The Most Beautiful and Unknown Waterfalls of Southern Iceland !!!

Hey, during my many trips to Iceland, I always discover something new, but there are places I love to return to the most. Waterfalls are some of them. That’s why in this article, I wanted to highlight the lesser-known gems that impressed me the most. Both with their magic, the power of the cascade, and the surroundings like the trail leading to the summit (Glymur Waterfall). I’ve selected the top four waterfalls in southern Iceland. I know that, for example, Glymur waterfall is further west, but I tried to frame it within one general area.

Onda 🛑 AIR – Waterfalls of Iceland

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🔔 In the second episode of the podcast “Onda 🛑 AIR – conversations about travel and interesting places”, I cover the topic of Iceland’s waterfalls. One of them was Glymur waterfall. Glymur is the second tallest waterfall in Iceland, measuring 198 meters. We also talked about other waterfalls, TV series, Katla Geopark, etc.

Not the one above, it doesn’t belong to them. Everyone knows it, right? 😉

The Most Beautiful Waterfalls of Southern Iceland According to OndaTravel.pl

TABLE OF CONTENTS: THE MOST BEAUTIFUL WATERFALLS OF ICELAND in Iceland

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KVERNUFOSS WATERFALL in Iceland

Kvernufoss Waterfall, like Seljalandsfoss, can be admired from two sides. However, approaching it from behind, behind the water curtain, is a real experience.

The real magic begins during the afternoon “weather window,” when the sun’s rays illuminate the gorge called Kvernugorge or Kvernugil, creating an unforgettable spectacle of light and color. It is then that Kvernufoss becomes a place where time stands still, and the surrounding nature blossoms in all its magic.

Kvernufoss Waterfall – mysterious neighbor or brother of Skógafoss?

Kvernufoss Waterfall is essentially a neighbor of Skógafoss Waterfall. Both were formed by the Skógá River, which originates between the Eyjafjallajökull and Katla volcanoes. 

Kvernufoss  is located  on private land, but the owner allows free entry. There is a parking lot “Kvernufoss bílastæði” available on site next to the Freyacafe restaurant and the Skógar / Skógasafn museum*

Kvernufoss Waterfall is definitely a little-known and often overlooked waterfall on the route, and at the same time one of the most beautiful in this region

Basic Information:

• Location: GGH9+HWC, 861 Evindarhólar, Iceland
• Region: Suðurland, on the south coast of Iceland
• River: Fed by the Skógá River
• Height: 30-60 meters high depending on the source
• Admission: Free on private property

The Most Beautiful Waterfalls of Southern Iceland According to OndaTravel.pl

Skógar Museum / Skógasafn

* Skógar Museum / Skógasafn* holds a golden ring of mysterious origin. Legend has it that this extraordinary jewel dates back to the times of Þrasi Þórólfsson, a Viking who was a giant and allegedly buried a chest full of gold behind Skógafoss waterfall.
The ring, originally intended as an ornamental detail on the chest, simultaneously became the only trace of the treasure’s existence after a failed attempt to retrieve it. As if it were meant to tell the story of the mysterious chest itself, it detached from it in a dramatic way, leaving behind only a mysterious memory of the failed expedition.
The rescued ring found a new home in the local church before finally ending up in the museum’s collections.

Interesting Facts about Kvernufoss Waterfall

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​Glymur Waterfall in Iceland

​Glymur Waterfall is located on private property. However, there is a sign on the entrance gate to the area informing us that we enter at our own risk. I assume this is because of the 2023 accident on the trail mentioned below. The waterfall itself makes an amazing impression. The water falls from a great height, creating a dense mist. Silence and peace reign around the waterfall. It’s the perfect place to relax and admire nature. See for yourself how it looks in the photos and videos below.
Admission is free and I recommend arriving early in the morning.

Glymur Waterfall is one of the highest waterfalls in Iceland.

