13 of My Favourite Waterfalls in Southern Iceland

Iceland has thousands of waterfalls, and one of my favourite things about road-tripping around the country is how often you come across them. Some are visible right from the Ring Road, while others require a bit of hiking to reach.

And they’re all quite different! You’ll find waterfalls dropping over cliffs into deep canyons, smaller cascades flowing through lava fields, and even a few that you can walk behind.

If you’re planning a road trip through southern Iceland, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to stop at waterfalls along the way. Some of the most well-known, like Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss, are just a short walk from the parking lot.

Others, like Glymur and Háifoss, require more planning.

In this guide, I’m sharing 13 of my personal favourite waterfalls in southern and western Iceland. I’ve included details about how to reach each one, what to expect when you arrive, and a few things to know before visiting.

Southern Iceland Waterfalls at a Glance

Times are approximate and exclude driving. Trail conditions and seasonal closures can affect access.

1. Öxarárfoss Waterfall

Location: Þingvellir National Park, Golden Circle

• Distance from Reykjavík: Approximately 45–50 minutes by car
• Walking time: About 10–15 minutes from the closest parking area
• Difficulty: Easy in good conditions, potentially icy in winter
• Best for: A short waterfall stop while visiting Þingvellir

Öxarárfoss is a 13-metre waterfall in Þingvellir National Park, one of the main stops along Iceland’s Golden Circle route.

The waterfall is formed by the Öxará River, which flows over the cliffs of Almannagjá gorge. It’s particularly interesting because Þingvellir sits within a rift valley where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are moving apart.

The park is also historically significant. Þingvellir is where Iceland’s Alþingi, one of the world’s oldest parliamentary institutions, was established in 930 CE.

If you’re a Game of Thrones fan, you might recognize the surrounding landscape. Several scenes from the series were filmed in Þingvellir, including scenes depicting the Bloody Gate.

How to Visit Öxarárfoss

The closest parking area is P2, which is a short walk from the waterfall. The path leads through Almannagjá gorge to a viewing platform near the base of the falls.

Parking is currently 1,000 ISK for a standard passenger car, and the fee covers the park’s designated parking areas for the day.

You can visit Öxarárfoss throughout the year when conditions permit, although winter access requires extra caution. Snow and ice can make the paths slippery, and the national park recommends traction aids when necessary.

I’d recommend combining Öxarárfoss with a longer walk through Þingvellir rather than stopping only for the waterfall. There’s quite a lot to learn about Iceland’s history and geology here.

2. Glymur Waterfall

Location: Hvalfjörður, West Iceland

• Distance from Reykjavík: Approximately 1 hour to the trailhead
• Hiking distance: Around 7 km round trip, depending on route
• Hiking time: 3–5 hours
• Difficulty: Challenging
• Best for: Experienced hikers visiting in summer

Glymur is one of Iceland’s tallest waterfalls, dropping approximately 198 metres into a steep canyon in Hvalfjörður. It’s a very different experience from visiting the waterfalls along the Ring Road because reaching the viewpoints involves a proper hike.

The trail climbs alongside the Botnsá River, with views into the canyon as you gain elevation. Along the way, you do need to pass through a small cave, cross a river using a seasonal log crossing, and navigate steep sections of trail.

There are also exposed areas where you’ll need to pay attention to your footing.

Hiking to Glymur Waterfall

The hike starts at the Botnsdalur parking area, at the eastern end of Hvalfjörður.

Plan for approximately 3–5 hours, allowing time for stops along the way. The route has several hundred metres of elevation gain, and some sections can be muddy.

One important thing to know is that the river crossing isn’t always available. The log used for crossing is generally installed seasonally, so the hike can be inaccessible or unsafe outside the summer months.

I would only recommend attempting this hike when trail conditions are suitable. It’s worth checking local reports before setting out, particularly early or late in the hiking season.

Wear proper hiking shoes with good traction, and bring an extra layer even if the weather looks good when you leave Reykjavík. Make sure you pack plenty of food and water, let someone know where you’ll be, and download offline maps.

If you’re planning to hike Glymur, I’d give it basically the whole day. Trying to squeeze it into an already busy Golden Circle itinerary would feel rushed.

3. Þórufoss Waterfall

Location: Kjós, near the Golden Circle

• Distance from Reykjavík: Approximately 40–50 minutes by car
• Walking time: A few minutes from the parking area
• Difficulty: Easy in good conditions, but the ground can be slippery
• Best for: A quick detour on the way to Þingvellir

Þórufoss is an approximately 18-metre waterfall on the Laxá í Kjós River, northeast of Reykjavík. The water drops over a broad rocky ledge into a small gorge, so it looks quite different from the taller, narrower waterfalls along Iceland’s South Coast.

