17 Best Waterfalls in Southern Iceland

Iceland is known for its unparalleled scenery and natural wonders. The waterfalls in Southern Iceland are impressive and you do not want to miss them! One of our family’s favorite parts of visiting Iceland was exploring the many waterfalls.

We could have spent our whole time in Iceland chasing waterfalls because they are so spectacular! There are waterfalls everywhere in Iceland and you do not even need to leave your car to see some of them.

The south coast of Iceland has lots of dramatic cliffs, remnants from when the ocean was much higher. These tall cliffs and rivers fed by melting glaciers around Iceland create spectacular waterfalls. Keep reading for our list of the top 17 waterfalls that Southern Iceland has to offer.

View of Skogafoss Waterfall from the top. The river disappears over the cliff. There is mist rising from below. — *View from the top of Skogafoss*

Summer in Iceland

In my opinion, summer is the best time to visit Iceland to experience waterfalls because of the weather. Our kids love being outside and exploring, and they especially love it when that exploring leads to a waterfall.

Normally, we chase waterfalls around Utah in the summer and the kids play in the water and end up soaking wet. We visited Iceland in June, but the highest temperature we had while we were there was 61°F (16°C).

I was worried that our kids would not like exploring waterfalls if they couldn’t play in the water, but they ended up loving it….especially since you can go behind two of the waterfalls. That is not something we have experienced here in Utah.

Top 17 Waterfalls in Southern Iceland

It is hard to rank the waterfalls and put them in an order…they all have pros and cons. You can’t go wrong with any of them…Iceland is simply stunning!

Our list starts with waterfalls around the Golden Circle and then follows the Ring Road (Route 1) around the south coast.

1. Öxarárfoss

Distance from Reykjavik: 50 minutes/ 33.4 miles/ 53.7 km
Region: Golden Circle
Ease of Access: Paved walkway that takes about 10 minutes to walk

Öxarárfoss is located inside Thingvellir National Park. This is an easy stop to add to your tour of the Golden Circle.

There are multiple ways to access Öxarárfoss including a parking lot that is 0.25 miles (400 meters) away from the waterfall or a slightly longer walk down from the Thingvellir National Park Visitor Center.

We chose to walk down from the Thingvellir National Park Visitor Center after spending a little time looking at the exhibits. It took us about 30 minutes to walk the 1.1 miles (1.7 km) to the waterfall on the paved path.

Öxarárfoss is 44 feet high (13 meters) and an average of 20 feet (6 meters) wide. There are lots of rocks around the edge of the pool making it a nice place to sit and enjoy the waterfall and get some great photos.

Short waterfall flowing over dark grey verticle cliffs. There are light brown rocks in the foreground and a few large black boulders in the pool made by the waterfall. — *Oxararfoss in Thingvellir National Park*

2. Brúarfoss

Distance from Reykjavik: 1 hour 30 minutes/ 58.5 miles/ 94.2 km
Region: Golden Circle
Ease of Access: Cured/cultivated/manicured gravel pathway that takes about 10 minutes to walk

Brúarfoss is another excellent stop on your way around the Golden Circle. It is not a very tall waterfall, but it is very well known for its electric blue color.

Brúarfoss was not a popular tourist stop due to the 4.1-mile round-trip hike that was required, but in 2023, they completed a parking lot that is much closer and only requires a 0.2 mile (321 meter) walk.

You can still hike the 4.1 miles if you would like and you will check two more waterfalls off your list, Hlauptungufoss and Miðfoss.

There is a nice bridge at the base of the waterfall so you can cross the river and get pictures of the brilliant water from both banks. The amazing blue color comes from the sediment in the water from the melting glaciers.