Basic Information:

• Location: Bílastæði við Botnsá og Glym Botnsa, Iceland
• Region: Botnsdalur Valley, near Hvalfjörður (Whale Fjord).
• River: Fed by the Botnsá River, which flows from Hvalvatn Lake
• Height: Glymur is the second tallest waterfall in Iceland, measuring 198 meters
• Admission: Free on private property

Tip 1: If choosing the loop route, I recommend bringing e.g., water shoes or flip-flops to cross the Botnsá River.
Tip 2: The trail is only accessible during the summer season. I do not recommend hiking the trail in the winter.

A dedicated post about the waterfall itself, rich in my photos and videos, including those from a drone, will be created soon.

Glymur Waterfall is definitely the most beautiful of the unknown waterfalls in Iceland and should be on your dream list !!!

​Available Trails Leading to Glymur Waterfall

A trip to Glymur Waterfall is a great opportunity to admire the beauty of Iceland.

There are two trails leading to the top of the waterfall, about 3km and 1.5km, both are well marked and not too demanding. Of course, you can venture further, e.g., to Hvalfell peak or Hvalvatn Lake

The shorter route via Einitunga (from the parking lot, we turn right as the signs show), which I recommend, leads through picturesque landscapes, including lupine fields and the Þvottahellir cave, which we must enter to continue the trail. Then we cross a footbridge and head uphill.

Þvottahellir Cave on the Trail to Glymur Waterfall

As for the longer route via Glumsbrekkur, it’s not as interesting. Monotonous and rocky. Walking on this side, I had the impression I was walking on a Syrian desert.
On the way back, I recommend being careful, as it’s easy to slip on the loose stones.

There is another option, which is combining both routes into a longer loop.
However, here I recommend bringing e.g., water shoes or flip-flops to cross the Botnsá River. In summer, the water level is knee-deep. Unfortunately, there is no information about this anywhere, and I wanted to see what was on the other side. That’s why I decided to walk this section barefoot. The stony bottom causes a lot of pain.

I recommend checking the detailed maps:
Mapcarta.com
Map.is

Blog about the region and surroundings of Glymur Waterfall
Ferlir.is

At the top comes that moment when we can sit down and drift away, savoring the incredible views. The beautiful canyon surrounded by the fjord is enchanting. The size and vast space give a lot to think about. Take a moment to see what the landscape looks like near one of Iceland’s most beautiful waterfalls in the drone flight below.

Beautiful View of Hvalfjörður Fjord in Iceland

Hvalfjörður, meaning “Whale Fjord”, is a picturesque fjord located in western Iceland, about 30 kilometers north of the country’s capital, Reykjavik.
The name of the fjord, “Whale Fjord”, comes from the whales that were once frequently seen in these waters, as well as from whaling activities.

Hvalfjörður is surrounded by mountains and offers stunning views. It is particularly known for Glymur waterfall, which was considered the highest waterfall in Iceland before a higher one was discovered in the interior.
The fjord itself is about 30 kilometers long and at its widest point is about 5 kilometers across.

During World War II, Hvalfjörður was a strategic location for the Allies, who used it as a naval base. Remains from this period can still be found in the area.

Hvalfjarðargöng Tunnel:
In 1998, the Hvalfjarðargöng tunnel was opened, shortening the travel time around the fjord by car. The tunnel runs under the fjord and is part of the Icelandic Ring Road (Route 1).


​During a road trip around Iceland, relaxation is also important, and here I’ll mention that near Glymur waterfall in Hvalfjörður fjord, there is a thermal spa with hot springs Hvammsvík Nature Resort & Hot Springs. I write about this place and other geothermal sources in the article “ Iceland Hot Springs and Geothermal Pools near Reykjavik” , which I invite you to read.

A Word of Caution !!!

Tourist Dies After Fall at Glymur Waterfall

I mentioned earlier that the trail is only open in the summer. Of course, it’s possible to enter the area, but there is a high risk near the edges in the upper parts of the cliffs.
The trail is very well prepared, but at the very top, you need to be very careful.
In March 2023, a young couple took the risk of such a “trip”. Unfortunately, with a fatal outcome.

