Iceland is known as the land of fire and ice for it’s dramatic volcanic and glacial landscapes. This name is completely appropriate however I also think Iceland should be called the land of waterfalls.

Scattered across this tiny island nation in the middle of the Atlantic are so many stunning and diverse waterfalls.

In the land of waterfalls it’s hard to choose an absolute favourite so here’s my top thirteen Icelandic waterfalls which will blow your you away.

1. Godafoss

Godafoss means waterfall of the Gods and I can’t think of a better name.  Godafoss is so incredible spectacular it’s easy to see why it’s also known as the waterfall of the gods.

But the name, Waterfall of the Gods, is also linked to Godafoss’ place in history. In the year 1000 the Lawspearker Porgeir Ljosvetningagodi made Christianity the official religion of Iceland. After this historic decision Porgeir threw his pagan carvings of the Norse Gods into the waterfall.

Godafoss can be found in the north of Iceland approx 40 mins outside of Iceland’s second biggest city, Akureyri.

2. Svartifoss

Cascading over a black basalt amphitheatre is the impressive Svartifoss, the Black Waterfall. The dramatic black lava columns encircling this waterfall make it unique and simply wonderful

If you visit in September or October you will find gorgeous autumnal colours contrasting with the black columns. In winter ice, or maybe snow adds another layer of drama.

This dramatic waterfall is set in Skaftafell in Vatnjokull National Park on the south coast of Iceland and is an easy 90 minute return walk.

3. Bruarfoss

Hidden just off the well-trodden tourist path that is the Golden Circle is a stunning little waterfall that doesn’t seem real.

Bruarfoss is a lot of little cascades converging on a brilliant blue river. The brilliance of the blue is absolutely divine, and seems even more impossibly blue under grey skies and against autumn colours.

You won’t find this special place in Lonely Planet, and it isn’t mentioned on the big travel blogs out there. But photographers and those looking to get a bit off the beaten path have discovered this gorgeous gem (*since I wrote this post Bruarfoss has been inundated by travellers and was closed for a period of time due to damage to the surrounding area. I understand it is no back open).

4. Gulfoss

If you’re not up for the adventure of trying to find Bruarfoss you can still see a seriously impressive waterfall right on the Golden Circle, Gulfoss.

Gulfoss is one of Iceland’s most famous waterfall given it’s proximity to Reykjavik.

It is also pretty awesome in it’s own right with a huge volume of water. On a sunny day rainbows dance through the spray.

5. Skogafoss

Rainbows arcing across the misty spray of Skogafoss are a common occurrence making this one of Iceland’s most popular waterfalls. It is so darn gorgeous it’s hard not to fall in love with the magic of this 60m waterfall.

For a different view of this iconic Icelandic image climb the steps on the side to look down next to and from above.

Easily accessible from the Ring Road (you can actually see it from the main road of Iceland!) and it can also be visited as a long day trip from Reykjavik.

6. Seljalandsfoss

Seljalandsfoss is famous for being the waterfall you can walk behind, and what a way to experience the power of a waterfall!

Be prepared to get very, very wet when you venture behind this beauty. But it’s absolutely worth it!

7. Gljúfrabúi

A short walk from Seljalandsfoss is Gljúfrabúi, a waterfall hidden in a narrow canyon.

8. Dettifoss

Cutting through a surreal volcanic black basalt world with the largest volume of water of any waterfall in all of Europe is the thunderous waters of the mighty Dettifoss.

This is nature at it’s most primal and raw, and you will easily be made to feel tiny and insignificant.

On my first visit to Iceland I approached this force of nature from the north-west on Route 8662. On my second visit I took the north-east approach on Route 864 for a different view.

Regardless of which angle you see Dettifoss from I’m sure you will be blown away by this mighty force of nature.

9. Selfoss

As I walked away from the mighty Dettifoss along the wild volcanic black landscape high above a fast flowing river I felt like I had been transported to Lord of The Rings.

Following this wild, otherworld like world brings you to Selfoss.

Ordinarily this would be considered a powerful and beautiful waterfall in it’s own right but it has stiff competition from the mighty Dettifoss. For me walking here and seeing something very few do was worth it.

10. Kirkjufellsfoss

I am completely and utterly obsessed with the mountain that is Kirkjufell and the pretty waterfalls that cascades at it’s foot. So of course those waterfalls, Kikrjufellsfoss had to make it onto this list.

I love how this landscape looks so different from different angles, light and season. Pure magic!

Found on the wonderful Snaefellsnes Peninsula full of other magical Icelandic landscapes be sure to put this waterfall and the peninsula on your must see list.

11. Haifoss

Once thought to be the tallest waterfall in Iceland Haifoss is set on an epic location. To get here be prepared for an adventure as it’s part way into Iceland’s highlands and along a rough dirt road.

But it is absolutely worth it for views like this!

12. Aldeyarfoss

Aldeyarfoss is seriously spectacular. Framed by volcanic-formed black basalt columns the waters of the Skjalfandafljot river spill into a wide basin type area.

It makes for a dramatic setting.

Aldeyarfoss sees few visitors given it isn’t too close to the Ring Road. It also takes an hour or so drive from Godafoss along unpaved, potholed roads. The last few kilometres are also on an F-Road, Route 26 the Sprengisandur highland route. Technically a 4WD is required for that section.

13. Dynjandi

At 100 metres high Dynjandi is the biggest waterfall in the Westfjords and has six smaller waterfalls below the largest fall. Dynjandi means thunderous and with all those waterfalls and huge amounts of water you can understand why.

Roadside Waterfalls

As you drive around Iceland don’t be surprised to see a random waterfall close to the road. They are literally everywhere and it was one of my favourite part about driving the Ring Road.

Practical Information

If you’re planning to visit the land of waterfalls, Iceland, I would recommend hiring a car or campervan. This allows the maximum flexibility and  allows you to explore to the max.

For my first visit to Iceland I hired a camper van from Happy Campers. I couldn’t have been happier with my little home and transport.

For my second visit I hired a small 4WD as I was heading into the Westfjords and I knew I wanted to head off-road to places like Haifoss and Aldeyarfoss. I feel this allowed me the best access and I felt safer of some of those wild, unpaved mountain roads.