Island State - this is what Iceland is called all over the world. A significant part of the island's area is subject to glaciation. Icelandic glaciers feed local rivers. The rocky relief of the area contributes to the formation of numerous waterfalls. Geysers and waterfalls are the main natural attractions of the country. There are really a lot of them on the island, and they are all worthy of the attention of tourists.
Some water formations are located among high hills with lush and dark greenery. This is how the magnificent landscapes of Icelandic nature are formed. In Iceland there are grandiose waterfalls, the height of which exceeds 200 meters, and there are also very small ones up to 5-7 meters in height. Waterfalls in Icelandic lands are located everywhere. They can be found among rocky cliffs, at the foot of volcanoes, on hilly plains and among rare forests. Icelanders have a special relationship with the water falling down. Once upon a time, waterfalls served as their main sources of fresh water.
The most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland
Famous and popular waterfalls worth visiting!
Gullfoss
Icelandic Falls is located in the Südürland region. Height - 32 meters. The natural formation is located on the Khvitau River. The waterfall has a two-stage structure. At the top of Gullfoss is the Sigridur stone monument. This girl once did not allow her father to build a hydroelectric power station on this site. The construction could destroy one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland. The engineer's daughter threatened to throw herself into the waterfall if construction began there.
Detifoss
The most powerful waterfall in Europe is located on the river with the notable name Jekulsau-au-Fjedlum. Part of the national park. Height - 44 meters. During the flood period, the rate of water downfall here is 600 m³ / sec. Detifoss was featured in Ridley Scott's Prometheus. The place is very popular with tourists, because the speed of the water flow near the waterfall is really huge. The tourist infrastructure of the area is at a high level.
Skogafoss
The attraction is located in the Südürland area on the Skogau River. Height - 60 meters. Not far from the waterfall is the residential village of Skogar. Due to the huge number of splashes in the sun, a single rainbow is visible near the waterfall. Downstream of the river there is a glacier popular with tourists. There is a hiking trail on the eastern side of the waterfall. A cave was discovered under the streams of Skogafoss water, about which there are many legends and stories.
Hauyfoss
The Fossau River also has its own waterfall. Height - 122 meters. Near the waterfall, you can find the Hekla volcano. Natural education is considered the second highest in the country among its kind. There is a tourist car park at the top of Hauyfoss. The village of Steing is located in the lowland. From it to the waterfall there is a walking route that takes 6 hours. The village has minimal infrastructure.
Godafoss
The waterfall is located in the north of the country in the Nordurland-Eistra region. Formed on the Skjaulvandaflyout river. Height - 12 meters. In 1000, a pagan face was thrown into the waters of this waterfall, because of this event the place got its name. Godafoss is renowned as one of the most accessible and photographed waterfalls on the island. Local guides love to tell about its legends.
Dinyandi
The natural formation on the Dinyandisau River is located in the Westfjords region. Height - 100 meters. The rapids are based in a conservation area. From Icelandic, the name Dinyandi is translated as "roaring". Camping sites are available downstream of the river. The Dinyandi waters flow into the bay, which becomes the ocean. Archaeologists managed to find out that the rock of these rocks consists of lava. The oldest layers are dated at 13 million years. Tourism has just begun to develop here. One cannot count on a comfortable infrastructure.
Seljalandsfoss
The natural landmark is located in the Südürland region. The picturesque waterfall has become Iceland's trademark more than once. Rapids take water from the Seljalandsau River. There is a tourist center not far from this place. The views of the waterfall become especially spectacular in the evening hours. Thanks to the wide ledge at the top, you can see the beauty of the territory from all sides.
Selfoss
A small waterfall is located in the Nordurland-Eistra region on the Jekulsau au Fjedlum river. Height - 11 meters. The river that feeds the waterfall begins at the glacier, then flows into the territory of the national park. The width of the natural formation is 100 meters, the rocks in this place form a horseshoe when viewed from above. The water level in the river up to the waterfall varies greatly depending on the season. In winter, part of the water system freezes over.