Link to the article: Ruv.is

Tragic Accident Near Glymur

“But it was difficult, dangerous. There was a high risk of falling and the operation was time-consuming. There was and still is a lot of ice on site, both in the ravine and on its sides, so the conditions there are simply dangerous” said Jón Þór.

Link to the article: Visir.is

The Most Beautiful and Unknown Waterfalls of Southern Iceland According to OndaTravel.pl

Gljufrabui Waterfall in Iceland

​Gljúfrabúi Waterfall is often called the “hidden waterfall” because it is tucked away in a gorge and surrounded by high cliffs. To see it in its entirety, it is necessary to enter the gorge through a small crevice. Get ready for a heavy shower here 🙂
I recommend bringing a raincoat or waterproof suit.

Gljúfrabúi Waterfall is the most concealed and underrated waterfall in Iceland.
Mainly because tourists are unaware of its existence, focusing only on its largest neighbor in the area, Seljalandsfoss waterfall.

Basic Information:

• Location: in the vicinity of Seljalandsfoss waterfall Þórsmerkurvegur, 861, Iceland
• Region: Suðurland
• River: Fed by the Gljúfurá River
• Height: Gljufrabui is a waterfall about 40 meters high
• Admission: Free

View from above Gljúfrabúi Waterfall and from the entrance leading to the cave

Háifoss Waterfall in Iceland

Háifoss Waterfall is the third tallest waterfall in Iceland, measuring 128 meters, right after Morsárfoss (240 meters) and Glymur (198 meters). It is located in the southwestern part of the island, in the Fossárdalur valley, near the Hekla volcano. The waterfall was formed by the erosion of the Fossá River, which flows through a gorge of the same name.
Apparently, the name of the waterfall, Háifoss, means “High Waterfall”

Basic Information:

• Location: Háifoss, 804, Iceland
• Region: Suðurland, on the south coast of Iceland
• River: Fed by the Fossá River
• Height: Háifoss is one of the highest waterfalls in Iceland at about 128 meters high
• Admission: Free

Tip 1: when returning from the waterfall, I encourage you to visit the Gjáin oasis, mentioned below

Háifoss and Granni are definitely the least known and underrated waterfalls. The cascades falling with enormous force make a huge impression.
The water moves as if in slow motion, and the Fossárdalur valley

I invite you to a film about Háifoss Waterfall

📍 Iceland – Discovering Haifoss / Háifoss Waterfall ❯ Iceland Guide with OndaTravel.pl

Haifoss / Háifoss Waterfall  – Hidden Gems of Iceland

Wodospad Haifoss / Háifoss  – Ukryte perełki Islandii

Háifoss Waterfall is the third tallest waterfall in Iceland

The Most Beautiful Waterfalls of Southern Iceland According to OndaTravel.pl

Nearby is the smaller Granni waterfall
Both waterfalls are very similar in height and power. However, they differ slightly in appearance. Háifoss is wider and has a more gradual drop, while Granni is narrower and has a steeper drop.

Films and TV series filmed at Háifoss Waterfall

Háifoss Waterfall in Þjórsárdalur, Iceland, is one of the locations where scenes for the film Greenland 2: Migration were shot. The same raw landscape is also recognized by many viewers in the finale of Stranger Things 5.
The final scene shows Eleven (played by Millie Bobby Brown) standing alone on a cliff between the powerful Háafoss and Granni waterfalls in Þjórsárdalur. Fans have been asking: where did Eleven end up in the Stranger Things 5 finale, and where was the finale of Stranger Things 5 filmed? Everything suggests that the inspiration was Iceland itself, specifically the area around Háifoss Waterfall — one of the most cinematic locations on the island.

Last summer, Millie Bobby Brown caught fans’ attention by posting photos on social media with Icelandic place names in the background. Shortly afterward, it was confirmed that the actress had traveled to Iceland together with the Duffer brothers, the creators of Stranger Things, to film new scenes for the series.

The Icelandic daily Morgunblaðið, citing the Icelandic Film Centre, reported that the production of the series in Iceland cost around 44 million Icelandic krona. Today, it is known exactly where these scenes were filmed — in the Þjórsárdalur valley, in the Árnessýsla region. The monumental Háifoss and Granni waterfalls, surrounded by the harsh landscape of Iceland’s interior, gave the final scenes of the series an epic, almost otherworldly atmosphere.

