Last Updated on December 30, 2025
Iceland is famous for it’s many incredible waterfalls, which are called “foss” in Icelandic. There are so many throughout Iceland, that while road tripping around you could easily plan nothing at all and still stumble across waterfalls. In fact, many of them can be seen right from Iceland’s famous Ring Road (Route 1).
From the powerful roar of Gulfoss pouring into a canyon, to moss covered cliffs that surround Kvernufoss, here are southern Iceland waterfalls you won’t want to miss.
These beautiful southern Iceland waterfalls are easy to access on your Iceland road trip. Plus, be sure to read to the end of this guide to learn 4 essential tips for visiting southern Iceland waterfalls.
14 of the Best Waterfalls in Southern Iceland
What should you not do in Iceland? Miss these incredible Iceland waterfalls! Be sure to add your favourites from this list to your Iceland itinerary.
1. Oxararfoss
Location: Thingvellir National Park
Distance from Reykjavik: 45 minute drive
Accessibility: 10 minute walk from the parking lot on a well maintained path.
One of southern Iceland’s waterfalls is known for being featured on Game of Thrones! Oxararfoss and the nearby canyon (known as the Dead Man’s Walk) were used as the location of the Bloody Gate in season 4 of the series.
The 13 meter (44 feet) tall waterfall flows out the river Öxará, cascading in two separate drops over the cliffs of Almannagjá gorge. At the base of the waterfall is a beautiful pool of water surrounded by smooth rocks. The pool flows into the river as it continues through the gorge.
Oxararfoss can be visited year round because the paths to the waterfall are well maintained. During the winter, the waterfall is frozen over. You might even spot ice climbers scaling it!
There is parking about a 10 minute walk from Oxararfoss, and bathroom facilities right by the parking lot.
Visiting this waterfall is one of the best things to do in Iceland because it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and part of Thingvellir National Park, a natural area known for being the boundary between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.
2. Glymur Waterfall
Location: Hvalfjordur Fjord
Distance from Reykjavik: 1 hour drive
Accessibility: Requires moderately difficult hike which can only be done in the summer months.
Glymur is a well known southern Iceland waterfall because it cascades 198 meters (650 feet) down, making it Iceland’s second tallest waterfall. Glymur flows from the Botnsa River down a steep, mossy canyon into the valley, Botnsdalur. This waterfall is not visible from the road, which means you’ll have to hike to see it.
The hike to Glymur is a 7 kilometer out-and-back trail with an elevation of 425 meters. There are several viewpoints throughout the hike, which takes between 3 and 5 hours. You’ll go through a cave, cross a log over the river, and use chains to scramble down the side of a cliff. These obstacles aren’t too difficult, and make the hike fun!
It’s best to hike to Glymur waterfall during summer (June through September). In the winter, hiking the trail can be dangerous.
To reach the trailhead on your Iceland road trip, drive north from Reykjavik along Ring Road. On the north side of the fjord, there will be a sign for Glymur and a dirt road that will take you to the trailhead. Parking is free, but there are no bathrooms, so plan accordingly.
3. Hraunfossar & Barnafoss
Location: A few kilometers from Reykholt
Distance from Reykjavik: 1 hour 40 minute drive
Accessibility: Short walk from parking lot.
Venturing off of the famous Ring Road and into the highlands in the center of Iceland will bring you to gorgeous southern Iceland waterfalls, like Hraunfossar and Barnafoss. These two waterfalls are very close to each other, so you can combine both into one visit.
Hraunfossar is 12 meters (39 feet) high. The waterfall is fed by the Langjökull glacier. Water flows from the glacier and through a lava field formed by an earlier volcanic eruption.
Hraunfossar is sometimes called the ‘Lava Falls’ because it connects the Langjökull and Hallmundarhraun lava fields in the Icelandic highlands. It’s a unique Iceland waterfall because hundreds of streams of water run down through the cracks of lava rocks, and into the Hvita River.
Just a short walk from Hraunfossar is Barnafoss. This waterfall is a series of rapids on the Hvita River, where the river is forced through a narrow chute of rock. You do not need a 4×4 vehicle to reach these southern Iceland waterfalls. There is a parking lot, small cafe, paths and viewing platforms at this site.
