the short trail along the river to reach the waterfall. You can enjoy the views from the rocks or head to the right side where there’s a small cave. From there, you can even hike up the rocky area to get closer and go behind the waterfall!

Hengifoss/Litlanesfoss

Location: East Iceland

Length: 2.7 miles

Hengifoss near Egilsstaðir is Iceland’s third tallest waterfall at 420 feet, known for its striking red and black hues from basalt columns and red clay. Nearby, Litlanesfoss, a smaller waterfall surrounded by basalt columns, adds to the scenic trail. The 2.7-mile hike to Hengifoss is moderately challenging with uphill sections and can be slippery when wet. Wear sturdy boots and bring plenty of water for a safe hike.

Rjúkandafoss

Location: East Iceland

Length: Short walk

This waterfall is 305 feet tall and consists of two main drops where it cascades over the rocky cliff. It’s located right off of the ring road, with just a small pullover for parking. You can view this waterfall from the road, or if you want a closer look you can follow the short trail uphill to the viewing area.  This accessible vantage point allows you to fully appreciate the waterfall’s impressive height and natural beauty.

Dettifoss

Location: Northeast Iceland

Length: ~ 1.5 mile

Dettifoss is known as one of the most powerful waterfalls in Europe, thanks to the sheer volume of water crashing over its edge. There are two ways to view it – from the east and west sides. The west side is the most popular option, with a paved road, parking lot, and restrooms. The east side, while more rugged and remote, requires driving down an unpaved road that usually doesn’t open until late May or June.

From the parking area, it’s about a 0.5-mile walk to the main Dettifoss viewpoint. If you have time, you can also follow signs to Selfoss, another beautiful waterfall nearby. That part of the trail is rocky and can get slippery, so go slow and watch your footing.

Goðafoss

Location: North Iceland

Length: Short walk

Goðafoss, also known as the “Waterfall of the Gods,” is located about 45 minutes from Akureyri. This waterfall is unique due to its semicircular shape, where the water plunges 39 feet down and spans 100 feet across. The trail to view the waterfall is short and paved, offering many viewpoints along the way. You can see the falls from either side, with parking available on both. The left side has a gift shop, cafe, and restrooms.

Snæfellsnes Peninsula

These last three waterfalls are in the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. While they’re not technically on the Ring Road, I still recommend making the detour. Not just for the waterfalls, but because the peninsula is incredibly beautiful!

Kirkjufell/Kirkjufellsfoss

Location: Snæfellsnes Peninsula

Length: Short walk

Kirkjufell is a popular mountain on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, known for its distinctive peak that makes it a truly striking landmark. You can catch views of it from several nearby towns, but one of the best spots is from Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall. There’s a parking lot close to the falls with a small parking fee.

From there, just follow the short trail across the bridge to the waterfall. You’ll be rewarded with a stunning view of the falls framed perfectly by the mountain in the background!

Bæjarfoss

Location: Snæfellsnes Peninsula

Length: Short walk

Bæjarfoss, a breathtaking 130-foot waterfall in Ólafsvík, shares a free parking lot with a doctor’s office. Park on the right side for easy access to the short trail to the waterfall, which crosses the river using rocks. To get closer, just follow the trail up the river.

Svöðufoss

Location: Snæfellsnes Peninsula

Length: 0.75 miles

Svöðufoss is a stunning waterfall framed by basalt columns, a must-see in the area. Drive 5 minutes down a gravel road to the parking lot. It’s an easy, flat walk to the falls, with breathtaking views from the viewing platform. This short trail is quick to complete, parking is free, but there are no restrooms.

Waterfalls in Iceland

Believe it or not, Iceland has over 10,000 waterfalls! The ones on this list are just some of the most popular and easy-to-reach from the Ring Road. Be sure to save this list to reference while you are planning your trip!