It's not easy to put together a Top Best Iceland Waterfalls List because it's completely subjective and limited to each person's experience with the falls being named. This list is based on
our own personal experiences. Even with that said, it was still difficult to whittle down the countless superb Iceland Waterfalls to a list of only ten! But despite our struggles, we managed to do it (albeit controversially). So without further adieu, here they are in reverse order...
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10. HENGIFOSS [Egilsstadir, East Iceland]
This is Iceland's 3rd highest waterfall, looming high above the powder-blue Lagarfljót near Egilsstaðir, and with enough scenic allure to make the regional top 10 list. In addition to its 118m drop, there are also bonus waterfalls to see (like Litlanesfoss, which is framed by basalt columns) on the way up. Indeed, this worthwhile excursion gives you views, exercise, a geology lesson, and a reason to spend a little more time in the country's east.
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9. GLYMUR [Hvalfjordur, Southwest Iceland]
There's just something to be said about seeing Iceland's tallest waterfall (196m). Sure it's a bit out-of-the-way of the tourist routes and it's not easy to get a good view, but those who persevere are richly rewarded with some of the country's rawest and most stunning scenery within a day trip from Reykjavík. Among the rewards for those who are game are a natural arch you hike through, birds gracefully flying and diving before the falls, and stunning views of Hvalfjörður.
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8. HRAUNFOSSAR [Borgarfjordur, West Iceland]
Perhaps Iceland's most unusual waterfall, it consists of a long line of springs (about 900m) percolating through an old lava flow (hence its name "lava falls"). The glacial powdery blue river running before further adds to the scenic allure. Nearby is also Barnafoss, which once had a natural bridge across it.
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7. SELJALANDSFOSS [Hamragardar, South Iceland]
While many waterfalls in Iceland can be taller, wider, or even more powerful than this one, it does have one thing special about it - you can go behind it! Along with its conspicuous location in Southern Iceland (so tour buses don't miss it) and its proximity to other nice waterfalls such as the spooky Gljúfurárfoss, this waterfall makes the list.
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6. GOÐAFOSS [Myvatn District, North Iceland]
This popular wide river waterfall on the Skjálfandafljót played a role in Icelandic history. During that time, the law speaker (named Þorgeir) for the alþing (assembly) in the year 1000 had to make a nontrivial decision whether to make Iceland Christian or not. At a time when you either converted or faced death, the decision was made to make the country Christian and Þorgeir tossed his Norse deity idols into the waterfall. Besides history, this waterfall also holds its own in scenic allure, which you can experience from both sides of the river and get up close. It's definitely a not-to-be-missed attraction.
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5. HÁIFOSS [Thjorsardalur, Interior Iceland]
As Iceland's 2nd highest waterfall, it's often accompanied by a companion waterfall called Glanni (Neighbor). We happened to catch this waterfall on a beautiful sunny day and the rainbow accompanying it wowed us! Getting here requires a bit of some rough unsealed driving (still doable by passenger cars with care), but the reward was well worth it!
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4. DYNJANDI [Arnarfjordur, Westfjords]
Given how wild and remote the Westfjords are, this waterfall caught us by surprise and its unusual shape made it real memorable. This 100m waterfall actually falls in multiple stages (each with a name) and you can walk up to the base of the highest tier - its most spectacular part. Situated at the head of a fjord, the panoramas as seen from the base of the topmost tier are grand. It's definitely worth going out of your way to see this one!
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3. SKÓGAFOSS [Skogar, South Iceland]
The classic rectangular shape and accessibility makes this waterfall an instant classic. One of the most popular waterfalls in the country, you can experience it from its misty base as well as from its precarious top. If you have time and energy, don't forget to hike further upstream for even more waterfalls along the Skogá River.
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2. DETTIFOSS [Vatnajokull (Jokulsargljufur) National Park, North Iceland]
***World's Top 10*** This monster is Europe's most powerful waterfall. The wild glacial meltwaters of Jökulsá á Fjöllum have carved the massive canyon Jökulsárgljúfur within which you can find this 44m waterfall as well as three other big ones (Selfoss, Hafragilsfoss, and Rettárfoss). You can be awestruck as well as fearful of the falls' awesome might from both sides of the river, and its remoteness is fitting for the country's raw beauty.
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1. GULLFOSS [Haukadalur, Southwest Iceland]
***World's Top 10*** Easily Iceland's most famous waterfall, this 32m waterfall plunges in two stages at an angle to each other providing that memorable shape and giving the appearance that the Hvitá River plunges into an abyss. On sunny afternoons, arcing rainbows form in the wafting mist. Due to its popularity, expect to share this waterfall with hordes of tourists as well as persistent midges.
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World of Waterfalls: An Emotive Journey
Want to see the waterfalls on this list in action? Most of them (and then some!) appear in a music video celebrating waterfalls around the world. Can you identify them?
See the video!
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