Iceland is home to many magnificent waterfalls and without visiting them any trip to this country would not be complete. Have you heard about Reykjafoss or Helgufoss? Many other Iceland hidden gems often go unnoticed, invisible behind canyons or away from major attractions.
Why there are some many waterfalls in Iceland? Iceland has a north Atlantic climate influencing frequent rain and snow. A near-Arctic location produces large glaciers, whose summer melts feed many rivers.
The folklore of waterfalls in Iceland
Behind many natural Iceland landmarks there is a fascinating legend. Waterfalls highlight the strong connection between nature and the human mind. It engages various senses at the same time and that surely inspired numerous myths and legends. Icelandic folklore is rich of myths and legends passed through generations. It’s recommended to learn more about the local folklore connected not only to the landmarks but also to the natural phenomenons.
The Sagas of Icelanders will inspire you before your journey. It will help to turn the visit into more mindful travel experience. More than 50% of Icelanders believe in the existence of elves / hidden people. Plenty of them turned into stone, like the sea stacks near Vik coast. Elves homes can be spotted in many places like Hafnarfjörður, Borgarfjörður or Bjartmarssteinn.
The most beautiful secret Icelandic waterfalls
In this article we will look into the lesser known but equally as beautiful waterfalls in Iceland from the following perspective: location, hiking routes around, what makes the waterfall special, things to do aroundInteresting accommodation nearby.
Check the exact location of the waterfalls listed on the map I have prepared for you.
Helgufoss
#Location: Helgufoss is located in Mosfellsdalur valley which is part of the Golden Circle route, 10 km away from the town Mosfellsbær. It’s also one of the closest waterfalls to Reykjavik (only 17 km away)
# Hiking routes nearby:
- circular Laxness Trail (9.7 km) starts in Gljúfrasteinn near the former house of Halldór Laxness, the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1955. Laxness home and office is now a museum. The trail leads in direction of the mountain summit Grímannsfell
- short out-and-back trail near Mosfellsbær (1.3km)
# What is unique for Helgufoss? It’s one of the most powerful Icelandic waterfall. Really great nature and amazing green in the summer time. Perfect for a picnic spot as wind is not too strong there.
# Things to do near Helgufoss:
- Laxnes Horse Farm located in Mosfellsbær, 15-20 drive from Reykjavik. The family-owned farm offers horse riding tours with transportation from Reykjavik. What is for riders of all levels. It’s a beautiful way to see the scenic countryside. You will have a chance to interacts with Icelandic horses.
- Móskarðshnjúkar (6.9 km) is a mountain known for its hiking trail and a good location for skiing. The hiking tour can take from 2-4 hours depending on the weather and your form.
# Interesting accommodation nearby: (max 10 km away from Helgafoss) :
- Minna-Mosfell Guesthouse, Þingvallavegur, 271 Mosfellsbær -> Book it here
- Mosskogar Camping, Dalsgarðsafleggjari 270, 271 Mosfellsdalur -> Book it here
- Þristur, 162 Mosfellsdalur is an absolutely brilliant cabin situated 3 minutes walk from the Móskarðshnúkar Parking where the trail begins
- Reykjavik Domes, glamping site located 20 km from Helgufoss
Brúarárfoss (Brúarfoss)
- Location: Brúarfoss is located an hour and a half from Reykjavik (96 km). It’s a part of Golden Circle.
- Hiking routes nearby:
- out-and-back trail near Laugarvatnsvegur, south to Bruarfoss (6.6 km) – two other waterfalls can be seen during this trail: Hlauptungufoss, Miðfoss. The trail can become very muddy.
- 300 m walk from the new parking spot – in 2023 a new gravel road to be taken from the road 37
- What is unique for Brúarárfoss: it’s often labelled the bluest waterfall in Iceland. The blue color is a result of melting Langjökull glacier into Brúará River which feeds Brúarárfoss. It’s a small but amazing waterfall.
- Things to do near Brúarárfoss:
- Faxafoss might not be one of the largest waterfalls in Iceland but it has a wide cascade and scenic surroundings. Most visitors recommended to visit this place in summer.
- Geysir Hot Springs
- Interesting accommodation nearby:
- Úthlíd Cottages is where I stayed one night with my friends. It was also where we captured Northern Lights ans Solar Solstice in March 2015. The cabin is very spacious, beds comfortable, and the shower rather compact . The area is very quiet and easy to access and convenient for exploring the Golden Circle. -> Book it here
- Summerhouse in Kiðjaberg 805, Grímsnesi offers three bedrooms and a large patio with a hot tub and BBQ.
