8 Amazing Waterfalls in South Iceland You Have to See
Are you looking for the best waterfalls in south Iceland? There are so many gorgeous southern Iceland waterfalls, and here are 8 you need to add to your list.
When it comes to Iceland, many people visit the country for the waterfalls. The south coast is certainly a draw for this and, since it’s the most popular part of Iceland, it’s much easier to visit than the northern regions.
The southern waterfalls are simply stunning. You have huge sheets of water, waterfalls that you can walk behind, the waterfall that inspired the design of the church in the capital, and much more.
So, whether you’re planning a road trip around Iceland or just want to spend some time in the south, here are the best 8 Icelandic waterfalls you need to visit.
*This post may contain affiliate links that earn us a small commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, read our disclaimer.
❤️ This is a great way to see some of the best waterfalls in Iceland!
1. Skogafoss
Skogafoss almost needs to be at the top of this list! The most famous waterfall in Iceland, it’s stunning, and almost everyone who visits the south will come here.
It’s the most popular waterfall for a reason. It’s a towering 60-metre-tall waterfall, and its power is simply astounding. It really makes you feel small standing in front of it because it’s just so huge.
There are several ways to see the waterfall. You can either view it from the bottom or climb the 500+ stairs to the top.
Up here, you’ll find views over the surrounding countryside which are pretty impressive, and you’ll also find the start of the Waterfall Way, a beautiful trail where you’ll pass no less than 25 waterfalls.
Personally, my favourite view of Skogafoss is from the bottom. From the top, you can’t quite get the scale of it. But it’s definitely worth doing the first time you visit.
The waterfall is free to visit, and all of the tours of the south coast will stop here. This makes it a pretty easy spot to reach, even if you don’t have your own car.
2. Seljalandsfoss
Located about 30 minutes from Skogafoss, this is another of the top waterfalls to visit on a south coast of Iceland itinerary.
Seljalandsfoss is mostly famous because you can walk behind it. The views from behind are utterly stunning, especially if you visit during sunset or sunrise, it’s truly magical.
One thing that’s worth noting about this waterfall is that the path behind the falls isn’t open all year round. During the winter months, it’s closed as it becomes super slippery and dangerous because of all the ice.
So, if you’re dead set on walking behind Seljalandsfoss, I recommend visiting Iceland in the summer.
This is another pretty touristy spot, though. It’s a highlight on all south coast tours, and you’ll usually find it pretty busy.
❤️ This is a great way to see some of the best waterfalls in Iceland!
3. Kvernufoss
So far, this is my favourite waterfall in South Iceland. It’s similar to Seljalandsfoss in that you can walk behind it, but on a smaller scale. It’s also a bit of an Icelandic hidden gem, so not nearly as many people go here.
When we visited, there were about 6 other people there, so we had the place pretty much to ourselves. This also isn’t usually a tour bus stop, unless you book a private tour.
Kvernufoss doesn’t have its own dedicated parking, so you have to park at the Skogar Museum. This is located about a 5-minute drive from Skogafoss waterfall, so it honestly surprises me that it’s so empty.
From the trailhead, you have a 20-minute hike to reach Kvernufoss. This is really easy and flat most of the way. When you get there, you can walk up and behind the waterfall and also climb up the hill opposite for amazing views.
Be very careful in winter though, as the ground here can be really slippery.
The Ultimate Done-For-You Iceland Itinerary!
Hate the stress of trip planning?
Planning a trip to Iceland can get overwhelming! That’s why we created our Done-for-You Southern Coast Itinerary: to save you hours of research and help you make the most of every moment!
👉Grab your itinerary now and start planning the adventure of your dreams!!
4. Gljufrabui
Continuing the trend of hidden gems next to popular waterfalls, Gljufrabui is a gorgeous spot located right next to Seljalandsfoss. You really won’t visit this place unless you know it’s there, as the waterfall is tucked away in a cave.
It takes around 10 minutes to walk to Gljufrabui from Seljalandsfoss, and the path is pretty easy. However, when you arrive at the waterfall, you will have to walk into the cave and through a small stream to reach it.
No matter what season you visit Iceland, you’ll need your waterproofs for this one. Because the waterfall is enclosed in the cave, the spray from the water will go all over you. You’ll get drenched pretty quickly, trust me!
But, if anything, that makes this spot even more impressive. It’s such a beautiful place and easily one of the best southern Iceland waterfalls.
5. Gullfoss
To visit this waterfall, you’ll need to head to the Golden Circle. As the most famous part of Iceland, it’s bound to be busy here. But it’s so impressive that it’s still worth a visit.
Gullfoss was the first waterfall we ever saw in Iceland. Just like Skogafoss, the power of the water here is unreal. However, you have to view this one from above, instead of being able to get right up close to it.
If you visit in the summer months (roughly from June to October), you’ll be able to walk down a path to a ledge almost right on top of the falls. This is a great way to feel the full power of Gullfoss up close.
In the winter, however, this path is closed due to the danger from the ice and snow, so you can only access the platforms above the falls.
There’s a lower platform and two higher platforms, including a path you can walk along to see the waterfall from the side. Both provide great views of Gullfoss, and I recommend heading to all of the viewpoints.