4. Gullfoss
Location: Golden Circle
Distance from Reykjavik: 1 hour 40 minute drive
Accessibility: Various viewing platforms 5 minutes from the parking lot.
Gulfoss is a unique southern Iceland waterfall that is part of the Hvítá river, which flows from the Langjökull glacier and then cascades down into a massive canyon. The waterfall cascades down in two stages. The first cascade is 36 feet (11 meters) long, while the second one is 69 feet (21 meters long).
Gullfoss is an amazing natural landmark in Iceland because it is an especially powerful waterfall, and when visiting it you have views of the canyon as well.
The canyon that Gullfoss flowers through towers 70 feet (21 meters) above the falls. Geologists believe the formation of the canyon was caused by glacial outbursts during the last ice age.
The amount of water flowing over the falls and into the canyon changes throughout the year. In the spring and summer much more water is flowing than during the winter months.
When you visit Gullfoss, be prepared to get sprayed, no matter what time of year you go. The viewing platforms bring you so close to the powerful falls, that you’re guaranteed to walk away wet.
Gullfoss is part of the Golden Circle, so a visit to this southern Iceland waterfall can be combined with visits to other famous sites. A 4×4 vehicle is not needed to reach Gullfoss because the roads to this waterfall are all paved.
There is a large parking lot with bathroom facilities, a cafe, shop, and a visitor center at Gullfoss. Many of the viewing platforms at Gullfoss are wheelchair accessible, too!
5. Seljalandsfoss
Location: South Iceland, just off of the Ring Road (Route 1)
Distance from Reykjavik: 1 hour 40 minute drive
Accessibility: 10 minute walk from the parking lot, which is just of Route 1.
Seljalandsfoss is one of the most thrilling southern Iceland waterfalls to visit because you can safely walk through the caverns behind the falls. Just be sure to wear rain gear because you’ll be soaked!
Water flowing over Seljalandsfoss drops 60 meters (200 feet), from the top of a cliff into a large pool that connects to a small river. The water comes from the Seljalands River, which flows from Eyjafjallajökull glacier.
When you visit the falls, you can admire the Seljalandsfoss from afar, or get close enough to really feel the power of the waterfall. There is parking, bathrooms, and a small cafe at the entrance of Seljalandsfoss.
From the parking lot, it’s a 10 minute walk to the first viewing point of the waterfall. From there, you can continue following the path as it loops behind the falls and then back to the first viewing point. From there, you can hike through a large cavern behind the curtain of the falls, providing a unique perspective of the cascade and the surrounding green hills.
Don’t underestimate how soaked you’ll get if you venture behind Seljalandsfoss. Be sure to include a rain jacket and shoes with good traction on your Iceland packing list if you plan on hiking behind the falls, because it’s quite muddy back there and you usually get soaked! If you don’t have rain gear, have a change of dry clothes ready in your car.
If you have camera equipment or other electronics with you when you go behind Seljalandsfoss, make sure they are protected.
6. Gljúfrabúi
Location: South Iceland, just off of the Ring Road (Route 1)
Distance from Reykjavik: 1 hour 40 minute drive
Accessibility: 15 minute walk from the parking lot, requires wading through a stream.
Gljúfrabúi, which means “canyon dweller,” is one of the most unique southern Iceland waterfalls because it is tucked away within a narrow canyon.
This 40 meter (131 feet) tall waterfall cascades down into a gorge. From inside the gorge, you can peer up to see both daylight and water flowing into the gorge, which feels almost like a cave when you’re inside it.
Seeing this special waterfall takes a little bit of extra effort, but it’s well worth it. To access Gljúfrabúi, you’ll park in the same parking lot for Seljalandsfoss. Follow the path that leads to Seljalandsfoss, but take a left turn when you reach a fork in the path.
Follow the path to the left for about 10 minutes. You’ll know when you reach Gljúfrabúi because there will be an information sign at the entrance to the canyon where you’ll find the waterfall.
This is where the fun starts! Gljúfrabúi is within a canyon, so to reach it, you’ll need to navigate through the slender rock gorge. A stream flows through this gorge, and you’ll have to wade through it.