The river is known for its Atlantic salmon, and Þórufoss has also appeared in Game of Thrones. It was used as a filming location for a scene involving the Children of the Forest.

Þórufoss is a little lesser-known than other southern Iceland waterfalls, and so it’s not nearly as busy. I really appreciated how there wasn’t a crowd when I visited. It was easy to have a great view and get good pictures.

How to Visit Þórufoss

Þórufoss is just off Road 48, which branches from Road 36 on the way toward Þingvellir National Park. There’s a small parking area beside the road, and it’s only a short walk to the waterfall viewpoint.

I’d consider stopping here if you’re driving the Golden Circle and have a little extra time. Allow around 20–40 minutes to see the falls without rushing.

There aren’t visitor facilities at the waterfall, and the ground near the gorge can be slippery, particularly after rain or during winter. Stay back from the edge and check road conditions before taking the detour. Þórufoss can partially freeze in colder weather.

4. Gullfoss

Location: Golden Circle

• Distance from Reykjavík: Approximately 1 hour 40 minutes
• Walking time: 5–15 minutes to viewpoints
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate, depending on the viewpoint
• Best for: Seeing one of Iceland’s most powerful waterfalls

Gullfoss is one of Iceland’s best-known waterfalls and a major stop along the Golden Circle.

The name means Golden Falls, and the waterfall is part of the Hvítá River, which receives water from the Langjökull glacier. Gullfoss drops in two stages, approximately 11 metres and 21 metres, before the water enters a deep canyon.

Something that I thought made Gullfoss particularly interesting is the angle of the waterfall. From some viewpoints, it almost looks like the river is disappearing into the ground.

The amount of water flowing over Gullfoss is always pretty intense, but it does change throughout the year. It’s influenced by glacial meltwater and seasonal conditions. In the spring, for example, melting snow and glaciers means the water flow will be stronger.

How to Visit Gullfoss

There are upper and lower viewing areas, connected by walking paths and stairs. The upper viewpoint provides a wider view of the waterfall and canyon, while the lower path brings you closer to the water.

If you take the lower path, prepare to get wet! The spray can be substantial, particularly when water levels are high. I visited Gullfoss on a June evening, and if I hadn’t been wearing my full-length raincoat, I would have ended up soaked.

So even if it isn’t raining, I recommend wearing a waterproof jacket.

Gullfoss has a large visitor area with parking, washrooms and food services. Some viewing areas are more accessible than others, although the lower path involves uneven surfaces and steps.

The lower walkway can close during winter when conditions become icy, so check access before visiting.

Gullfoss is also a good place to learn about the history of hydropower development in Iceland. In the early 20th century, there were proposals to harness the waterfall for electricity generation. Local opposition, including efforts associated with Sigríður Tómasdóttir, became an important part of its conservation history.

5. Seljalandsfoss

Location: South Coast, just off Route 1

• Distance from Reykjavík: Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes
• Walking time: 5–10 minutes to the waterfall
• Difficulty: Easy to view, slippery behind the falls
• Best for: Walking behind a waterfall

Seljalandsfoss is one of the most recognizable waterfalls in southern Iceland, partly because you can walk behind it.

The waterfall drops approximately 60 metres from a cliff that was once part of Iceland’s coastline. Today, the coastline is farther south, leaving Seljalandsfoss surrounded by open land.

The waterfall is fed by the Seljalandsá River, which originates in the area of the Eyjafjallajökull glacier.

Can You Walk Behind Seljalandsfoss?

Yes! When the path is open and conditions are safe, you can follow a walking route behind the waterfall.

It’s one of the things that makes Seljalandsfoss so worth visiting. But I do want to emphasize just how wet this experience can be.

Even when it isn’t raining, the spray from the waterfall will soak your clothes. The path also gets muddy and slippery, especially on the sections closest to the falling water.

Wear waterproof outer layers and shoes with good traction. If you’re carrying a camera, make sure it’s protected from the spray.

The walking route behind Seljalandsfoss is generally accessible during warmer months, but can close in winter because of ice and falling ice hazards.

There’s a designated parking area near the waterfall, with paid parking and visitor facilities.

I’d allow 30–45 minutes here, especially if you plan to walk behind the waterfall. And before you leave, make time to visit Gljúfrabúi, which is just a short walk away.

