Visiting southern Iceland and wondering what the best waterfalls are to visit? Check out my top waterfalls I visited in the Golden Circle and along the Ring Road in southern Iceland.
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Southern Iceland’s Best Waterfalls
Iceland, the land of fire and ice, is known for its stunning landscapes with its waterfalls being among the most awe-inspiring natural features. The iconic Golden Circle and the scenic Ring Road routes offers access to some of Iceland’s majestic waterfalls. This post will highlight the best waterfalls you must visit in these southern Iceland regions.
Best Golden Circle Waterfalls
The Golden Circle is a popular tourist route in southern Iceland and includes three primary stops: Þingvellir National Park, Geysir Geothermal Area, and Gullfoss Waterfall. However, this southern Iceland region is home to more than just these well-known sites; it’s home to some of the best waterfalls.
1. Gulfoss
Location
Located in the Hvítá river canyon, approximately 75 miles (120 km) from Reykjavík
Why Visit
The Gulfoss (“Golden Falls”) waterfall is a majestic waterfall made up of smaller cascading waterfalls that lead down to the larger 69-foot (21-meter) tall waterfall. This massive waterfall is really incredible to see and experience first-hand.
Tips
When you park it will be about a 5-10 minute walk to get to the waterfalls for a closer view, but you can admire them from afar almost immediately. Its sheer size and the volumes of water is actually more appreciative from the farther distance. When you get to the bottom lookout point, you’ll be able to see the brink of the waterfall as well as a closer look at the cascading waterfalls. While here, you may get soaked in the waterfall’s mist and the ground can get very slippery too, so dress accordingly and watch your step! Wear a poncho or raincoat to prevent from getting soaked, and shoes with good rubber soles to prevent slipping.
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Gulfoss Waterfall
2. Brúarfoss
Location
Near the small town of Laugarvatn, a short detour off the main Golden Circle route.
Why Visit
Brúarfoss (“Bridge Falls”) waterfall is a hidden gem and features striking blue waters and a unique fragmented cascade. It’s less crowded than other Golden Circle attractions so it provides a peaceful and intimate experience.
Tips
The trail to Bruarfoss can be muddy and poorly marked so wear good hiking shoes and follow directions carefully. The walk is about 2.2 miles (3.5 km) round trip.
Best Ring Road Waterfalls
The Ring Road (Route 1) encircles Iceland and offers access to a ton of natural wonders. Along the Ring Road in southern Iceland includes some of the country’s best and most spectacular waterfalls.
1. Seljalandsfoss
Pronounced: Sa-leeya-lands-foss
Location
In southern Iceland near the town of Hvolsvöllur.
Why Visit
The Seljalandsfoss Waterfall is an amazing waterfall and one of my favorites in Iceland! The water drops 200 feet (60 meters) and you can walk behind it and experience being behind a mighty waterfall.
Tips
There is a path that leads you behind the water, but prepare to get wet as the water can reach inwards to the walkway. Wear a raincoat or poncho to prevent getting too soaked. There are also a few spots where you can stand almost directly under the waterfall if you want to get even closer to the falling water. When you exit the other end, you’ll get yet another amazing view of the majestic waterfall.
Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
2. Gljúfrabúi
Pronounced: Geeyu-frah-boy
Location
A short 10 minute walk from Seljalandsfoss Waterfall.
Why Visit
The amazing Gljúfrabúi waterfall comes down through the ceiling in a cave. At the base of the waterfall there is a huge rock where you can climb up and take amazing photos on. Do not miss this hidden gem while here!
Tips
After exiting from being behind the Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, you can continue walking north to the Gljúfrabúi Waterfall. You will see a crack in the side of the cliff with a stream coming through. You can walk through the rock opening although your shoes may get wet from the water stream, so wear appropriate waterproof footwear or shoes you’re not worried about getting wet.
Gljúfrabúi Waterfall
3. Skógafoss
Pronounced: Skoh-ah-foss
Location
Approximately 26 minutes from Seljalandsfoss, near the village of Skógar.
Why Visit
Skógafoss waterfall’s sheer size is quite overwhelming, especially when you approach up close to them. These mighty falls come down about 200 feet (60 meters), and you’ll be able to approach them pretty close at the base, as well as see them from the top at the brink of the falls!
Tips
When you’ve admired them from the base and have the time (and energy) to check them out at the top, you’ll see a series of steps to the right of the falls. You will be ascending to a height taller than the falls so go at your own pace and take rests as needed. Be careful though as it can get really windy heading up! Once on the top platform, you’ll get a view of the brink of the waterfall and a trail you can continue down on with some cascading waterfalls not too far.
Skógafoss Waterfall
4. Svartifoss
Pronounced: Svar-tee-foss
Location
In Vatnajökull National Park near the Skaftafell visitor center. About 2 hours and 10 minutes away from Skógafoss.
Why Visit
Svartifoss is my favorite waterfall in Iceland because it falls over a beautiful wall of natural hexagonal-shaped lava columns, perfectly framing this unique waterfall! The water falls 80 feet (20 meters) and is surrounded by natural lava formations, whose bottom-ends will fall down to the base of the waterfall, creating a pile of sharp, square-like rocks.
Tips
Choose a Trail
To get to the falls, you will have to hike a trail which will range in time depending on what trail you want to do. Make a stop at the Visitor Center to get more information on the trails and how to get to the waterfall.
The shortest hike to the falls took about 90 minutes roundtrip with stops to enjoy the scenery and take photos. You also have the option to take the longer trail that circles around the park, which can take about 3 hours.
Trail to Svartifoss
On the way to the Svartifoss, there will be a slight incline in the trail, although it is not difficult. You’ll eventually pass over the small river that the falls’ water cascades into, where you can see a nice view of the falls from afar. Keep going until you get to the platform right in front of them where you can take awesome pictures at.
Svartifoss Waterfall
Final Words
Southern Iceland’s Golden Circle and Ring Road routes offer a mesmerizing array of waterfalls where each has its own unique charm and beauty. Add these waterfall stops to your Iceland journey and you’ll be rewarded with some of the most spectacular and memorable sights Iceland has to offer. Bon Voyage!
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