A short waterfall cascading down some rocks and flowing into a bright teal blue river going down the center of black rocks. — *Electric blue water of Bruarfoss*

3. Gullfoss

Distance from Reykjavik: 1 hour 45 minutes/ 72.1 miles/ 116 km
Region: Golden Circle
Ease of Access: Wooden plank pathway

Gullfoss is the most visited waterfall in Iceland. It is along the Golden Circle and has an impressive 105-foot (32-meter) drop that is in two stages. There are a few ways you can get down to the waterfall or just enjoy its majesty from any of the lookouts.

There is a restaurant with a large parking lot. You can enjoy a bite to eat and then walk down the path to the waterfall. You will need to go down a large flight of stairs if you want to get down close to the waterfall.

The second way to explore Gullfoss is to park in the lower parking lot and take the level trail along to the waterfall’s edge. There are many viewing areas along the way if you do not want to walk 0.5 miles (0.8 km) round-trip to the end.

The trail from the lower parking lot may be closed if it is too snowy and icy.

One of the best waterfalls in Southern Iceland is the iconic view of Gullfoss. On the right is a winding black trail that cuts through brownish-green moss. The trail leads to a wide waterfall that cascades down twice. — *The lower trail to Gullfoss*

4. Faxi Waterfall

Distance from Reykjavik: 1 hour 30 minutes/ 65 miles/ 105 km
Region: Golden Circle
Ease of Access: Wooden plank pathway to the lookout, dirt path down to the waterfall

Faxi Waterfall, also known as Vatnsleysufoss or Faxafoss, is one of the less-visited waterfalls on the Golden Circle, but I’m not sure why. It is an impressive waterfall and the walk down to it is not very difficult.

Faxi Waterfall is only 23 feet (7 meters) tall, but it spans 300 feet (91 meters) across the Tungufljót River. Faxi means “horse main” in Icelandic, and it is easy to see where it got its name from.

There is a nice picnic area at the waterfall that you can enjoy if you bring your lunch. It is the perfect spot to enjoy the sound of the waterfall without too many people around.

A wide waterfall the covers the whole picture with low mountains in the background. — *The wide cascade of Faxi Waterfall*

5. Hjálparfoss

Distance from Reykjavik: 2 hours/ 77 miles/ 124 km
Region: Highlands
Ease of Access: Dirt path to the lookout as well as down to the waterfall

Hjálparfoss is a beautiful double waterfall. There is a large basalt rock formation that splits it into two waterfalls cascading into a large pool.

Hjálparfoss drops 31 feet (9 meters) on either side of the rock island. They say that you can swim in the large pool made by the waterfalls, but that water is cold, so not ideal for kids.

There is a bathroom by the parking lot, which is great after the long drive to get there. The pathway to the lookout is a dirt path that has little elevation change, but it is uneven and strewn with rocks.

The pathway down to the pool at the base of the waterfall is a short trek of 0.3 miles (0.5 km) round-trip that has a gentle incline the whole way.

Hjálparfoss is located 40 minutes off of the Ring Road, which makes it a hidden gem that is not over-run by tourists. The road is paved almost the whole way to get to the waterfall, but you do have to travel on a dirt road for the last 0.6 miles (1 km).

Two waterfalls split by a large black column of rock cascading down into a large pool. The pool of water is surrounded by green grass. — *Double waterfall of Hjálparfoss*

6. Gjáin Waterfall

Distance from Reykjavik: 2 hours 15 minutes/ 81 miles/ 131 km
Region: Highlands
Ease of Access: Moderate hike on a dirt trail

Gjáin Waterfall is just 20 minutes up the road from Hjálparfoss and is located in Gjáin Valley. Gjáin Valley is one of the filming locations of the TV series Game of Thrones. Our family loves exploring caves everywhere we go and Gjáin Valley is the perfect place to experience caves and waterfalls and moss-covered rocks.

You can see Gjáin Waterfall from the lookout in the small dirt parking lot. There is also a rocky dirt trail that leads down to the valley. Once in the valley, you can explore different waterfalls and caves.

The main Gjáin Waterfall falls 65 feet (20 meters) into a large pool of water. It is an impressive sight from the parking lot, but even more magical if you hike down to the valley.