It can be a slippery journey, so be sure to wear shoes that are waterproof and have good traction, or be prepared for wet feet. You’ll also want to wear rain gear like a rain jacket and rain pants, because inside the gorge, it will be hard to keep away from the spray of Gljúfrabúi.
When you navigate your way into the cave, you’ll look up to see Gljúfrabúi flowing down from above. It’s a magical sight that’s quite unique from Iceland’s other southern waterfalls.
Seeing Gljúfrabúi is worth the effort of wading through the stream, but be very careful as you do so because it’s a slippery journey into the gorge.
7. Íráfoss
Location: East of Seljalandsfoss, just off the Ring Road
Distance from Reykjavik: 1 hour 50 minute drive
Accessibility: Easiest to admire from the Ring Road.
Íráfoss is a beautiful Icelandic waterfall which can be seen from the Ring Road. This tall waterfall isn’t often visited up close because there aren’t designated paths to bring you to it.
This southern Iceland waterfall is 41 meters (135 feet) tall. It has a narrow cascade of water that falls over a gorgeous, mossy cliff. While it’s possible to park just off the Ring Road and walk to the waterfall, this isn’t recommended because you will tread over fragile moss on the walk.
Íráfoss is best enjoyed as you drive by on the Ring Road (Route 1). You’ll spot this waterfall as you’re driving east from Seljalandsfoss, or west from Skogafoss. There are no facilities or amenities at Íráfoss, so plan accordingly.
8. Bruarfoss
Location: Within the Golden Circle
Distance from Reykjavik: 1 hour 30 minute drive
Accessibility: One hour easy hike from the parking lot to the waterfall.
Bruarfoss is known as Iceland’s bluest waterfall. The waterfall is fed by the Brúará River, which comes from distant glaciers. It’s the glacial water that makes this waterfall so blue.
The only way to reach Bruarfoss is by hiking. It’s a 7 kilometer (4.4 mile) round trip from the parking lot to Bruarfoss and back. The route is quite flat and so not super challenging, but be prepared for a muddy path if it’s been raining.
The hike to Bruarfoss takes about 1 hour each way. On the way, you can stop at Midfoss, another small waterfall that is fed by the same river.
The trail to Bruarfoss and back starts out very wide, narrowing as you go. Although it narrows, it’s still very easy to follow it. For most of the trail, you are walking along the Brúará River, with beautiful views of mountains and glaciers in the distance.
When you reach Bruarfoss, there is a bridge that you can walk out onto for the best views of the blue waterfall. When you’re finished admiring it, just be sure to turn back the way you came, because continuing the path on the other side of the bridge will bring you the wrong way.
Parking at the start of the Bruarfoss trail is free. There is a sign with information at the trailhead, but no other amenities, so plan accordingly. Hiking to Bruarfoss with stops along the way will take between 3 and 4 hours round trip.
9. Midfoss
Location: Within the Golden Circle
Distance from Reykjavik: 1 hour 30 minute drive
Accessibility: 30 minute easy hike from the parking lot to the waterfall.
Midfoss is a small waterfall that you can visit while hiking to Bruarfoss. Scroll up to waterfall #8 in this list for information about Bruarfoss. You’ll come across Midfoss about halfway through the Bruarfoss hike, which makes it a perfect spot to stop for a rest, and take in your first views of the incredibly blue Brúará River.
Midfoss may not be the main attraction on this waterfall hike, but it’s worth attention! The Brúará River flows with a lot of force through a small rock canyon. It’s thrilling to see the power of this waterfall, and the blueness of its water makes this one of the more unique southern Iceland waterfalls.
To see Midfoss, you’ll park in the small parking lot at the trailhead for the Bruarfoss hike. From the parking lot, it’s about 40 minutes of walking to reach Midfoss. There is signage directing you to Midfoss, which is about a 10 minute detour from the Bruarfoss trail.
10. Skogafoss
Location: Near the small village of Skógar
Distance from Reykjavik: 2 hour drive
Accessibility: Accessible year round, 4x drive not needed.
