22 Easiest to Reach Iceland Waterfalls & 7 Not Too Difficult Ones

Gullfoss waterfall view from overlook on Golden Circle map in Iceland

This realistic List of Easiest to Reach Iceland Waterfalls helps you decide what waterfalls to visit in the country.

Iceland is the land of waterfalls. Nobody knows for certain how many waterfalls are in this country. But a few sources believe that there are about 10,000 waterfalls.

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Waterfalls in Iceland

Most waterfall names in Icelandic language end in –foss (waterfall) or –fossar (waterfalls). The road signs would indicate a route to a Foss. This knowledge will help you get to the right waterfall on the ground.

Eystragil valley in Skaftafell National Park in Iceland

You do not need to even try to visit all waterfalls on your trip to Iceland. Some waterfalls are more beautiful than others. And many are very hard to reach.

You can visit all easy to reach waterfalls in Iceland around the clock. Most waterfalls are free to visit. But you might have to pay parking fees to see a handful of them.

This List of the Easiest to Reach Iceland Waterfalls describes all major waterfalls you could see in the country. You will learn more about ways to get to the waterfalls and their entrance requirements.

Easiest to Reach Waterfalls from Reykjavik

Most visitors to Iceland arrive in Keflavik Airport about an hour southwest of the capital. Reykjavik is the largest city of the country. It has the most restaurants and places to stay.

It is only natural to make the capital city your starting point for exploring waterfalls in Iceland. You would need a car rental to see most waterfalls. With a rental car you can reach many of the falls the tours do not go to.

There are 13 waterfalls you could reach in less than 3 hours from Reykjavik. This section of the List of the Easiest to Reach Iceland Waterfalls will cover them in detail.

Hallgrimskirkja in Reykjavik on Golden Circle map in Iceland

1. Oxararfoss Waterfall on Golden Circle Route

  • Distance from Reykjavik: 33 miles (53 km) / 50 minutes of driving each way.
  • Entrance fees: free.

Oxararfoss Waterfall is the easiest to reach waterfall in Iceland. This waterfall is in Thingvellir National Park. The oldest national park in Iceland is mere 30 miles (50 km) northeast of the capital city.

You would need to take a walk to reach this waterfall. The 0.5-mi (0.8-km) accessible trail brings from the parking lot via boardwalks and a gravel path.

Even when you account for the hike, Oxararfoss is still the fastest waterfall to reach in Iceland. A drive and a hike to this waterfall will take less than driving to any other waterfall on this list.

Oxararfoss in Thingvellir on Golden Circle, the easiest to reach Iceland waterfall

2. Urridafoss Waterfall in South Iceland

  • Distance from Reykjavik: 49 miles (78 km) / 1 hour and 10 minutes of driving each way.
  • Entrance fees: free.

Urridafoss is the second closest major waterfall from the capital city. You can get there in just over an hour. The waterfall is an easy to reach location. It is a short gravel drive south of the Ring Road.

Urridafoss is one of the most powerful waterfalls in the country. It is so powerful that there are plans to build a power station upstream to harness it. If it happens, this waterfall will disappear.

You will rarely find Urridafoss on the Iceland waterfall lists. It might lack some of the natural beauty of other falls. But its power and convenient location speak in favor of a visit.

Urridafoss waterfall in South Iceland, the second easiest to reach Iceland waterfall

3. Faxafoss Waterfall on Golden Circle Route

  • Distance from Reykjavik: 65 miles (105 km) / 1 hour and 30 minutes of driving each way.
  • Entrance fees: free.

Faxafoss is the third easiest to reach waterfall in Iceland. This waterfall is also on the Golden Circle map. But chances are you have not heard the name of this waterfall before.

You do not need to hike to see it. Just jump out of the car and go past the bushes. You will see the waterfall that runs parallel to the road.

Faxafoss waterfall looks just like river rapids. This waterfall is high enough to make it dangerous for rafting and kayaking. It is a good stop before exploring other Golden Circle sights.

Faxafoss waterfall on Golden Circle map in Iceland, the third easiest to reach Iceland waterfall

4. Glanni Waterfall in West Iceland

  • Distance from Reykjavik: 66 miles (106 km) / 1 hour and 30 minutes of driving each way.
  • Entrance fees: free.

Glanni is another easy to reach waterfall from the capital of Iceland. This waterfall is in Western Region. You can reach it by taking a short gravel road from the Ring Road.

This waterfall has a handful of streams on the Nordura river. It creates a natural boundary. But this is far from the most scenic waterfall in the country.

Stop at Glanni to admire the falls. But continue further north on the Ring Road to Northern Iceland or West Fjords. This is the way to get the most from a visit to this part of the country.

Glanni waterfall in Western Region, Iceland

5. Gullfoss Waterfall on Golden Circle Route

  • Distance from Reykjavik: 66 miles (106 km) / 1 hour and 30 minutes of driving each way.
  • Entrance fees: free.

Gullfoss Waterfall is one of the easiest to reach waterfalls in Iceland. And it is the first waterfall on this List that is a destination in itself.

Few people travel to Iceland to see Glanni or Urridafoss. With all due respect to these waterfalls, they are great additional stops on the route to other sights.