Getting to Gjáin is only possible in the summer. The last 4.4 miles (7.1 km) is a dirt road that requires a 4×4 car.

View from the top of a cliff looking down to see a waterfall that flows down a large sloped rock. To the right are some large caves in the rock. surrounding the waterfall is green grass and trees. — *Gjáin Valley with waterfalls and caves*

7. Háifoss

Distance from Reykjavik: 2 hours 15 minutes/ 88 miles/ 142 km
Region: Highlands
Ease of Access: narrow dirt path with steep drop-offs

Háifoss is the 4th tallest waterfall in Iceland, crashing down 400 feet (122 meters). You can see the top of the waterfall from the parking lot. To see the whole waterfall, you will need to hike down a narrow dirt path.

If doing this trail with small children, make sure to hold their hand. There are lots of tall cliffs near the trail and there are no railings for safety.

To the right of Háifoss is a smaller waterfall called Granni. While shorter, Granni is still majestic and adds to the incredible landscape.

The last 4.6 miles (7.4 km) to the parking lot for Háifoss are on a dirt road with signs stating that you need a 4×4 car to safely make it on the road.

Narrow stream of water plunging down off of a tall cliff. There is a small layer of mist at the base of the waterfall. — *Háifoss*

8. Seljalandsfoss

Distance from Reykjavik: 1 hour 45 minutes/ 80 miles/ 129 km
Region: Southern Coast
Ease of Access: level gravel path to view the waterfall, stairs and climbing over boulders to get behind the waterfall

Seljalandsfoss was our kids’ favorite waterfall. I’m not sure if that was because it was the first waterfall we stopped at on our trip to Iceland and it was way bigger than any waterfalls we have in Utah, or if it is because we got to walk behind it.

The waterfall is 197 feet (60 meters) tall and 50 feet (15 meters) wide. It is a magnificent waterfall that has a nice path, but the thing that sets this waterfall apart is that you can walk around behind it! So much fun!

Seljalandsfoss is a popular waterfall to visit and can get quite crowded. You can see the waterfall from the Ring Road and is easily accessible via a nice gravel trail. If you don’t want to fight all the crowds, make sure you go early or late in the day.

Side view of Seljalandsfoss Waterfall. The waterfall is flowing down on the left side of the picuture. It is so tall it does not all fit in the frame. On the right side of the picture are little yellow and red specks on a trail that are the people behind the waterfall. — *Exploring behind Seljalandsfoss*

9. Gljufrabui

Distance from Reykjavik: 1 hour 45 minutes/ 80 miles /129 km
Region: Southern Coast
Ease of Access: level gravel path to view the waterfall, short walk in the river or balancing on rocks to the side of the river

Gljufrabui shares a parking lot with Seljalandsfoss and is just a short walk (0.4 miles/644 meters) down a gravel path. This was Dallas’ favorite waterfall to visit.

The waterfall is 131 feet (40 meters) tall, but the unique thing about Gljufrabui is that it is at the back of a narrow canyon. There is a large rock at the base of the waterfall to stand on for awesome pictures.

A lot of the reviews I read said you have to walk in the river to get back to the waterfall, but when we went in June, the water was low enough that there was a little walkway along the side we could walk along.

A man and woman standing on a large rock in front of a towering waterfall. Everything is wet and the whole area is shrouded in a light mist. — *Posing on the rock in front of Gljufrabui*

10. Irafoss

Distance from Reykjavik: 2 hours/ 86 miles/ 138 km
Region: Southern Coast
Ease of Access: short walk over uneven grass and gravel

Irafoss was my favorite waterfall because we had the place to ourselves when we went. You can see the waterfall from the parking lot and it is a short walk over uneven grass and rocks to get to the waterfall.

Irafoss is 135 feet (41 meters) tall. The kids enjoyed climbing around the rocks at the base of the waterfall. There is a large outcropping of rock right in front of the base of the waterfall that protects you from the spray.

