The Most Beautiful Waterfalls in Iceland: Map, Route and Practical Tips
Iceland waterfalls are easiest to plan as part of a route, not as isolated points on a map. Below you will find my practical selection of four less obvious places — Kvernufoss, Glymur, Gljúfrabúi and Háifoss with Granni — plus the Golden Circle classic, Gullfoss. This guide also includes a map and practical route logic. For a step-by-step visit to Skógafoss, the viewpoint above the waterfall, the walk along the river and Kvernufoss, use the dedicated guide: Skógafoss trail and Kvernufoss. If you are heading toward Háifoss, it is worth adding Gjáin Valley to the same day.
In 60 seconds: if you have little time, choose one area per day. Do not jump between the Golden Circle, the south coast and Þjórsárdalur in a chaotic way. Iceland rewards simple, regional planning.
Tip: start with the Iceland guide and region map, choose a ready-made 7-day Iceland itinerary, then add the Golden Circle and the south coast. In the evening, check the Iceland aurora radar.
Quick choice: four waterfalls and one classic worth seeing
If you are short on time, start with this set. Each place feels different: a waterfall you can walk behind, a canyon above a fjord, a hidden cleft, a raw highland valley and a Golden Circle classic.
The five points are: Kvernufoss, Glymur, Gljúfrabúi, Háifoss with Granni and Gullfoss. Lower in the guide you will find the map, route logic and practical notes for each stop.
Onda AIR — Iceland waterfalls
In one episode of my travel podcast I talked about Icelandic waterfalls, including Glymur, one of the most impressive waterfalls in western Iceland. The conversation also touched on Katla Geopark, film locations and the way waterfalls shape Icelandic routes.
Gullfoss: the classic that helps organise the Golden Circle
Gullfoss is a classic and it is hard to skip on a first trip to Iceland. I treat it here as a reference point: if you want to connect less obvious waterfalls with the Golden Circle, a separate Gullfoss guide will help you plan that day more clearly.
The most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland: four gems and one map for your route
The map is useful only when you use it with simple route logic. Plan waterfalls by region: Golden Circle, south coast, western Iceland and Þjórsárdalur. This way you avoid driving in circles and you gain more time for photos, short walks and weather changes.
Good planning matters in Iceland because wind, rain and gravel-road conditions can change the day very quickly. A waterfall that looks like a short stop on paper can easily become a wet, windy and slippery experience on site.
Kvernufoss: a waterfall behind the curtain of water near Skógafoss
Kvernufoss, like Seljalandsfoss, can be admired from more than one angle. The most memorable part is the approach behind the water curtain. It is a short walk, but the rock, moss and narrow gorge make the place feel much more intimate than the big roadside classics.
The best moment is a bright break in the weather, when the sun reaches Kvernugorge and the wet rock becomes more readable in photos. After rain, expect a slippery path and water drops on the lens, so a rain cover or a small cloth for the camera is useful.
Kvernufoss lies next to Skógafoss, so both waterfalls are easy to combine on the Iceland south coast route. For exact parking, viewpoint stairs and the order of visiting Skógafoss with Kvernufoss, open the detailed guide below.
Skógar Museum and the legend of the treasure behind Skógafoss
Skógar Museum, or Skógasafn, is connected with the well-known legend about a treasure hidden behind Skógafoss. According to the story, Þrasi Þórólfsson, a giant-like Viking figure, hid a chest full of gold behind the waterfall. The ring preserved in the museum is often linked with that story and adds a small cultural layer to the waterfall route.
Kvernufoss: access, practical details and best photos
The path to Kvernufoss is short, but you should still treat it as a wet Icelandic trail. Wear shoes with grip, avoid rushing behind the waterfall and be careful when the wind pushes spray toward the path.
If you enjoy combining nature with film and series locations, open the developing section about film tourism in Iceland. Many locations are easy to visit during a normal road trip, without building a separate route only for filming spots.
Glymur: 198 metres of drop and a trail above Hvalfjörður
Glymur is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in western Iceland, but in practice it is not a quick “park and look” stop. The main attraction is the whole trail: Botnsdalur valley, Þvottahellir cave, the Botnsá river, views toward Hvalfjörður and the viewpoints above the canyon.
Do not treat Glymur like an ordinary roadside waterfall. In the full guide I describe access, parking, the shorter route option, the loop, the Botnsá river crossing, the best season, common mistakes and safety rules.
Gljúfrabúi: the hidden waterfall in the cleft beside Seljalandsfoss
Gljúfrabúi is often called a hidden waterfall because it sits inside a narrow cleft surrounded by high rock walls. To see it properly, you need to enter the gap in the gorge. Expect a strong shower of spray; waterproof clothing is not an exaggeration here.
Many visitors focus only on nearby Seljalandsfoss and do not realise that Gljúfrabúi is so close. That is why this stop can feel more adventurous, especially outside the busiest hours.