6. Gljúfrabúi Waterfall

Location: Near Seljalandsfoss, South Coast

• Distance from Reykjavík: Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes
• Walking time: 10–15 minutes from Seljalandsfoss
• Difficulty: Easy approach, slippery stream crossing
• Best for: Seeing a waterfall inside a narrow gorge

Gljúfrabúi is located only a few hundred metres from Seljalandsfoss, so you can easily visit both during the same stop. Its name translates roughly to Canyon Dweller, which makes sense once you see where the waterfall is located.

Gljúfrabúi drops approximately 40 metres into a narrow gorge, with much of the waterfall concealed behind the surrounding rock.

From outside, you can catch glimpses of the water through the opening in the gorge. But to see the waterfall from inside, you’ll need to walk through a shallow stream.

How to Reach Gljúfrabúi

From Seljalandsfoss, follow the walking path north toward Gljúfrabúi. Once you reach the entrance to the gorge, you’ll see water flowing between the rock walls.

To enter, you’ll need to carefully step across wet rocks and through the stream. Depending on water levels, your shoes may get wet.

Be especially careful here. The rocks can be extremely slippery, and the gorge is narrow enough that you may need to wait for other visitors to come out before entering.

Inside, the spray is intense. You’ll want waterproof clothing and a secure place to keep your phone or camera.

I would avoid entering the gorge when water levels are high or conditions look unsafe. You can still appreciate Gljúfrabúi from outside if you don’t feel comfortable making the crossing.

7. Íráfoss Waterfall

Location: South Coast, near Route 1

• Distance from Reykjavík: Approximately 1 hour 50 minutes
• Access: Best viewed from the road or a safe, legal stopping area
• Difficulty: No hike necessary
• Best for: A roadside waterfall sighting

One of the things I like about road-tripping through Iceland is that you don’t necessarily need to plan a stop at every waterfall. Íráfoss is a good example.

This waterfall is visible from the Ring Road as you travel along Iceland’s southern coast between Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss.

It drops approximately 40 metres down a cliff, surrounded by moss-covered rock. Unlike some of the other waterfalls in this guide, Íráfoss doesn’t have the same established visitor infrastructure.

How to See Íráfoss

I’d recommend appreciating Íráfoss from the road or from a safe, designated stopping area if one is available. Avoid pulling over on the shoulder of Route 1 or stopping where you could obstruct traffic.

It’s also important to avoid walking across the surrounding moss to get closer. Icelandic moss and vegetation can be easily damaged by foot traffic, and recovery can take many years.

There are plenty of waterfalls in Iceland with established walking paths and viewpoints, so there’s no need to create your own route to this one.

8. Bruarfoss Waterfall

Location: Golden Circle, near Laugarvatn

• Distance from Reykjavík: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes
• Walking time: Approximately 5 minutes from the closer parking area
• Alternative: Longer riverside hike
• Difficulty: Easy from the closer parking area
• Best for: Seeing the unusually blue water of the Brúará River

Brúarfoss is known for the striking blue colour of its water.

The waterfall is part of the Brúará River, which flows through a rocky channel before dropping into a narrow crevice. The colour comes from the way light interacts with the water and fine particles associated with glacial runoff.

Brúarfoss is quite different from the large waterfalls along the southern coast. It’s smaller, and much of the appeal comes from the colour of the water and the way it moves through the rock formations.

How to Visit Brúarfoss

One important update if you’ve been researching how to visit Brúarfoss is that you no longer need to complete the full hike to reach it.

For years, visiting Brúarfoss involved a roughly 7 km round-trip hike along the Brúará River. However, a closer parking area opened in 2023, making the waterfall accessible via a short walk.

The newer parking area is paid, while the longer hiking option remains available for visitors who want to spend more time walking along the river.

If you’re short on time, the closer parking area makes Brúarfoss a much easier addition to a Golden Circle itinerary. If you enjoy hiking, I’d consider taking the longer route because it passes other waterfalls along the river, including Miðfoss.

There is a bridge near Brúarfoss that provides a view of the waterfall and the water flowing through the narrow gorge. Keep to the marked paths and bridges.

The river is fast-moving, and the surrounding rocks can be slippery. It would be very dangerous to slip in, so be careful.