The scenery is mesmerizing around Irafoss and it was a peaceful area to visit.

White stream of water falling off of a cliff covered in green moss. On the right is a large moss-covered rock. — *Irafoss*

11. Skogafoss

Distance from Reykjavik: 2 hours 15 minutes/ 97 miles /156 km
Region: Southern Coast
Ease of Access: short gravel path

Skogafoss was the busiest waterfall that we visited (we visited it in the early afternoon). The waterfall is massive at 203 feet (62 meters) tall and 49 feet (15 meters) wide.

It is a short walk from the parking lot to get to the base of the waterfall. The path is mostly flat, but there are some larger rocks strewn across it.

We were lucky enough to see the double rainbows at the bottom of the waterfall surrounded by rocks covered with green moss.

After seeing Skogafoss from the base, you can climb up and see it from the top. There is a path (really one big staircase) that goes up the right side of the waterfall. It is humbling to see the waterfall from the top. If you continue up the path, you can see many more waterfalls.

A person in a red coat is dwarfed by the large white waterfall behind her. The Skogafoss Double Rainbow is visible at the bottom of the waterfall. There is mist across the whole picture. — *Double rainbow at the base of Skogafoss*

12. Kvernufoss

Distance from Reykjavik: 2 hours 15 minutes/ 97 miles/ 156 km
Region: Southern Coast
Ease of Access: hike on a dirt path covered in rubber mats to help with traction and erosion

Kvernufoss does not have nearly as many visitors as Skogafoss, even though it is just down the road. You can walk behind the waterfall, which makes for an exciting adventure.

Kvernufoss is 98 feet (30 meters) tall and in the most beautiful gorge I have ever seen. The walk from the parking lot is only 0.5 miles (0.8 km) long and it meanders along the river. The pathway goes up and down small hills, but it is an easy walk.

This waterfall was not very crowded and we were able to enjoy our surroundings at our own pace.

Small girl in a pink coat and hat standing on a small boulder in front of a large waterfall. The waterfall is narrow and cascades down a large cliff that is covered with bright green moss. — *Getting ready to go behind Kvernufoss*

13. Systrafoss

Distance from Reykjavik: 3 hours 20 minutes/ 162 miles/ 260 km
Region: Southern Coast
Ease of Access: can see the waterfall from the road, steep hike to get above the waterfall

Systrafoss is an exquisite waterfall just off the Ring Road in the village of Kirkjubæjarklaustur. You can see the waterfall from the Ring Road.

If you want a closer look, you can drive to the village and park near the little cafe. If you want to explore the area more, you can hike above the waterfall and see the beautiful lake that feeds the waterfall.

The hike is 0.6 miles (1 km) long round-trip, but it is fairly steep the whole time with multiple sections with wooden stairs. There is also a small cave you can explore. We loved the informational signs along the way.

Two narrow stripes of white waterfall are in the middle of a moutnain covered with greenish-brown trees. The the base of the waterfall is a small white farm house. — *Double stream of Systrafoss*

14. Stjórnarfoss

Distance from Reykjavik: 3 hours 20 minutes/ 162 miles/ 260 km
Region: Southern Coast
Ease of Access: dirt and gravel trail with not much elevation change

Stjórnarfoss is just 4 minutes down the road from Systrafoss. There is a dirt parking lot and then you will have to cross the street to access the trail to the waterfall.

Stjórnarfoss is a two-tiered waterfall with a total drop of 78 feet (24 meters). The top waterfall is hard to view from the trail at the base of the waterfall due to the unique dome shape of the lower part of the waterfall.

Stjórnarfoss cascades down all sides of the dome-like rock structure into a pretty blue pool. You can swim in the pool on a warm day, but a warm day in Iceland would never be warm enough for me to get in that water.