Skógafoss is one of the most popular southern Iceland waterfalls, and for good reason. The waterfall is 60 meters high, and water flows over from the Skógá River with impressive power.
This waterfall is often included on a southern Iceland itinerary because it’s easily accessible from the Ring Road (Route 1). A visit to Skogafoss can be combined with other famous waterfalls, like Seljalandfoss.
Parking at Skogafoss is free, and there are pay per use bathrooms, as well as a restaurant nearby.
From the parking lot it’s a short walk to the base of the falls. You can walk very close to the falls (prepare to be soaked!), which makes it possible to experience the intensity of Skogafoss. On sunny days, you may even notice a rainbow or two!
One of the best views of Skogafoss is from the top of this southern Iceland waterfall. To reach the viewing platforms at the top, you’ll climb 428 steps of a steep metal staircase.
There is a free parking lot on-site, but it does not offer any other amenities. This waterfall can be visited throughout the whole year, including at nighttime for visitors hunting the northern lights.
Recommended by Fernanda of Mauka Travels.
11. Kvernufoss
Location: Near the small village of Skógar
Distance from Reykjavik: 2 hour drive
Accessibility: A 15 minute walk from the parking lot to the waterfall on gravel path.
Kvernufoss waterfall is a gorgeous 30 meters high (98 ft) waterfall that is tucked away in a moss-covered gorge. To reach this waterfall, you’ll follow a gravel path through the gorge for about 15 minutes.
This is one of the easier southern Iceland waterfalls to access because it’s just off of the Ring Road, and the path to the waterfall is well maintained and only takes about 15 minutes to walk.
The parking lot for Kvernufoss is just a 5 minute drive from the very famous waterfall Skogafoss, which makes it easy to combine a visit to both of these southern Iceland waterfalls.
The hike starts from behind Skógasafn Museum (Skogar Museum). You will park in the museum’s parking lot, and pop into the museum to pay a small parking fee before walking to the waterfall.
To get on the path to Kvernufoss, you’ll need to use a small step ladder to get over a fence that’s there to keep farm animals in. On the other side of the ladder, the path starts.
The path is easy to follow, and takes you along a small river into the beautiful moss-covered gorge. It isn’t long before you have your first glimpses of Kvernufoss in the distance.
You can walk just to the main viewing point for the waterfall. But if you’re adventurous, follow the path as it winds behind the waterfall, too. Just be prepared to get soaked! Aside from parking, there are no amenities at Kvernufoss. If you need bathrooms, you can drive 5 minutes to the parking lot at Skogafoss to use the facilities there.
12. Háifoss
Location: Near the volcano Hekla
Distance from Reykjavik: 2 hour drive
Accessibility: Road to this waterfall is rough, 4×4 vehicle recommended.
Háifoss is on the southern edge of the highlands region of Iceland, close to the well-known Hekla volcano. Haifoss is one of the tallest southern Iceland waterfalls. It plunges 122 meters from a flat plateau into the Fossárdalur valley. Just downstream from it is the beautiful Gjáin Valley and the double waterfall at Hjálparfoss.
Nearby Háifoss is another waterfall called Granni (meaning ‘neighbour’). Granny falls over the same cliff, just a short distance north. Both waterfalls come from the Þjórsá river which is fed by the Hofsjokull glacier.
The sloping edges of the cliffs surrounding Háifoss and Granni are covered in bright green moss. When admiring these waterfalls, you have views of mountains and glaciers in the distance.
Haifoss has a gravel parking area with an information board, but there aren’t any other amenities. There is a short trail to the main viewpoint. For more of an adventure, you can hike to the base of the waterfall.
To get to Háifoss follow road 332 which is signposted to Hólkaskógur. This is a rough road that has deep potholes. While it is not an F-road, it is challenging and risky to drive in a 2WD vehicle. A 4×5 vehicle is recommended for visiting Haifoss. Note that the area is sometimes inaccessible due to weather conditions.
13. Fagrifoss
Location: Lakagígar volcanic region
Distance from Reykjavik: 3h 40m drive
Accessibility: Only accessible by F-road with 4x wheel drive, during summer.
