15 Must-See Waterfalls in South Iceland

South Iceland has a stunning landscape, from the dramatic cliffs to the moody black sand of Reynisfjara Beach.

However, there is just no competition with the waterfalls in South Iceland. From dramatic falls Seljalandsfoss to hidden gems such as Gljúfrabúi, exploring the waterfalls of the south is just a must-do while in Iceland.

On my most recent Icelandic road trip, I explored the south coast in-depth – making sure to see all the best waterfalls Iceland has to offer. Below, you’ll find the best south Iceland waterfalls that are all must-sees on your next adventure!

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15 Best South Iceland Waterfalls

Below are 15 of the best South Iceland Waterfalls to visit on your next trip to Iceland. Many of these are easily accessible, while a few require some hiking to get there.

1. Seljalandsfoss

Location: Þórsmerkurvegur, 861, Iceland
How to Reach: Located directly off Route 1 (the Ring Road).
Hike Duration: None, just a short walk from the car park
Time Needed to Visit: 30 Minutes to 1 Hour

One of the most captivating waterfalls of Iceland’s Southern Coast is the breathtaking Seljalandsfoss. This impressive waterfall drops 60 meters (197 feet), and creates a dramatic sight.

One of the most unique aspects of Seljalandsfoss is that you can actually walk behind the waterfall. This is a super cool experience, although make sure to bring your rain coat because you will get a little wet!

Seljalandsfoss is one of the most popular waterfalls in Iceland due to its stunning natural beauty. It is easily visited by driving from Reykjavik or by taking a tour like this one.

This waterfall can get crowded due to the popularity. To get the best views, I highly recommend getting there early. We arrived at Seljalandsfoss by 7am and it was an amazing experience as it was just us and one other person.

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2. Gljúfrabúi Waterfall

Location: Þórsmerkurvegur, 861, Iceland (Located next to Seljalandsfoss)
How to Reach: Located directly off Route 1.
Hike Duration: No hike, requires a walk between the cavern opening
Time Needed to Visit: 30 Minutes

While Gljúfrabúi is located just a short walk from the popular Seljalandsfoss, many people completely miss it. This is because it is a hidden waterfall.

To access Gljúfrabúi, you will actually walk through a small cave opening between the two cliffs. Once inside, you can see the waterfall from above. It is a really unique experience and definitely a must-see spot.

Make sure to bring your raincoat for this one, because you will get wet as the water lightly cascades down around you. At certain times of the year, the entrance can have water and so its best to wear waterproof shoes too.

3. Skógafoss

Location: Skógafoss, 861, Iceland
How to Reach: Located just off of Route 1
Hike Duration: None, just a short walk from the parking area.
Time Needed to Visit: 30 minutes

Skogafoss is one of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls. Its is only a two hour drive from Reykjavik, making it easy to reach by car. It is also one of the best Iceland waterfalls to visit in winter as there is no hike required.

Skogafoss is also one of the largest waterfalls in Iceland. It is has an astonishing width of 25 meters (82 feet) and a height of 60 meters (197 feet).

You can view Skogafoss from in front of the magnificent falls. However, next to Skogafoss is a staircase that will take you above the waterfall. While it is a steep climb, it is worth it for the stunning views.

At the top of the staircase is also a famous hiking path that is popularly known as Waterfall Way. By hiking around 1.5 miles, you will pass by several other smaller waterfalls.

Just make sure to turn around after 1.5-2 miles and head back as the hike does not loop around. Instead it becomes the Fimmvörðuháls Trail to Thórsmörk, an intensive 25km hike for experienced hikers.

4. Kvernufoss

Location: 861 Evindarhólar, Iceland
How to Reach: Park at the Skogar Museum, walk towards the river in the back and follow it until you reach the waterfall.
Hike Duration: 1km one way
Time Needed to Visit: 1 hour

Kvernufoss is another hiddem gem waterfall located nearby the famous Skogafoss. Less people know about this waterfall, which gives it a serene and peaceful nature.

The waterfall is in a scenic gorge, surrounded by the lush green Icelandic landscape. It has a height of around 30meters high (98 feet), and is a stunning waterfall to visit.

To reach this this enchanting waterfall, you’ll park at the Skogar Museum and head towards a small river in the back of the museum. You’ll cross a small field with a fence to get to the river. Next, follow the river trail around 1km and you’ll reach Kvernufoss.

5. Svartifoss

Location: 785 Skaftafell, Iceland
How to Reach: Located off Route 1 is the Skatafell Parking and Visitors Center. From there it requires a 1.5km hike.
Hike Duration: 1.5 km one way
Time Needed to Visit: 2 hours

Located in the Skaftafell Nature Reserve of Vatnajökull National Park is the beautiful Svartifoss. It is one of the best sights to see in the national park, and is worth visiting.

Svartifoss is known for its dark, basalt columns and rugged rocks. In fact, the name Svartifoss means “black falls.”

The mystical waterfall even served as an inspiration for the architect that created the famous Hallgrímskirkja in Reykjavik. You’ll notice the sides of Svartifoss match that of Hallgrímskirkja.