- Björk A cozy hilltop cottage with two bedrooms, four sleeps, large terrace and and a well positioned hot tub with great views. in Reynifell, 850 Rangárvallasýsla
- Camp Boutique, a glamping spot located 70 km from Brúarárfoss -> Book it here
Gluggafoss (Merkjárfoss Falls)
- Location: southern Iceland in the Fljótshlíð region, accessible off Route 261, 106 km from Reykjavik and 17.3 km from the closest town Hvolsvollur. Surrounded by volcanos: northwest of Eyjafjallajökul, west of Katla, south from Hekla. In summertime it’s possible to get there via a gravel road 250, which goes from ring-road 1 directly to Gluggafoss
- Hiking routes nearby:
- Fimmvörðuháls (10 km hike Skogafoss to Thorsmork), Laugavegur
- What is unique for Gluggafoss:
- the river Merkjá created multiple holes in the bedrock, through which the water comes out
- Things to do near Gluggafoss:
- other waterfalls: Seljalandsfoss, Þórðarfoss, Þorsteinslundur, Nauthúsafoss
- Nauthúsagil Ravine with hidden waterfalls
- Gljufrabui – hidden cascade in a canyon
- LAVA Centre exhibition
- Midgard Restaurant & Bar
- Þórsmörk, the Valley of Tor, the Icelandic most popular hiking destination with two famous routes, Fimmvörðuháls and the Laugavegur.
- Interesting accommodation nearby: Buubble hotel Iceland – Ölvisholt glamping site, 57 km from Gluggafoss
Gljufrabui
- Location: located in south coast of Iceland, Skogar, 130 km away from Reykjavik
- Hiking routes around Gljúfrabúi:
- Fimmvörðuháls (10 km hike Skogafoss to Thorsmork), Laugavegur in the national park Thórsmörk
- What makes the waterfall special:
- it’s possible to venture into the cavern’s interior to experience standing in a cave right next to the huge waterfall
- the legend says that this cavern was used by hermits in the past
- Things to do around Gljúfrabúi:
- waterfalls: Seljalandsfoss, Sauðafoss
- ancient cave: Rútshellir Cave,
- Drangurinn í Drangshlíð 2
- Volcano view – Eldfjallasýn
- Sólheimajökull
- Interesting accommodation nearby:
- Ásólfsskáli Cottage provides an accommodation for up to 7 people. It is located in Hvolsvollur, 20 km from Gljúfrabúi in a beautiful setting and parking spot right at the door. Not far from a ring road in the proximity to waterfalls. The cottage is a bit rustic with small beds but well equipped -> Book it here
- Sydri Rot house is situated next to various waterfalls. Big windows on each side will let you enjoy the views and Northern lights.
- Grund Cabin is a pretty little house, beautifully furnished in a middle of farms between Selfoss and Vik, just off the main road but away from artificial light. The house is fully equipped for a longer stay. -> Book it here
Skógafoss
- Location: located in south of Iceland on Skógá River in Skogar, 156 km away from Reykjavik, 1.5 km from the ring road (1) and 5km from the southern coastline
- Hiking routes around Skogafoss:
- easy way to get to Skogafoss – 400 m from the Skogafoss Parking
- Fimmvörðuháls (10 km hike Skogafoss to Thorsmork),
- What makes the waterfall special:
- one of the biggest in the country with a width of 25 metres, a drop of 60 m
- the legend says the 1st viking settler hide a treasure behind the waterfall
- in summer time a rainbow is formed around the Skogafoss waterfall
- Things to do around Skogafoss:
- waterfalls on the Fimmvörðuháls hike along Skógá River : Hestavaðsfoss, Fosstorfufoss, Steinbogafoss, Fellsfoss, Innri-Fellsfoss, Rollutorfufoss, Kæfufoss, Skalabrekkufoss
- Skógar Museum with historical buildings and museums
- Sólheimajökull glacier
- Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool for outdoor swimming
- Interesting accommodation nearby:
- Núpakot are two cute small red cottages with great views on the mountains behind the house and the sea in the front. Situated in Steinar, 10 km from Skogafoss waterfall feature free Wifi, BBQ facilities, a small garden and a private parking. Perfect for couples.
- Vestri Pétursey is a lovely cottage with a warm room decor in a beautiful remote spot close to a local farm. Very close to Vik. The cottage was spacious enough for four people during our stay with friends. -> Book it here
Þjofafoss, Thjofafoss
- Location: south of Iceland on the river Þjórsá in the middle of the Merkurhraun lava field, 320 km away from Reykjavik, 3 km from the national park Skaftafell and Skaftafellsjökull glacier. From the Ring Road (Route 1) turn left on Road 26 after the town of Selfoss.
