Top 5: Waterfalls in Iceland

28 Apr 2020

Waterfalls in Iceland are everywhere. There are so many that we can’t even count them all! Behind almost every corner there is one to see: some are very small, some are seasonal and some are simply breath-taking.

Below we have our the top 5 waterfalls that you need to make sure are on your Iceland bucket list.

1. Skógafoss Waterfall

 

Many Icelanders call this one the ‘perfect’ waterfall. Why? The way it lies perfectly within the landscape, the volume of and proportion between water and height, the summertime nesting birds, the decorative winter icicles, and the iconic rainbow that appears when the sun falls upon the waterfall. All of this makes this waterfall one of the most magical places in Iceland, maybe even in the world! You can see this spectactula sight for yourself on one of our south coast tours!

 

2. Gullfoss Waterfall

  

Whilst it is not the tallest waterfall (32 meters high), it is one of the most powerful waterfalls in Iceland located on the Golden Circle. This waterfall was saved by Sigríður Tómasdóttir, the daughter of a farmer who lived nearby. Investors had wanted to build a dam there to generate electricity, but this would have ruined the natural beauty of the waterfall. In protest, Sigríður marched all the way to Reykjavik to get help to save the waterfall and, as you see today, she was successful! This waterfall is a must-see when in Iceland

 

3. Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

  

This is a very special one because in the summertime you can actually walk behind the waterfall! From behind the waterfall, not only do you have a unique view but it is stunning also. In the wintertime there is still an amazing view and the waterfall sometimes looks as though it could be straight out of the Disney Movie “Frozen”. It is also a great spot to taste the infamous Icelandic glacier water; you can simply fill up your water bottle in the river flowing into the waterfall. The river, Seljalandsá comes straight from the glacier Eyjafjallajökull. You might remember this volcano with the glacier peak from the eruption in 2010? 

 

4. Goðafoss Waterfall

  

Located in the North of Iceland this is a waterfall that not too many people get to see, however it is very spectacular! Unique to this waterfall is its unusual round shape, almost coming down in a half circle. The Icelandic name means the waterfall of the “goð” (pagan idol) and it looks as dramatic as it sounds! A very impressive location!

 

5. Kirkjufellsfoss Waterfall

  

Famous from the ‘Game of Thrones’ series this waterfall is located in one of the most epic landscapes in Iceland, the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. The waterfall is not very tall but in the background you get to see the Mt. Kirkjufell which creates a breathtaking view.

 

Come and choose your favourite waterfall for yourself!


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