This was one of my favorite waterfalls to visit in Iceland’s south coast. The hike there is uphill at first but provides some great view points over the landscape. Once you arrive at Svartifoss it is the perfect place to relax and take in the scenic nature.

Tip: Svartifoss is a 4 hour drive from Reykjavik, nearby the famous Glacier Lagoon. Due to the distance, I highly recommend spending at least one night at Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon.

6. Öxarárfoss

Location: 806 Thingvellir, Iceland
How to Reach: Park at the Thingvellir National Park Visitor Center, then walk the path around 1.7km to the waterfall.
Hike Duration: 1.7km one way
Time Needed to Visit: 1-2 hours

Öxarárfoss is a beautiful waterfall surrounded by dramatic rocks. It is easy to get to and requires a scenic walk on a nicely paved path surrounded by rugged cliffs.

Öxarárfoss is located in Thingvellir National Park, which is a protected natural area known for its geological and historical significance.

Historically speaking, Thingvellir was where the Vikings would hold an Althing, an Icelandic parliament that began in 930 AD. During this event, the Viking Icelanders would pass laws, settle disputes, and share news.

Geologically, Thingvellir National Park is where the North American and European tectonic plates meet.

It is one of the only places in the world where you can see a ridge between two continents. You can even snorkel between the two continents at Silfra.

7. Gullfoss

Location: Gullfoss Nature Reserve, 35, 846, Iceland
How to Reach: Located in the Golden Circle, off from Route 35.
Hike Duration: None, short walk from the parking area.
Time Needed to Visit: 30 minutes

The gem of the Golden Circle is Gullfoss. This beautiful waterfall is actually a double waterfall that has a height of 32 meters (105 feet). Its located along the Hvítá river and is fed by Langjökull, Iceland´s second largest glacier.

The name Gullfoss stands for Golden Waterfall and the stunning waterfall certainly lives up to its name.

The Golden Circle is one of the most popular driving routes due to its close proximity to Reykjavik, and so Gullfoss can get rather crowded. To see it without the crowds, you’ll want to get there early in the morning or in the evening.

Gullfoss is one of the must visit attractions in the Golden Circle, and if you don’t want to drive there are plenty of Golden Circle tours like this one that visit it.

8. Faxi Waterfall

Location: Biskupstungnabraut, 806, Iceland
How to Reach: Located in the Golden Circle, off Route 35.
Hike Duration: None, a short walk from the parking area.
Time Needed to Visit: 30 minutes

Faxi Waterfall is another waterfall found in the Golden Circle. It is also known as Faxafoss or Vatnsleysufoss in Icelandic. While not very tall, it has an impressive width and is fed by the Tungufljót River.

As it is on the Golden Circle Route, it is easy to combine visiting Faxi Waterfall with other highlights such as Secret Lagoon, Geysir, and more.

Often overlooked for Gullfoss, Faxi Waterfall is worth visiting when driving the Golden Circle. It was less crowded and is a scenic waterfall to check out.

9. Gjáin Waterfall

Location: Stangarvegur, 804, Iceland
How to Reach: Take Route 1 to Skeiða- og Hrunamannavegur (Route 30), Next, turn right onto Route 32, then left on to Háifoss (Road 332) for 500m, then left onto Stöng (Road 327) for 3km until you reach a small parking area.
Hike Duration: None, just a short walk.
Time Needed to Visit: 1 hour

Gjáin Waterfall is one of the best off the beaten path waterfalls in Iceland. While this incredible place is a little more difficult to get to, it is so worth visiting.

The waterfall is actually a series of small waterfalls in a valley, surrounded by lush greenery. There will likely be very few other tourists which makes it an enchanting place to visit.

For Game of Thrones fans, you may recognize Gjáin Waterfall as one of the filming sites with Aria and the Hound (season 4, episode 5).

Located about 10-15 minutes drive down the road from Gjáin Waterfall are the ruins of a Viking Settlement Longhouse, which is a unique thing to check out.

To get to you will need a 4×4 SUV because the last mile is on an F-road. In Iceland, it is illegal to drive regular cars on an F-road. The road itself isn’t too difficult (no river crossings) but it is uneven and has some sharp gravel so drive slowly on the last mile or so.

Tip: I highly recommend renting a 4×4 SUV with Blue Car. Blue Car is one of the highest rated car rental companies in Iceland. It is also a local Icelandic owned car company.

🚗 Click Here to Book a Rental Car with Blue Car

10. Fossálar Waterfall

Location: Fossálar Waterfall, 881, Iceland (along the Ring Road)
How to Reach: Located right off the Ring Road, there is a small parking pull off area on the other side of the road where you can park.
Hike Duration: None
Time Needed to Visit: 10 minutes

Fossálar Waterfall is a small, series of waterfalls located directly on the side of the Ring Road. It is a picturesque place to stop for some beautiful photos of the Icelandic landscape.

This waterfall is located right along Route 1 (the Ring Road) about 14km east of Kirkjubæjarklaustur, Iceland. Since it is located pretty far out, you’ll likely be the only person there. Just remember to pull off the road (don’t stop in the road for pictures).

