The most spectacular waterfalls in Iceland beyond Gullfoss
Iceland waterfalls are among the island’s most arresting natural sights, and looking beyond Gullfoss reveals a variety that will enrich your trip. This Iceland waterfall guide helps you plan visits to the best waterfalls Iceland has to offer, covering access, seasonality and safety so you can decide whether to self-drive or join a local tour.
On the south coast you’ll find Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss within easy reach of the Ring Road, each offering distinct experiences: Seljalandsfoss lets you walk behind a 60-metre curtain of water, while Skógafoss delivers a thunderous, wide drop famed for rainbows. Further east, Svartifoss sits in Skaftafell framed by basalt columns, and nearby attractions make it ideal for a full-day hike.
In the north and northeast, Dettifoss asserts itself as Europe’s most powerful waterfall by volume and should be approached with caution; Goðafoss, nearer to Mývatn and Akureyri, offers easier access and rich history. For quieter discoveries, hidden waterfalls Iceland such as Kvernufoss and the twin Háifoss and Granni reward hikers prepared for rough tracks and occasional 4×4 sections.
Before you travel, check the Icelandic Met Office and Vegagerðin for weather and road updates, follow park advice on conservation and drone use, and remember practical tips on footwear, waterproofs and daylight hours. For a scenic primer on landscape and route ideas, see this motorcycling account of Iceland’s terrain for further context: motorcycling through Iceland’s vast landscapes.