❤️ This is the best Golden Circle tour in Iceland!
TOP TIP: It can get super windy here, to the point where you can be blown over if you aren’t careful. Be extra cautious when walking around the higher platforms, especially in high winds.
6. Oxarafoss
For this waterfall, you’ll need to head into Thingvellir National Park.
Located about 45 minutes from Reykjavik, this waterfall is probably (in my opinion) the least impressive on this list. However, it’s still worth the visit, especially if you’re driving the Golden Circle.
To reach the falls, you’ll have to walk through one of the most famous parts of the National Park – Almannagjá Gorge. This narrow valley is the spot where the tectonic plates are drawing apart. So, you’re literally walking between two tectonic plates.
From there, you’ll reach a small bridge. Turn left from there and you’ll eventually reach Oxarafoss. The walk only takes around 20 minutes and is a great way to see the best of Thingvellir, plus see a gorgeous waterfall.
7. Brúarfoss
This is the bluest waterfall in Iceland, plus it’s such a hidden gem. The only way to get to this spot used to be a 2-hour hike. However, they’ve recently built a new car park just a 5-minute walk from the falls that makes visiting a lot easier.
Of course, it also makes it much busier and the car park is chargeable now, so you’ll have to pay to visit. But if you’re on a road trip and want the easiest way to visit the waterfall, this makes it simpler.
Brúarfoss is definitely worth the parking fee. It’s so blue that I thought the photographs had been photoshopped before I visited in person. The colour of the water is insane, but that’s actually how it looks.
To visit, you’ll need to walk down a short flat path from the car park. When you reach the falls, there’s a small bridge and viewing platform where you can admire the views over the water.
8. Svartifoss
This is not only one of the most impressive waterfalls in Iceland, but is also one of the best hikes in south Iceland. Svartifoss, also nicknamed ‘the Black Waterfall’, is located the furthest from Reykjavik on this list.
It’s a 4.5-hour drive from the capital, near Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. I recommend staying in that area if you want to visit, as there’s a lot to see around there.
The hike to the waterfall should take around an hour. The trail isn’t difficult, but it’s mostly uphill. Of course, this means that to get back is mostly downhill, which is a silver lining, but it can be very slippery in winter conditions.
Once you get there, you’ll see instantly why this waterfall inspired the famous Hallgrímskirkja Church in the capital. When you see the basalt columns and the shape of the falls, you’ll see the resemblance.
It’s an incredible waterfall and one of the most impressive on this list. Plus, since it’s a bit of a hidden gem in Iceland and you have a hike to reach it, you’ll find it much less crowded than the waterfalls along the south coast.
What are the most famous waterfalls in South Iceland?
The most famous waterfalls in South Iceland are Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss.
These are both almost guaranteed stops on every South Iceland day tour and can get very busy in peak season.
They are both beautiful, though and are well worth a visit.
What is the best time of year to visit waterfalls in South Iceland?
You can visit the waterfalls in South Iceland all year round. The best time does depend on what you’re looking for. In the summer months, you’ll find the largest crowds but also the greenest landscapes.
The spring can be super icy, and we found more ice when we visited in April than when we visited in December. The autumn months can bring beautiful autumn colours and fewer crowds than the summertime.
Our favourite time to visit the southern waterfalls is during the spring or autumn, as you can see all of the beauty with much fewer crowds.
👉Check out our full guide to the best time to visit Iceland for all our tips.
Is there an entrance fee to visit these waterfalls?
The waterfalls themselves are free to visit, as are most of the natural attractions along the south coast of Iceland. You will quite often have to pay for parking, though, which can cost anywhere between 750 ISK to 1000 ISK per car.
Are there any guided tours available to visit the waterfalls in South Iceland?
Yes, the south coast day tours from Reykjavik will almost always stop at Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss. If you book a Golden Circle Tour, you’ll stop at Gullfoss, as this is one of the major attractions on this route.
For the other waterfalls, you’ll likely have to hire a car or hire a private driver.
👉For our full review of the tour of the South Coast, check out this post.
Are there any facilities available near the waterfalls?
The popular waterfalls, like Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, have facilities such as toilets and small cafes or food trucks.
There is also a visitor centre at the trailhead for Svartifoss, at Gullfoss on the south coast, and at Thingvellir National Park.
However, lesser-known waterfalls don’t have any facilities.
Is it safe to visit the waterfalls during winter?
It is safe to visit them provided you are careful.
Many of the slipperier paths will be blocked off in the winter months due to the amount of ice, and you definitely have to be more cautious walking around some of the falls.
However, provided you are careful and dress accordingly, these waterfalls are safe to visit.
Overall…
Southern Iceland is one of the best places to see waterfalls in the country.
There’s such a large amount of stunning waterfalls so close together that you can spend your days going waterfall hopping and not get bored. Plus, they’re all so beautiful and unique – not a single waterfall on this list can be compared to another.
If you’re planning on visiting Iceland, I hope this has given you plenty of inspiration for which waterfalls to add to your Iceland bucket list.
👉 If you haven’t chosen a hotel in the South yet, here are our top South Coast hotel recommendations.
Pin for Later!