The best approach is simple: protect your camera or phone, walk slowly over wet stones and do not block the narrow entrance for other people. In winter or in icy conditions, be especially careful.
Háifoss and Granni: the raw Þjórsárdalur valley away from crowds
Háifoss and Granni are best treated here as a strong preview rather than a full guide. If you are planning a day in Þjórsárdalur, go to the dedicated Háifoss guide and combine it with Gjáin Valley and other interior-side places.
Gjáin closes the same day beautifully: green valley, a short walk from Stöng and a strong film-location context. It is one of the best additions to a Háifoss route.
If you want to expand the day with more points in the interior, use the Highlands and interior guide. It helps connect places such as Hjálparfoss, Gjáin, Surtshellir and the highland edge in one regional plan.
The access to Háifoss and Granni depends on road and weather conditions. In dry periods some travellers reach the area in a regular car, but the gravel section can be rough, slow and risky for low vehicles. Drive carefully, check road conditions and do not force the route after rain.
Nauthúsafoss: a hidden south-coast gem in Nauthúsagil canyon
If after the south-coast classics you are looking for something more adventurous, add Nauthúsafoss to the plan. It is hidden at the end of the wet, narrow Nauthúsagil canyon — short, atmospheric and very different from a standard platform viewpoint.
The dedicated Nauthúsagil guide covers access, difficulty, safety and how to connect the canyon with Seljalandsfoss, Gljúfrabúi and the rest of the south coast.
Which Iceland waterfalls should you choose with limited time?
I do not like reducing Iceland to a fixed “top 10” list, because the best waterfall often depends on your route, weather and season. With limited time, choose the region first and then select two to four waterfalls that fit naturally into the day.
For a first trip, Gullfoss works well with the Golden Circle, Kvernufoss and Gljúfrabúi fit the south coast, Glymur is a better half-day hike, and Háifoss with Granni makes sense when you are ready for a more remote Þjórsárdalur day.
If you want to add more places along the way, also check the south coast Ring Road guide, Nauthúsagil and Nauthúsafoss, and the ready-made 7-day Iceland itinerary.
Iceland waterfalls: nature within easy reach
Iceland is one of the best countries in Europe for waterfall routes. Rain, glaciers, volcanic landscapes and steep valleys create a landscape where waterfalls become natural stops between regions. Some are roadside classics, others require short walks, gravel roads or proper hiking decisions.
The safest planning method is to choose the area you are already visiting and then add waterfalls “on the way”. That saves time, reduces driving stress and gives you more flexibility when the weather changes.
More Iceland guides: waterfalls, routes and maps
If you are building a waterfall-focused route, these guides will help you connect the places without chaos: Iceland guide and regions, Iceland in 4 days, Iceland in 7 days, Golden Circle, Reynisfjara safety, Interior and Highlands, and Iceland aurora radar.
If you plan Iceland as part of a wider northern route, also see the North travel section, where Iceland, Norway, Lofoten, fjords and aurora-focused guides are grouped together.
FAQ: Iceland waterfalls
When is the best time to visit waterfalls in Iceland?
Late spring to early autumn is the easiest period logistically: roads are more predictable and trails are usually drier. In winter the waterfalls can look spectacular, but ice, wind and slippery paths require more caution.
Do I need a 4×4 car for Iceland waterfalls?
For many south-coast classics and the Golden Circle, a regular car is usually enough when roads are open and conditions are good. For more remote places, such as the Háifoss area, road condition and season matter much more.
What shoes and clothing are best for waterfall stops?
Choose shoes with good grip and a waterproof jacket. Wet rocks can be extremely slippery, and at places such as Gljúfrabúi or behind Kvernufoss you should expect spray almost immediately.
How much time should I plan for each waterfall?
For a quick look and photos, 30–60 minutes can be enough at many waterfalls. Glymur and longer approaches require more time and should be treated like a normal hike, not a quick stop.
Is walking behind a waterfall safe?
It can be slippery and wet, so walk slowly, stay on the path and avoid risky moves for photos. If the wind is strong or the ground is icy, it is better to stay on the safer part of the trail.
Can I fly a drone near Iceland waterfalls?
Rules can differ depending on the place, season and nature protection. Always check signs on site, avoid crowds and birds, and do not disturb other visitors.
How can I avoid crowds at popular waterfalls?
Go early or late. Mornings and late afternoons usually give better light and fewer people. Choosing less obvious places, such as canyons and short side trails, also helps.
What should I check before hiking to Glymur?
Check weather, wind and rain. In the canyon, conditions can change quickly, and wet stones, roots and exposed sections require caution. If the trail feels unsafe, choose a shorter option or return another day.
Read also
For faster route planning, start with Iceland: regions and quick start, then add the south coast route, Golden Circle, 7-day itinerary and the aurora radar.