How to Get to Háifoss and Granni Waterfalls?

Turning off the “asphalt” road Þjórsárdalsvegur, we turn onto the gravel road Haafossvegur, at the beginning of which there is a sign informing that the road is intended for 4×4 vehicles. However, from my own experience, I add that it is possible to drive a passenger car during the dry season. But you need to drive slowly and watch out for protruding and sharp stones.

Travel time about 30-40 minutes.

Trekking around Haifoss Waterfall

If you like trekking, you can descend Fossárdalur valley, to the base of the waterfalls, or make a loop.
I refer you to the already mentioned website Mapcarta.com , where you can trace the routes

Near Háifoss and Granni Waterfalls you can find

GJÁIN VALLEY, STANGARVEGUR in Iceland

Gjáin Valley, or oasis as some call it, located in southern Iceland, is one of the most beautiful places on the island. It is a narrow gorge up to 50 meters deep, carved by the Þjórsá River. The valley is surrounded by steep basalt cliffs and is home to many species of plants and animals.

I invite you to a film about Gjáin Valley

Did you know that scenes for the series Game of Thrones were filmed here, featuring The Hound and Arya Stark – Game of Thrones. Episode 5 of Season 4 ?

I wrote more about Gjáin Valley in the blog SOUTH COAST – RING ROAD ICELAND

T​hat’s all for now

I deliberately avoid numbers like “My top 4 waterfalls in Iceland”, “Top four most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland”, “The most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland” , “10 waterfalls in Iceland you must see” , “The most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland”
“Top 20 most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland”, “7 most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland”

etc., only because there are still many waterfalls to discover. So the list will grow when I move to the island and have more time and opportunities to explore Iceland

​Discover with me the most beautiful and unknown waterfalls of southern Iceland !!!

The Most Beautiful Waterfalls of Iceland – the magic of nature at your fingertips

Iceland is a true paradise for nature lovers and those seeking unforgettable views. Waterfalls such as the majestic Gullfoss, the picturesque Seljalandsfoss or the powerful Skógafoss, enchant everyone who visits them. Interestingly, Iceland is the country with the highest number of waterfalls per area – their presence is due to the island’s unique climate, high rainfall and melting glaciers. All this makes waterfalls some of the most recognizable tourist attractions in the country, perfect for those wondering what to visit in Iceland.

On the map of Iceland’s attractions, you can find hundreds of waterfalls, and their number is still growing due to volcanic activity and melting glaciers. When planning a road trip around Iceland, it is worth taking advantage of organized tour offers, which allow you to visit both the most famous and less accessible places. A guided tour in Polish is the perfect solution for those who want to fully immerse themselves in Iceland – from its spectacular tourist attractions to hidden corners.

For those dreaming of an exceptional expedition, travel agencies such as Ondatravel.pl offer adventure tours and thematic tourist trips, e.g., in search of the northern lights. The cost of a trip to Iceland may vary depending on the program, but every expedition guarantees unforgettable experiences. Exploring Iceland in an organized form is a way to make the most of your time and discover what the land of fire and ice has best to offer.

Iceland what to visit, Iceland tourism, Iceland tourist attractions, Iceland what to see, Iceland sightseeing

I invite you to follow my social media channels, where I try to share my discoveries in the form of photos and videos not only from Iceland

Iceland guide for the curious of the world! In our complete tourist guide to Iceland, you will find a ranking of Iceland what is worth seeing – from the Blue Lagoon hot springs to volcanoes like Eyjafjallajökull. Check out Iceland tourist attractions and delve into interesting facts about Iceland (e.g., why do Icelanders believe in elves?). You will also learn what to visit in Iceland to avoid the crowds. Ready for an adventure?

• the most beautiful waterfalls of Iceland
• Iceland waterfalls guide
• Seljalandsfoss waterfall
• Skógafoss waterfall
• Gullfoss waterfall

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