Dome-shaped rock with water cascading down on all sides into a pool of water with a few small rocks at the edge of the pool. — *The bottom tier of Stjórnarfoss*

15. Foss á Síðu

Distance from Reykjavik: 3 hours 30 minutes/ 167 miles/ 270 km
Region: Southern Iceland
Ease of Access: view from your car

Foss á Síðu is a picturesque waterfall that falls behind some farmhouses. Unfortunately, the waterfall is on private land and you can not walk to the base of it.

You can see Foss á Síðu from the Ring Road and just keep driving or you can pull off onto the little dead-end road and get out to take a few pictures.

Foss á Síðu falls a total of 268 feet (82 meters) over the cliff. After falling 238 feet (73 meters), it hits a rock shelf and fans out for the last 30 feet (9 meters). It is primarily fed by snowmelt from a small area, so it is largest in the late spring and is much smaller in the fall and winter.

A waterfall that starts narrow at the top and 3/4 of the way down splays out into a fan of white water. The surrounding cliffs are contoured and there is a patch of dead yellow grass off to the left side. — *Foss á Síðu*

16. Fossálar Waterfall

Distance from Reykjavik: 3 hours 45 minutes/ 169 miles/ 272 miles
Region: Southern Iceland
Ease of Access: Right off the road, but no established path

Fossálar Waterfall is a hidden gem right off the Ring Road that people tend to gloss right over. It is not very big, but it is in the middle of a lava field and it has a spectacular backdrop of dramatic cliffs and a slender waterfall.

There is a small gravel pull-out on the south side of the Ring Road. After crossing the road, you can walk right over to the waterfall. It is the perfect stop to get out and stretch your legs on your way to/from Diamond Beach.

Short waterfall in the middle of a river. To the sides of the river are black rock and yellow-brown grass. In the distance behind the waterfall are tall cliffs. — *Fossálar Waterfall in the lava field*

17. Svartifoss

Distance from Reykjavik: 4 hours 15 minutes/ 203 miles/ 327km
Region: Southern Coast
Ease of Access: hike on a dirt trail

Svartifoss is only 65 feet (20 meters) tall, but its backdrop of a cliff made of basalt columns, much like the ones found at Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, makes it a unique waterfall.

The trail to get to Svartifoss starts at the Skaftafell Visitor Center. It goes through the Skaftafell Campground before turning off to gradually climb the mountain. The trail is 2.8 miles (4.5 km) round-trip and is a mix of dirt, gravel, wooden planks, and rubber mats.

The best part about visiting Svartifoss is that you get to enjoy two bonus waterfalls, Hundafoss and Magnúsarfoss, along the trail.

Narrow white waterfall surrounded by hexagon shaped pillars jutting out from the cliff. — *Unique basal columns of Svartifoss*

What to Pack

The weather in Iceland is not predictable. Wear lots of layers so you will be prepared for whatever comes your way. You will want a waterproof outer layer if you plan on getting close to the waterfalls. It is also important to have good shoes, as it can be slippery near the waterfalls.

Are The Waterfalls in Southern Iceland Worth Visiting?

Absolutely!! I recommend visiting them all if you have the time! Our family loves waterfalls and we were blown away (haha…Icelandic weather joke) by the waterfalls in Iceland!

The only downside is that we will no longer be impressed by any of the waterfalls around us in Utah. Iceland is expensive, but visiting these stunning waterfalls does not cost much and is worth every penny!

Recreate Responsibly

Please remember to recreate responsibly so that other people can enjoy it after you. Be respectful to the nature you come in contact with and stay on the designated trails. Take only pictures and memories, leave only footprints.

Explore Close By

Bounce Pillows
Dyrholaey Viewpoint
Gigjaga (Yoda Cave)
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
Skógar Museum
Sólheimajökull Glacier
Solheimasandur Plane Wreck
Vik
Westman Islands
Diamond Beach

17 Best Waterfalls in Southern Iceland

Summer in Iceland