10 Amazing and Uncommon Waterfalls in Iceland: A Must-See Guide for Adventure Travelers
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Iceland has no shortage of waterfalls, and you may think you’d get sick of them after a few, but they seem to get better and better. While popular spots like Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss often steal the limelight, there are numerous hidden gems scattered across the island waiting to be discovered by the adventurous explorer. If you’ve already seen the most popular waterfalls in Iceland and are just itching for more, or if you’re all about jumping right onto the less beaten path, then you are in the right place.
Fun Fact: You may notice a pattern at the end of most of the names, foss. Foss in Icelandic means waterfall. I know, what a surprise!
Summary
Gljúfrabúi
Bruarfoss
Hrafnabjargafoss
Aldeyjarfoss
Kvernufoss
Hestavaðsfoss
Svartifoss
Háifoss
Glymur
Dynjandi
Gljúfrabúi, Iceland
1. Gljúfrabúi
I know the saying goes, save the best for last. But I just couldn’t with this one. I think Gljúfrabúi might be my favorite waterfall in all of Iceland. And that’s coming from someone who thinks it’s hard to name a favorite food or color.
Hidden behind a cliff near the famous Seljalandsfoss, Gljúfrabúi is a real hidden gem that kicks off the adventure from the get-go. To get there, you have to wade through a narrow mountain crevice, but trust me, it's totally worth it. This secluded waterfall plummets into a mystical grotto, giving off some seriously enchanting and otherworldly vibes.
Travel Tip: Wear waterproof gear and sturdy shoes, as the walk through the gorge can be slippery and wet.
Bruarfoss, Iceland
2. Bruarfoss
Bruarfoss may be small, but the color is what attracts many people to make the hike to this waterfall. The striking blue color of the water, set against the rugged Icelandic landscape, creates a contrast that is simply mesmerizing. Despite its beauty, Bruarfoss remains relatively unknown, offering a peaceful retreat for those who venture off the beaten path.
Travel Tip: The hike to Bruarfoss can be a bit challenging, but the journey through picturesque landscapes makes it all the more rewarding. However, as of April 2023, there is now a dedicated parking lot that was created with only a 5 minute walk.
3. Hrafnabjargafoss
Tucked away in Iceland's rugged highlands, Hrafnabjargafoss is a stunning showcase of nature's power. This awesome waterfall thunders down with so much force you can hear its roar from miles away. Its out-of-the-way spot means it’s less crowded than other touristy places in Iceland, giving you a more chill and personal vibe. Surrounded by Iceland’s wild beauty, you get to really dive into the untouched landscapes, where nature’s raw majesty is everywhere you look. The trek to Hrafnabjargafoss might be a bit of a challenge, but it pays off big time with epic views and the peaceful feeling of being alone with nature in Iceland’s dramatic backdrops.
Travel Tip: A 4x4 vehicle is recommended for the journey, as the roads can be rough and challenging. Make sure your car is cleared for F roads.
Aldeyjarfoss, Iceland
4. Aldeyjarfoss
Aldeyjarfoss is an absolutely stunning waterfall, set against a wild backdrop of dark basalt columns that look just like organ pipes – a photographer’s and nature lover’s dream spot. Tucked away in Iceland’s untamed scenery, especially up north, Aldeyjarfoss is a bit off the beaten tourist track, making it a peaceful and untouched spot that’s really charming. Since it’s out of the way, you won’t find crowds here, letting you have a more up-close and personal moment with the awe-inspiring beauty of nature.
Travel Tip: Visit during the midnight sun in summer for the best lighting and extended daylight hours.
Kvernufoss, Iceland
5. Kvernufoss
Just a short, scenic hike away from the well-trodden path to the famous Skógafoss waterfall, Kvernufoss remains a secret treasure that many travelers unfortunately overlook. Nestled in a serene, lush valley, this hidden gem offers a breathtakingly picturesque setting. What makes Kvernufoss interesting is that you can actually walk behind the waterfall's cascading curtain of water, just like Seljalandsfoss. This gives you a unique view of the falls and an amazing chance to snap some photos, letting you capture the beauty of this hidden gem.