Fagrifoss is one of the southern Iceland waterfalls you won’t want to miss. At over 80 meters tall, this beautiful waterfall towers over a surrounding canyon. It takes some effort to get to Fagrifoss, which makes seeing it even more rewarding.
To reach Fagrifoss you will need to drive F-roads in a 4×4 vehicle. F-roads are less maintained than Iceland’s main highway and roads, and to reach Fagrifoss you have to cross a river as well.
If you are renting a car in Iceland, you’ll want to be sure it can handle tough driving conditions safely and legally. When you reach the parking lot for Fagrifoss, you’ll find a beautiful lookout point just a short walk away, that doesn’t require any hiking.
From there, you’ll have views of the waterfall. You’ll notice there is a rock right before the waterfall begins that seems to split it in two so that it looks like two waterfalls flowing right next to each other.
Due to the river crossing, it is not safe to visit Fagrifoss in the winter. If you’d like to see this waterfall, be sure to plan your visit for the summer.
14. Svartifoss
Location: Vatnajökull National Park
Distance from Reykjavik: 4 hour drive
Accessibility: 4x wheel drive not needed, hiking time of 3 hours.
Svartifoss, means “the dark waterfall.” It earned its name because of the beautiful dark basalt columns that the waterfall cascades over, which make it one of the most unique southern Iceland waterfalls.
This stunning waterfall is moderately easy to hike to while in Vatnajökull National Park. You can also consider making this hike a day trip from Vik, Iceland. The trail to Svartifoss begins at the Skaftafell Visitor Center. The hike is roughly 3 kilometers round trip.
Although that’s pretty short, much of the hike is steep and so it can take around 45 minutes to Svartifoss, and 45 minutes back. One thing not to do in Iceland is leave for a hike unprepared for the weather.
So, make sure you pack water, snacks, and rain gear for the hike, just in case. It’s also recommended to wear proper hiking boots. There are multiple places to find basalt columns throughout Iceland, but Svartifoss is one of the most memorable.
The waterfall is 20 meters (65 feet) tall, but the panoramic view it provides with basalt columns stretching across both sides are what makes it truly memorable.
Tips for Visiting the Best Southern Iceland Waterfalls
Ready to chase some of the best southern Iceland waterfalls? Here are some essential tips to keep in mind, which will keep you safe and comfortable!
Dress appropriately for getting close to southern Iceland waterfalls.
At many of Iceland’s waterfalls you can get very up close and personal. It’s thrilling to feel the power of a waterfall, but you’ll want to make sure you’re dressed for the experience! Wear a rainproof jacket, rainproof pants, and water resistant shoes so that you stay dry. Or, have a change of socks, clothing, and shoes to change into after your waterfall visit.
Visit Iceland’s southern waterfalls at off-peak times.
Iceland is a popular destination, and so some waterfalls are busy throughout the day. To avoid crowds, visit southern Iceland waterfalls during off-peak times. Early in the morning, or later in the afternoon will generally be less busy. If you’re in Iceland during midnight sun, you can even visit waterfalls at night.
Don’t take anything, or leave anything behind at Iceland’s waterfalls.
As with exploring nature anywhere in the world, be sure to follow the rule of “pack in, pack out,” and leave Iceland’s waterfalls exactly how you find them – or better! Dispose of any litter properly, including organic waste, and don’t disturb the natural environment.
Stay on designated paths and follow local signage.
At most southern Iceland waterfalls there are designated pathways for visitors to follow. It’s important to stay on these paths because they keep you safe, and they protect Iceland’s fragile ecology. Be sure to follow any posted rules at waterfalls as well.
Final Thoughts: Waterfalls in Southern Iceland
Iceland is known for its waterfalls, and for good reason. There are over 10,000 of them throughout the country, fed by nearby glaciers! When traveling around southern Iceland, seeing some of these famed natural wonders is a must.
If you’re planning to visit Iceland, here are some helpful resources for visiting responsibly:
More on Iceland from Pina Travels:
- What is the Legal Drinking Age in Iceland?
- Are the Westfjords in Iceland Worth Visiting? 8 Reasons to Go
- What Not to Do in Iceland: A Responsible Travel Guide