Glymur
Among the fjords of Vestürland there is a huge waterfall with an unattainable summit. Height - 196 meters. You can only view the miracle of nature from the side. Further impregnable rocks do not allow you to come close to the stream. Not far from the formation rises the Hwalfell volcano. The waterfall was formed thanks to the rapids of the Botns River. The canyon at the foot of the landmark is densely covered with green moss. The entire tourist infrastructure is located in the village of the same name with the river.
Glufrabui
The waterfall is called secret, as it is located in the rock. You can get closer to it by carefully stepping on the stones of a narrow crevice. Height - 40 meters. This place is worth looking for next to another waterfall, Seljalandsfoss. Water formations are located at a distance of 100 steps from each other. Signs lead to the waterfall hidden in the rock. Walking along them, one can appreciate the harsh beauty of these lands.
Svartifoss
The natural monument is located on the grounds of the Skaftafell Nature Reserve. The fall of water here takes place surrounded by natural columns of black lava. For decades, basalt and lava columns have inspired Icelandic architects to design extraordinary churches and industrial buildings. The columns appear to be man-made, but in reality they are created by nature.
Hreinfossar
A series of rapids forming small water drops are located near the village of Husafell. There is another attraction nearby - a tube-shaped cave with lava walls. Water formations arose thanks to the Kvitau River. The area around the natural monument has a special northern beauty, thus attracting many tourists. The length of the rapids is 900 meters. The waters of the river rush down and flow slowly.
Oufairufoss
Two-step rapids in the Eldgyau canyon. Until the 90s, the water formation was crossed by a natural basalt bridge. Then it was destroyed. Melting snows were said to be the cause of the destruction. The canyon under the waterfall is of volcanic origin. Oufairufoss is based in the central part of the island.
Kolugluvur
The waterfall is formed by the Vidals river. Height - 25 meters. The waterfall is named after the famous giantess who, according to legends, once lived in these lands. The river to the waterfall flows through the Vidaldur region. The attraction is worth looking to the west of the town of Blonduos. A canyon with a waterfall flaunts in the center of a picturesque valley.
Urridafoss
In the Südürland region, there is a small waterfall on the Tjörsau River. Urridafoss is part of a plan to build a vast southwestern hydropower plant in Iceland. Height - 6 meters. Conservationists have concerns that the waterfall may disappear after construction. These fears are not unfounded. It is worth not missing the moment, and on occasion admire the views of the waterfall while it still exists.
Hengifoss
A natural landmark adorns the Icelandic region of Eysturland. Height - 128 meters. Natural education is based on the Hengifossau riverbed.The area in which Hengifoss is located is the most popular tourist destination in the country. It takes no more than 60 minutes to walk from the waterfall itself to the tourist parking lot. The area around the natural monument consists of basalt rocks and fossils of ancient trees.
Aldeyarfoss
There is another waterfall in the north of the Icelandic plateau. Height - 20 meters. The landscape around consists of rocks and small pebbles. Among such natural futurism, the water falling down looks very impressive. The birthplace of the waterfall is the Skjaulvandaflyout River. The riverbed runs along a lava plain dominated by gray and brown earth tones.
Hjaulparfoss
Education is one of the numerous and low rapids of the Fossau River. Near this territory, the Hekla volcano rises. The settlement of Fludir is located 30 km to the east. You can get to the waterfall if you turn onto a gravel road from Route 32. In these lands, tourism is quite well developed, as in the whole of Südürland.
Litlanesfoss
The waterfall is surrounded by volcanic rock. The overwhelming water has a source from the Lagarflout River. Further, the water flows into the lake, where, according to legend, giant snakes are found. Not far from these natural gems is the town of Egilsstadir. The necessary tourist infrastructure is present there. The waterfall is located among the basalt columns, which are breathtaking to look at.
Fax
In the east of Reykjavik, there is the Golden Circle. This route includes all the natural beauty of the area. Faxi is a small but picturesque waterfall that looks wonderful in the photo against the backdrop of the azure sky. The waterfall is fed by the waters of the Tungufllot River. Surprisingly, there is salmon in Faxi. Camping and parking are organized nearby. You can fish at the waterfall, or just admire its views. Kayaking is dangerous here.