6. Hestavaðsfoss
Next, staying in the area of Skógafoss, Hestavaðsfoss is also a short scenic hike away but this time you are moving up. As you approach Skógafoss, to the right is a winding staircase nestled in to the mountain which leads to a beautiful high up view of the waterfall and the surrounding area. Right before the viewing platform there is a fork in the path, follow this to the Fimmvorduhals trailhead. This trail will bring you right up to Hestavaðsfoss. Taking the hike to this waterfall will definitely get you away from the crowds of Skógafoss and see a view of Iceland not many people get to see.
Svartifoss, Iceland
7. Svartifoss
Svartifoss, also known as the "Black Falls" because of its stunning dark basalt columns, is a total gem in Vatnajökull National Park. These columns look just like the pipes of a huge organ and have inspired a lot of Icelandic architecture, especially Reykjavik's iconic Hallgrímskirkja church. The way those rocks are perfectly shaped around Svartifoss makes it one of the coolest and most Instagram-worthy waterfalls in Iceland.
Getting to Svartifoss is pretty much an adventure on its own, with a clear trail that takes you through some amazing scenery. You'll see all sorts of stuff along the way, from smaller waterfalls to lush greenery in the summer, and maybe even some wildlife if you're lucky. The hike is a bit of a workout but totally doable for most people, taking about an hour and a half to go there and back. It's a fantastic way to really get into Iceland's incredible nature. The mix of Svartifoss's unique look and the beautiful hike makes visiting it an unforgettable part of any trip to Iceland.
Háifoss, Iceland
8. Háifoss
At 400 feet tall, Háifoss stands out as one of Iceland's highest and most stunning waterfalls. The sight of its powerful waters rushing down into a rugged canyon is simply breathtaking and dramatic, totally captivating anyone who sees it. There's something magical about the waterfall, especially with the peaceful, untouched nature all around it, offering a one-of-a-kind and memorable experience. For those who love a bit of adventure and are into nature, the area around Háifoss is perfect. It's crammed with hiking trails that zigzag through Iceland's incredible scenery. These paths give you a chance to dive deeper into the area's natural beauty, exploring lush valleys, towering cliffs, and the lively local plants and animals. Visiting Háifoss means embarking on an unforgettable adventure right into the heart of Iceland's natural wonders.
Travel Tip: The road to Háifoss can be rough, so a 4x4 vehicle is recommended. F roads are not on the route but there is a rough road towards the end. The hike to the waterfall offers spectacular views, so take your time to soak it all in.
Glymur, Iceland
9. Glymur
Glymur, once known as Iceland's tallest waterfall, has an impressive drop of 650 feet, making it a total stunner in terms of natural beauty. Getting to Glymur is quite the adventure and promises to be an experience you won't forget, with river crossings for the bold, cave explorations for the curious, and insane views that make the climb totally worth it. It's the perfect spot for anyone looking to add a little excitement to their sightseeing. The trail to Glymur is a wild ride through Iceland's landscape, mixing a bit of thrill with some seriously awe-inspiring scenery.
Dynjandi, Iceland
10. Dynjandi
Now I know I said forget the best for last, and I moved it to the top of the list. Well if there had to be a runner up I would say it is Dynjandi, so I might as well put it last and follow through on the saying.
Dynjandi is like the crown jewel of the Westfjords, totally stealing the show with its stunning waterfalls that stack up to create this epic visual feast. The star of the show is the main waterfall, dropping a cool 330 feet off a cliff. It's shaped like a fan, starting off wide at the top and getting narrower on the way down. The whole scene is set against the untouched Icelandic wilderness, making Dynjandi not just a treat for the eyes but a top spot for nature buffs and photographers looking for that perfect shot.
Travel Tip: The Westfjords are off the beaten path but totally worth it. Make sure to give yourself plenty of time for the trip, and think about hanging out for a few days to really soak in all the sights.
Exploring Iceland's lesser-known waterfalls offers a true sense of adventure and a refreshing twist to the typical itinerary. Each waterfall has its own unique character and story, beckoning you to immerse yourself in the enchanting beauty of Iceland's natural wonders.
Happy adventuring!
Hi, I’m Karen!Travel Blogger & Photographer + Founder of The Everyday Adventure
Here I share travel tips, packing guides, planning help, and photography from many different parts of the world. I help other working 9-5 adventurers get out into the world and see as much as they can with the little time they have available.
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