- Hiking routes around:
- Svartifoss Trail with waterfalls: Svartifoss, Magnúsarfoss, Hundafoss
- Kristínartindar
- Skaftafell Campground Loop
- What makes the waterfall special:
- the legend says that thieves drown here as a punishment for their crimes (Thjofafoss = thieves falls)
- located near to Búrfell Power Plant which harness the energy of Þjórsá River
- Things to do around Thjofafoss:
- Peak Fabí – beautiful mountain with views of the glaciers. Good perspective to admire Hvannadalshnjúkur. The parking slot is around 8 km from Thjofafoss
- Svínafellsjökull Glacier – glacier with a small pond. It gained popularity as a location in Game of Thrones
- Múlagljúfur Canyon
- Diamond Beach and Jökulsárlón Glacier lagoon
- Interesting accommodation near Thjofafoss:
- The potato storage is a very modern, functional and tasteful accommodation in Svínafell with one apartment for up to four people and one studio with a mountain view. -> Book it here
- Nónhamar Private Cottages (Google maps) are tiny houses situated at a little farm area with beautiful surrounding. Very convenient to the main road
Svartifoss
- Location: in south-east of Iceland in river Stórilækur originating in Kristínartindar mountain peak, in Skaftafell in Vatnajökull National Park, 327 km away from Reykjavik
- Hiking routes around Svartifoss:
- Svartifoss Trail in Skaftafell National Park (3 km)
- Svartifoss – Sjonarsker (5 km) to admire a great panoramic view from Sjónarsker view-dial
- Sjonarnipa – Svartifoss – Magnusafoss – Hundafoss via Austurbrekkur ( 7 km)
- What makes the waterfall special:
- one of the most popular waterfall in Iceland not because of its size and volume, but thanks to the dark lava columns surrounding the cascade. The shape of dark lava columns inspires the architects of Hallgrímskirkja in Reykjavik
- Things to do around Svartifoss:
- admire Glacial tongues of Skeiðarárjökull, Morsárjökull, Skaftafellsjökull, Svínafellsjökull and Öræfajökull
- Selið turf house in Skaftafell
- Lambhagi, a place of milking and overnight lamb stay
- walking around the old farming fields, Gömlutún
- Skaftafell Ice Cave tour in the largest glacier in Europe
- Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon (60 km from Svartifoss)
- Glacier Goodies restaurant in Skaftafell
- Nonhamar Private Cottages
Gufufoss / Gufu waterfall
- Location: East Iceland, in the Fjardara river in Seyðisfjörður village, right next to the road 93, 660 km away from Reykjavik,
- Hiking routes around:
- Highlands Circle Tour
- Eastfjords
- Stuðlagil Canyon Viewpoint, 95 km from Gufufoss
- What makes the waterfall special:
- situated in Seyðisfjörður which is Iceland’s most important harbour on the East as ferries from Europe arrive here
- Things to do around Gufufoss:
- East Iceland Heritage Museum
- waterfalls nearby: Udafoss ( 550 m away), Fardagafoss, Klifbrekkufossar, (45 km from Gufufoss)
- Studlagil Canyon, popular for the impressive basalt rock columns and glacial river (90 km from Gufufoss)
- Vök Baths in Egilsstadir on the Lake Urriðavatn (30 km away) – outdoor pools and baths
- Modrudalur Glacial Kettles (100 km from Gufufoss)
- Interesting accommodation near Gufu waterfall:
- Langahlid Cottages & Hot Tubs, Seydisfirdi – The view is outstanding. It is also super close to town but is far enough away that it feels like you are far away.
- Ormurinn Cottages is located in Egilsstadir. There are two A-frame wooden cottages, a studio and larger one for up to 4 adults. The larger cottage is directly by the lake. You can sit on a small patio in front of the house and enjoy the beautiful views . -> Book it here
- Finnsstaðir Horse Ranch (Google maps)
Reykjafoss waterfall & Fosslaug
- Location: the northwest Iceland, 315. km away from Reykjavik, south of the Ring Road at road 752
- What makes the waterfall special:
- 15 minutes walk from the parking lot, next to the Reykjafoss waterfall there is one of the most secret Icelandic hot springs, Fosslaug. Small, free to enter and away from crowds
- it’s nestled in the magnificent Icelandic countryside, beside a small river, totally off the beaten track
- Things to do around:
- Víðimýrarkirkja Church with traditional Icelandic turf roof
- Glaumbær Farm & Museum with a series of subterranean rooms linked by hallways
- Bakkaflot – whitewater rafting activities
- Interesting accommodation nearby:
- Bakkaflöt Guesthouse with a swimming pool and hot tubs
- Camping Varmahlíð – romantic location with a magical forest in the back with amazing viewpoint
- Hestasport Cottages with hot pools – there is a little forest close by which offers lovely walks to the top for a beautiful sunset view over the Fjord
- Iceland Yurt, glamping site located 100 km from Reykjafoss
Interesting facts about Icelandic waterfalls
- Can you swim in iceland waterfalls? Most of them are very powerful with strong currents that is why it is not recommended to do that despite no warning sings around waterfalls.
- Can you drink the water from waterfalls? It is tempting to drink some outdoor water especially during a long hike but it is not recommended as an outdoor water source is very likely to be contaminated with parasites.
- Best time to visit Iceland for waterfalls. To avoid crowds and admire waterfalls at their best, April-June is the right time to visit Iceland.
- Can you go behind waterfalls? Seljalandsfoss, Kvernufoss, Göngumannafoss but you have to always stay careful.