9.  Miðfoss Waterfall

Location: Along the Brúará River, Golden Circle

• Distance from Reykjavík: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes
• Access: Via the longer Brúarfoss hiking trail
• Difficulty: Generally easy to moderate, depending on conditions
• Best for: Adding another waterfall to the Brúarfoss hike

Miðfoss is a smaller waterfall along the Brúará River, on the hiking route to Brúarfoss. If you’re taking the longer trail to Brúarfoss, you’ll pass Miðfoss along the way.

The waterfall is formed where the river flows through a rocky channel, creating a short but powerful cascade. Like Brúarfoss, the water can appear an intense blue colour, particularly in the right lighting conditions.

How to Visit Miðfoss

The easiest way to include Miðfoss is by hiking the original riverside route to Brúarfoss. The trail follows the river through an area of low vegetation and uneven ground.

Although there isn’t a substantial elevation gain, parts of the trail can become muddy after rain. I’d recommend proper walking shoes rather than casual sneakers, particularly if conditions have been wet.

Since the closer parking area at Brúarfoss opened, it’s tempting to skip the longer hike entirely. But if you have a few hours available and enjoy walking, the riverside trail is still worth considering. Miðfoss is one of the reasons to choose that route.

I really enjoyed the hike because it wasn’t particularly challenging, and the trail wasn’t busy. It was a super relaxing walk and a nice way to break up driving.

10. Skógafoss Waterfall

Location: Skógar, South Coast

• Distance from Reykjavík: Approximately 2 hours
• Walking time: 5 minutes to the base
• Difficulty: Easy to reach the base, strenuous staircase to the top
• Best for: Seeing a large waterfall up close

Skógafoss is one of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls, and it’s easy to understand why.

The waterfall is approximately 60 metres tall and 25 metres wide. Water from the Skógá River flows over the edge of a former sea cliff, creating a substantial amount of spray at the base.

On sunny days, you can sometimes see rainbows forming in the mist!

Skógafoss is just off the Ring Road near the village of Skógar, making it an easy stop when travelling between Reykjavík and Vík.

How to Visit Skógafoss

From the parking area, it’s only a few minutes’ walk to the base of the waterfall.

You can get quite close, although I’d recommend keeping some distance from the water. The spray is powerful, and the ground can be slippery.

For a different perspective, there’s a staircase beside Skógafoss leading to a viewing platform at the top. There are 428 steps, so be prepared for a bit of a climb.

Once you reach the top, you can continue along the Skógá River on the Fimmvörðuháls hiking trail. The trail passes additional waterfalls before continuing into the mountains.

You don’t need to hike the entire route to enjoy this area. Even walking a short distance beyond the main viewing platform can be worthwhile if you have extra time.

If you’re only visiting the base of Skógafoss, allow around 30 minutes. I’d plan for at least an hour if you want to climb the stairs and spend some time at the top.

There are visitor facilities in Skógar, including places to eat and accommodation.

11. Kvernufoss Waterfall

Location: Skógar, South Coast

• Distance from Reykjavík: Approximately 2 hours
• Hiking time: Around 15 minutes each way
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Best for: A short gorge hike and another walk-behind waterfall

Kvernufoss is located near Skógafoss, and I’d recommend visiting both if you have time. This waterfall is approximately 30 metres tall and sits inside a narrow gorge surrounded by moss-covered cliffs.

One of the things that makes Kvernufoss interesting is the approach. You follow a walking trail alongside a stream, with the waterfall gradually coming into view as you enter the gorge.

Like Seljalandsfoss, it’s possible to walk behind Kvernufoss when conditions are suitable.

Hiking to Kvernufoss

The trail begins near Skógar Museum, approximately 1.5 kilometres east of Skógafoss.

There’s a designated parking area near the museum, and the walk to the waterfall takes approximately 15 minutes. The path follows the stream into the gorge, with some uneven and potentially muddy sections.

The hike is relatively short, but I’d still recommend shoes with decent traction.

When you reach Kvernufoss, you can admire it from the main viewing area or follow the path behind the waterfall if it’s open and safe to do so.

Be careful if you choose to walk behind it. The ground can be slippery, and you’ll likely get wet from the spray.

I’d allow around 45 minutes to an hour for the return hike, particularly if you plan to stop for photos.

If you’re interested in Icelandic history, you could also visit Skógar Museum. Its exhibitions cover regional history and traditional Icelandic life, including how people travelled across the country’s glacial rivers before bridges were constructed.

