Chasing the Natural Beauty of 7 Iceland Waterfalls

Iceland is a place on earth that is very well suited for waterfalls. The country comes with a North Atlantic climate. Thus frequent rains and snow and its proximity to the Arctic produce large glaciers. Those icy rocks usually melt when summer comes and end up filling many rivers with additional water. Iceland waterfalls are just a result of such conditions a movements.

Gullfoss

Sometimes referred to as Golden Falls, this waterfall is one of the most iconic and majestic waterfalls in Iceland. It lies in the Hvítá River Canyon in the southwestern part of the country. Gullfoss dominates the region with its breathtaking beauty and impressive size. The waterfall is a two-tiered cascade with a total drop of around 32 meters (105 feet). The upper tier drops about 11 meters (36 feet), and the lower tier plunges dramatically into a narrow gorge, descending 20 meters (66 feet).

The waterfall was created by the river`s powerful flow carving its way through layers of ancient volcanic rock. The rugged walls add this place even more dramatic look while the mist and the rainbows enhance it with a more magical atmosphere. In the past, there were some attempts to use it to generate electricity. But they were unsuccessful and the waterfall was sold to Iceland and became protected. Gullfoss made its way into popular culture too – for example, it appears on the cover of Porcupine, an album by the British band Echo and the Bunnymen. The video for the single Heaven by the band Live, or the TV series Vikings features the waterfall too.

Seljalandsfoss

One of the most mesmerizing waterfalls in Iceland. It has a unique feature – a cavernous cleft behind the cascading water curtain. It is located in the South Region right by Route 1. This waterfall drops approximately 60 meters (197 feet) from the Seljalands River over an ancient sea cliff. The process of erosion gave this waterfall its significant look. The relentless forces of water have gradually shaped the underlying rock layers, resulting in the striking concave cascade.

Walking behind the waterfall is best done in summer. However, it can be very slippery. During winter time you can admire frozen formations that create stunning ice sculpture spectacle. The waterfall has made its features in popular culture too – you can see it in the movie CKY2K with music from Björk, or the movie The Juniper Tree where Björk`s character walks behind it. Then there is Star Trek: Discovery with a short scene in That Hope Is You, Part 1. Or the official music video from Justin Bieber for I`ll Show You includes southern Icelenad regions with Seljalandsfoss in it.

Skogafoss

The waterfall is located in the southern part of Iceland on the Skóga River. It is 25 meters wide and 60 meters above the river. The origin of the Skogafoss dates back to Eyjafjallajökull glacier and layers of volcanic rock. Over time, the ceaseless flow of water carved out the steep cliff, forming the breathtaking cascade we witness today. The constant spray produces single or double rainbows on sunny days.

Visitors can ascend a 527-step staircase alongside the waterfall to enjoy panoramic views from the top. Additionally, legend speaks of hidden treasure hidden behind the falls, adding an element of mystery to its allure. Within distance, you can visit the Skógar museum or choose one of the walking trails that lead to other hidden waterfalls like Kvernufoss. The waterfalls have been featured in many films and TV shows, for example, Thor: The Dark World, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, Dilwale, Vikings, and Game of Thrones.

Svartifoss

The waterfall is part of the Vatnajökull National Park surrounded by dark lava columns. Translating to “Black Falls,” it drops about 20 meters (65 feet) amidst a backdrop of hexagonal black basalt columns resembling a natural cathedral organ. This geological wonder is a result of volcanic activity and the slow cooling of lava flows, creating iconic prismatic formations. The natural beauty of this place has even inspired some architects like the ones who are behind the church Hallgrímskirkja in Reykjavík.

Hraunfossar

Hraunfossar is not one stand-alone waterfall, it is a series of waterfalls. Its name comes from the Icelandic word for lava (hraun) and the word for waterfalls (fossar). In other words “Lava Falls”. The waterfall lies in the West part of the island. The waterfall is 900 meters wide. Unlike traditional waterfalls that derive from rivers or streams, Hraunfossar’s water emerges from porous lava fields formed during historical volcanic activity. This distinctive feature grants the falls their ethereal appearance and the absence of a single plunge point. Nearby there is another waterfall – Barnafoss, or Children`s Falls, where a narrow gorge channels the river through a rocky passage.

Godafoss

Sometimes called Waterfalls of the Gods (pagan idols) offers an amazing cascade located in northern Iceland. The waterfalls is 30 meters wide and it drops water from above 12 metres. Legend holds that in the year 1000, during the conversion to Christianity, chieftain Þorgeir Ljósvetningagoði tossed his pagan statues into the falls, symbolizing the nation’s adoption of Christianity. The waterfall is part of the river Skjálfandafljót and is divided by a big rock at its center. Visitors can witness the cascade from various vantage points, including both sides of the river and a footbridge crossing the water. The waterfall is easily accessible from the road and there is even a parking place just a few hundred meters from it, a restaurant, and a gift shop.

Aldeyjarfoss

The waterfall lies in the north-central highlands of Iceland. It is basically a hidden gem with its striking contrast between dark basalt columns that resemble organ pipes and white waters. The basalt formations are the result of ancient lava that flew slowly while cooling down thus forming these distinctive hexagonal columns.

The waterfall is 20 meters high and its name translates to Eider Falls. Once upon a time eider ducks used to inhabit the area. Rugged track leads to a parking area, followed by a short hike to the falls. According to some visitors, the road is doable without four-wheel drive (the last part of the road is on F26, not very unmaintained, and without any winter services).

There are still some more stunning Iceland waterfalls to explore that didn`t make it to this list. Some sources suggest that there are over 10,000 waterfalls but the exact number is not known due to the constantly changing landscape. Thus some new ones can appear and disappear over time.

It is possible to drive around the whole island in 16 hours without stops, but if you want to take it more slowly it is better to consider staying in the country for more than one or two days. You can either rent a car and visit all the natural beauties by yourself, or you can book a day or half-day tour that includes visiting some of the waterfalls too:

Sources:

www.wikipedia.com

www.tripadvisor.com

google maps & reviews

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