Thoufafoss
In the southwest of Burfeld Hill, there is a compact but fast waterfall. It is fed by the Thorsau River. A tourist route along a gravel road has been laid to the waterfall. This place has several rapids, the widest of which is Thoufafoss. The territory has an interesting relief, which not only tourists, but also local residents love to photograph.
Hafragilsfoss
There are several waterfalls in the Jekulsau-au-Fjedlum glacier system. Hafragilsfoss is considered the largest aquatic formation here. Height - 27 meters. There is an easy access observation deck on the east bank of the waterfall. The view of the river next to this giant is excellent. The place can be reached by car; there is a parking lot at the observation deck. In neighboring settlements, you can book an excursion to the waterfall.
Bruarfoss
The attraction is located in Syudyurland. The waterfall is notable for the fact that downstream the rock forms a natural bridge. The water in this place also bubbles and soars in winter due to the many thermal springs underground. The body of water has a piercing blue color, which is especially beautiful on a sunny day.
Ehsaraurfoss
The compact waterfall is located in Thingvellir National Park. It is located in the bed of the Ehsarau River. The natural formation is based near the lake, as well as along the route 36. In winter, the lower part of Ehsaraurfoss freezes over, as the depth is shallow and there are many stones. It is believed that in the past this waterfall was artificially created by the Icelanders themselves in order to provide themselves with fresh water supplies.
Kirkjufellsfoss
The natural monument is located at the Kirkjufell mountain near the town of Grundarfjordur. Accessibility and splendor make this a very popular destination for travelers. Views of the waterfall can be seen in Iceland on postcards and souvenirs. They say that the most wonderful photos are taken here in summer. The waterfall has the necessary infrastructure for outdoor recreation.
Phagrifoss
Getting to Fagrifoss can be difficult for an untrained traveler. The waterfall is located in a hard-to-reach place among the rocks. Height - 80 meters. The type of food is the Gerlands river. The waterfall occupies a small part of the Icelandic highlands. Despite the limited access, there is an observation deck at the top of Fagrifoss. It is better not to go to Fargifoss alone. Even trained groups are hired for the ascent of a guide.
Merkjarfoss
The waterfall is fed by the waters of the Merkyar River. The size of the natural formation is very small. In the lower reaches, Merkjarfoss is divided into 3 streams. People come to this place to look not at the waterfall itself, but at the amazing nature around. Emerald hills and moss-covered boulders in the sunlight create an enchanting atmosphere unique to Iceland. It is best to see the beauty on a clear and cloudless day.
Kvernoufoss
The attraction is located in the Skogar area. The waterfall is formed in a narrow gorge and cannot be seen from the main road. The waters of the Kverna River rush off the cliff. It is quite easy to get to the waterfall, it is enough to climb the trail up to 600 meters. The walls in the gorge are covered with green moss, creating a fabulous atmosphere of natural grandeur inside. There is a natural observation deck at the top of Kvernoufoss.
Tourufoss
The waterfall is located near Reykjavik, east of Lake Tingvadlavatn. It is part of the Laxa y Kyos River, which is famous for its Atlantic salmon population. Despite the availability of a visit, this waterfall is less well known than its counterparts and therefore not too marked. However, he could be seen in one of the scenes of the series "Game of Thrones". It is known that there are often frosts here in winter.
Morsaurfoss
Icelandic Falls is located at the foot of the glacier. Height - 240 meters. In this case, the fall of water from the cliff is the result of the melting of the glacier. The natural monument is located in the southeast of the island. In 2007, this waterfall was recognized as the highest in the country. Before him, this title was held by Glymur. There are no hiking trails near the waterfall. It is very difficult to get close to him. An excellent view of this pearl opens from the neighboring Kristinartindara Mountain. This path can only be mastered by experienced climbers. Therefore, it was difficult to measure the height of Morsaurfoss for a long time. Today, the height of the waterfall is listed in all local guidebooks.