12. Háifoss Waterfall

Location: Þjórsárdalur Valley, near Iceland’s Highlands

• Distance from Reykjavík: Approximately 2–2.5 hours, depending on road conditions
• Walking time: Short walk from the parking area to viewpoints
• Road access: Rough gravel road, high-clearance 4WD recommended
• Best for: Seeing two tall waterfalls in the same canyon

Háifoss is one of the tallest waterfalls in Iceland, dropping approximately 122 metres into a canyon in the Þjórsárdalur Valley.

It’s located near the edge of Iceland’s Highlands, away from the main Ring Road route. The waterfall drops from a plateau into the Fossárdalur canyon, where the surrounding cliffs expose layers of volcanic rock.

There’s another waterfall nearby called Granni, which means Neighbour in Icelandic. Both waterfalls can be seen from viewpoints along the canyon rim.

How to Reach Háifoss

Getting to Háifoss requires more planning than visiting most of the waterfalls along Iceland’s southern coast. The final approach follows Road 332, which is a rough gravel road with potholes and uneven sections.

Although Road 332 isn’t classified as an F-road, I’d recommend a high-clearance 4WD vehicle. Check your rental agreement before attempting the drive.

The road may become inaccessible because of snow or poor weather, particularly outside the summer months. It’s important to check the weather conditions before attempting to drive Road 332.

Once you reach the parking area, it’s a short walk to the viewpoints overlooking Háifoss and Granni. There are no substantial visitor facilities here, so bring anything you might need.

Be especially careful near the canyon edge. The cliffs are steep, and some areas don’t have protective barriers.

There are also hiking routes into the valley, although these involve significantly more effort and should only be attempted with appropriate preparation.

I’d recommend visiting Háifoss on a day when you have time to enjoy the Þjórsárdalur area rather than trying to fit it into a busy South Coast itinerary.

13. Svartifoss Waterfall

Location: Skaftafell, Vatnajökull National Park

• Distance from Reykjavík: Approximately 4–4.5 hours
• Hiking distance: Around 3 km return by the shorter route, or 5.8 km for the longer loop
• Hiking time: Approximately 1.5–2 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate because of the uphill sections
• Best for: Seeing Iceland’s basalt columns

Svartifoss is located in Skaftafell, within Vatnajökull National Park. Its name means Black Falls, referring to the dark basalt columns surrounding the waterfall.

Svartifoss is approximately 20 metres tall, making it relatively small compared to waterfalls like Skógafoss or Háifoss.

What makes it particularly interesting is the geology. The waterfall is surrounded by hexagonal basalt columns, which formed as lava slowly cooled and contracted.

According to Vatnajökull National Park, the basalt formations date back approximately 300,000 years!

Hiking to Svartifoss

The hike begins near the Skaftafell Visitor Centre, where you’ll find parking and visitor facilities.

The shorter route to Svartifoss involves approximately 1.5 kilometres of walking each way, although the exact distance depends on which paths you follow.

The trail climbs steadily uphill, with stairs along some sections. It’s a manageable hike for many visitors, but you’ll want to allow enough time for the elevation gain.

You can also follow the longer Svartifoss, Sjónarsker and Sel circular route.

This official park trail is 5.8 kilometres long, with approximately 250 metres of elevation gain. The park estimates that it takes around two hours to complete.

Along the way, you’ll pass additional waterfalls, including Hundafoss and Magnúsarfoss. When you reach Svartifoss, there’s a designated viewing area where you can see the waterfall and surrounding basalt columns.

The path can be slippery in wet weather, and winter conditions may require additional traction equipment. I’d recommend wearing hiking shoes and bringing a waterproof layer.

If you’re staying in Vík, Svartifoss is approximately two hours farther east by car. It can be included in a longer Iceland road trip, although I wouldn’t recommend trying to visit it as a day trip from Reykjavík.

Tips for Visiting Waterfalls in Southern Iceland

Before setting off on your Iceland road trip, there are a few Iceland tips I’d recommend keeping in mind.

1. Bring waterproof clothing

This is probably my biggest practical recommendation for visiting Iceland’s waterfalls. At places like Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, the spray can be surprisingly intense.

Even on a sunny day, you can end up completely soaked if you get close to the falling water. I’d recommend packing a waterproof jacket, along with water-resistant hiking shoes that have good traction.

Waterproof pants are also useful, especially if you’re planning to walk behind Seljalandsfoss or enter the gorge at Gljúfrabúi. And if you’re carrying camera equipment, bring a waterproof cover or dry bag.

2. Check road conditions before driving

Iceland’s weather can change quickly, and road conditions vary considerably depending on the season. This is especially important if you’re planning to visit waterfalls away from the Ring Road.