11. Foss á Síðu

Location: Þjóðvegur, 881, Iceland (along the Ring Road)
How to Reach: Located right off the Ring Road
Hike Duration: None
Time Needed to Visit: 5 minutes

Foss á Síðu is a stunningly beautiful roadside waterfall in Iceland. The waterfall itself is in private property so it isn’t possible to hike up to it, however it is an incredible waterfall to see from the side of the road.

You’ll see this waterfall from the Ring Road, about 12km east of Kirkjubæjarklaustur, Iceland. If you want to take a photo make sure to pull off to the side of the road. Its a beautiful waterfall and a nice spot for a quick photo.

12. Grófarlækjarfoss

Location: Grófarlækjarfoss, 785 Hof, Iceland
How to Reach: Located next to Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon, just a short walk from the parking area
Hike Duration: 5 minute walk
Time Needed to Visit: 20 minutes

This hidden gem waterfall is located directly next to the Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon. Its an easy one to visit and there were no other people around when we went. You can get closer to the waterfall through a short walk, and it is extremely peaceful and serene.

If you go in the summer, there are beautiful purple Lupine flowers that are in full bloom, creating gorgeous scenery.

13. Systrafoss

Location: Systrafoss, 881 Kirkjubæjarklaustur, Iceland
How to Reach: You can see it from the parking area or follow the path for about 10-15 minutes for a closer view
Hike Duration: 10-15 minute walk
Time Needed to Visit: 30 minutes

An iconic waterfall of Kirkjubaejarklaustur, Systrafoss is a small cascading waterfall. Its a pretty waterfall to see in the distance from the village, and there are picnic tables there in case you want to have some lunch with a view.

To see the waterfall closer up, there is a short trail that you can walk down. One of the walking trails will take you to the Sytravatn Lake, and it is about a 15 minute walk to get there.

Systrafoss is worth stopping at while driving through Iceland’s southern coast. The town of Kirkjubaejarklaustur is a good spot to fill up on gas and grab some lunch before heading further east, as there isn’t much else for miles after.

14. Rauðárfoss

Location: Rauðárfoss, 881 Kirkjubæjarklaustur, Iceland
How to Reach: From the parking area, follow the path for about 10 mintues and you’ll arrive at the waterfall.
Hike Duration: 10 minute walk
Time Needed to Visit: 45 minutes

Rauðárfoss is a small hidden gem waterfall that many people overlook, and so its likely that you’ll have the falls completely to yourself when visiting.

Rauðárfoss is located nearby Kirkjubæjarklaustur, Iceland. To get to the waterfall, you will have a short 10 minute walk from the parking area. As there aren’t many other people around, it is a very serene and relaxing area.

Nearby the waterfall you can continue to hike around on the short trail to Systrastapi Rock. Systrastapi Rock is a uniquely shaped rock that is very picturesque. You can go up it, but be very careful as we thought the trail up there was a bit uneven.

15. Stjórnarfoss

Location: Stjórnarfoss, 881 Kirkjubæjarklaustur, Iceland
How to Reach: There is a parking and camping area just across the street, and then it is a short walk to the falls.
Hike Duration: None
Time Needed to Visit: 1-2 hours

Last but certainly not least is another one of my personal favorites, Stjórnarfoss. Stjórnarfoss is located near the town of Kirkjubæjarklaustur, Iceland.

Not only is Stjórnarfoss beautiful, but it is a very relaxing place to visit. The waterfall cascades into a crystal-clear pool of water, and is surrounded by greenery. We visited in June and it was filled with beautiful blooming purple lupine flowers.

Stjórnarfoss is the perfect place to have a picnic while enjoying the stunning Icelandic landscapes. There is also a camping area just down the street which is perfect for those driving camper vans or tent camping.

Map of the Waterfalls in South Iceland

There are quite literally thousands of waterfalls in Iceland. This map shows the locations of the best 15 waterfalls in south Iceland that are mentioned above.

Tips for Visiting Waterfalls in South Iceland

👉 Wear a rain jacket to avoid getting wet
👉 Waterproof shoes can be helpful
👉 Be careful walking around as it can be slippery near some waterfalls
👉Visit popular waterfalls like Skogafoss early in the morning or in the evening to avoid crowds.
👉 Always check weather and road conditions via Road.is or Vedur.is.
👉 Driving is the easiest way to visit several waterfalls, one of the best rental car companies in Iceland is Blue Car.
👉 If you prefer not to drive, there are guided tours like this one that will take you around South Iceland to some of the best waterfalls.

FAQ: Waterfalls South Iceland

The Wrap Up: Waterfalls South Iceland

The waterfalls in South Iceland are absolutely worth visiting. You are sure to fall in love with the natural beauty of South Iceland’s waterfalls, from the stunningly beautiful Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss to the hidden gem waterfalls such as Gljúfrabúi.

Many of the waterfalls along the southern coast are easy to visit and accessible, making it possible for people of all ages and fitness levels to admire the stunning waterfalls in Iceland.

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