For example, Háifoss is reached by a rough gravel road, and the route may be unsuitable for a standard rental car, particularly in poor weather.

Before setting off, check the latest road conditions using Iceland’s official road information service. You can also consult SafeTravel Iceland for safety guidance and current alerts.

If you’re renting a vehicle, make sure you understand which roads you’re permitted to drive on.

3. Stay on marked paths and protect Iceland’s moss

One thing that’s important to understand about Iceland is that some of its landscapes are much more fragile than they appear.

This is particularly true of moss-covered lava fields. Moss grows slowly in Iceland’s climate, and walking across it can cause damage that takes decades to recover.

You’ll notice designated walking paths at many waterfalls, along with barriers protecting sensitive areas. Please respect them, even if you see other people stepping off the path to take photos.

I’d also encourage you to think carefully about where you stop your car. Iceland prohibits off-road driving because of the damage vehicles can cause to vegetation and soil.

4. Allow more time than you think you’ll need

One thing I’ve learned from road-tripping is that it’s easy to underestimate how much time stops will take. Even if a waterfall is only a few minutes from the parking lot, you’ll probably want to spend some time walking around.

You may also encounter busy parking areas, changing weather or trail conditions that slow you down.

For shorter stops like Skógafoss or Gullfoss, I’d generally allow at least 30 minutes. For hikes like Glymur or Svartifoss, plan a substantial portion of your day around the experience.

And remember that you don’t need to visit every waterfall on this list. I’d rather spend more time at a few places than feel rushed trying to fit them all into one itinerary.

5. Consider visiting popular waterfalls outside peak hours

Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss and Gullfoss are among Iceland’s most visited natural attractions.

If you’re travelling during the summer, expect to encounter other visitors, particularly during the middle of the day. Visiting earlier in the morning or later in the evening can sometimes mean fewer people.

One advantage of travelling to Iceland in summer is the long daylight hours. Around the summer solstice, southern Iceland experiences nearly 24 hours of daylight or twilight, making later visits possible.

Just be mindful of nearby communities and follow any posted opening hours or access restrictions.

Kvernufoss

Frequently Asked Questions About Southern Iceland Waterfalls

What are the best waterfalls to visit in Southern Iceland?

Some of the most popular waterfalls in southern Iceland are Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss and Gullfoss. They’re relatively easy to access and can be included in a road trip without substantial hiking. For visitors who enjoy walking, I’d also consider Kvernufoss and Svartifoss.

Which Iceland waterfalls can you walk behind?

Seljalandsfoss and Kvernufoss are two waterfalls in southern Iceland where you can walk behind the falling water when conditions allow. Both involve wet, potentially slippery paths. Access can be restricted during winter or poor weather.

Can you visit southern Iceland’s waterfalls without a 4WD vehicle?

Yes. Many popular waterfalls, including Gullfoss, Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, are accessible by regular passenger car in suitable road conditions. More remote waterfalls, such as Háifoss, involve rougher roads where a high-clearance 4WD is recommended.

How many waterfalls can you visit in one day in southern Iceland?

If you’re driving along the South Coast, you could reasonably visit Seljalandsfoss, Gljúfrabúi, Skógafoss and Kvernufoss in one day, with time for other stops along the way.

The Golden Circle is another option for a day trip from Reykjavík, allowing you to visit Gullfoss, Öxarárfoss and potentially Brúarfoss.

What is the best time of year to visit Iceland’s waterfalls?

Many waterfalls in southern Iceland can be visited year-round, although summer generally provides easier access to hiking trails and remote areas.

Between June and September, you’ll typically have longer daylight hours and more opportunities for hiking. Winter visits can be worthwhile, but icy trails and changing weather may restrict access to certain viewpoints.

Planning Your Southern Iceland Waterfall Road Trip

One of the things I enjoy about travelling through Iceland is how much the landscape changes as you drive around the country. And waterfalls are a big part of that!

If you’re planning your first trip to Iceland, I’d recommend starting with the waterfalls along the Golden Circle and South Coast. They’re relatively straightforward to reach and can be combined with other stops along your route.

If you have more time, consider adding a few longer hikes or visiting areas farther from the Ring Road. Whatever you choose, remember to check local conditions before heading out and follow the guidance provided at each site.

More on Iceland from Pina Travels:

• How to Hike From Arnarstapi to Hellnar, Iceland
• 11 Must-Know Tips for an Iceland Road Trip in June
• 11 Best Things to Do on a Westfjords Road Trip in Iceland