But Gullfoss on the Olfusa river is in a different league.

  • It strikes the right balance between power and beauty.
  • This waterfall is one of the most picturesque waterfalls in the country.
  • It is part of the Iceland’s Golden Circle Tourist Route.
Gullfoss waterfall canyon on Golden Circle, the iconic easiest to reach Iceland waterfall

This waterfall has a height of 105 ft (32 m) over two terraces. Water drops from the lower terrace into a narrow canyon.

You can see the waterfall right from the free parking lot. But you should hike 0.34 miles (550 m) to see the canyon. The gravel path gains 108 ft (33 m) in elevation on the way back. But the trail is still easily accessible.

6. Hraunfossar Waterfall in West Iceland

  • Distance from Reykjavik: 78 miles (126 km) / 1 hour and 45 minutes of driving each way.
  • Entrance fees: free.

Hraunfossar Waterfall is northeast of Reykjavik. But you would need to drive northwest for most of the way to reach it. This is due to the way the road network is in this part of Iceland.

This waterfall involves a detour from the Ring Road. You would have to take country roads for about 34 miles (54 km) to reach this waterfall. At least, all of these roads are paved.

This waterfall is quite unique. There are countless streams of water that flow from a plateau to the river. Some of the streams are nearly vertical. Others flow over small terraces and rocks.

Hraunfossar waterfall in Western Region, Iceland

Bushes and rocks hide the source of the streams. You can cross the river via a bridge near Barnafossar and try to find the source of these falls. Bear in mind that it could take you quite some time.

7. Barnafossar Waterfall in West Iceland

  • Distance from Reykjavik: 78 miles (126 km) / 1 hour and 45 minutes of driving each way.
  • Entrance fees: free.

Barnafossar Waterfall is an obvious next step if you made it to Hraunfossar. These waterfalls are mere hundred feet (meters) apart.

You would need to hike upstream for a couple of minutes. Thanks to the accessible gravel paths and boardwalks, there is no reason to skip this waterfall.

Barnafossar Waterfall is quite different from nearby Hraunfossar and most Iceland waterfalls. It looks less like a waterfall and more like river rapids. A powerful stream flows over volcanic rocks in a narrow canyon.

Barnafossar waterfall in Western Region, Iceland

8. Seljalandsfoss Waterfall in South Iceland

  • Distance from Reykjavik: 80 miles (129 km) / 1 hour and 45 minutes of driving each way.
  • Entrance fees: ISK 900 (~$6.5) per car.

Seljalandsfoss Waterfall is another very popular waterfall in South Iceland. It has a small grotto that you could walk behind. Most visitors come to Seljalandsfoss for this experience.

This waterfall also has a very convenient location. It is on the way between the capital city and other sights in the region. And it is just off the Ring Road.

Seljalandsfoss waterfall in South Iceland

The waterfall is in top 20 highest waterfalls in Iceland. You can see it for free from the paved road. But you would need to pay a parking fee to hike to the grotto.

If you decide to park and have extra time, you should also hike to Gljufrabui waterfall nearby. This waterfall is hidden in a well like canyon. There is an accessible dirt path between the two waterfalls.

You would want to put on a waterproof jacket and boots. There is a lot of water and mist coming at you at both Seljalandsfoss and Gljufrabui waterfalls.

9. Selvallafoss Waterfall in West Iceland

  • Distance from Reykjavik: 95 miles (153 km) / 2 hours of driving each way.
  • Entrance fees: free.

Selvallafoss Waterfall brings you further away from the capital city. You would need to take highway 54 to Snæfellsnes peninsula in West Iceland.

This waterfall is quite small. You could easily miss it. It is somewhat hidden since it flows below the highway. You would need to take a short path from the Selvallavatn Viewpoint.

Selvallafoss in Western Region, Iceland

As a result, it is hard to recommend this waterfall as the only attraction in this region. A chance to see this waterfall is not worth a 98-mi (157-km) detour from the Ring Road.

But you should make a stop to see Selvallafoss Waterfall on your way to Kirkjufell and Snæfellsjökull. These two sights are the real wonders of Iceland.

10. Skogafoss Waterfall in South Iceland

  • Distance from Reykjavik: 97 miles (156 km) / 2 hours of driving each way.
  • Entrance fees: free.

Look no further than Skogafoss if you need one waterfall to visit in under 2 hours from Reykjavik. This waterfall rightfully claims the top spot on many lists of the Best Waterfalls in Iceland.

Skogafoss is one of the highest waterfalls in the country at 197 ft (60 m). It has a strong and powerful stream. It is right next to the Ring Road in South Iceland. There is a large free parking area next to the waterfall.

Skogafoss waterfall, one of most famous waterfalls in Iceland

You can see Skogafoss Waterfall right from the parking lot. In fact, you can even get a distant view from the Ring Road. But thanks to free parking, you can explore the area around the falls in more detail.

You can take a path to the waterfall along the river. Wear a waterproof jacket to not get wet from the mist. This path is accessible.

You could also hike to see the waterfall from the upper viewpoint. The Skogafoss Stairs are not the easiest path due to the elevation gain. The views from the top might also not be worth the effort.

Get ready to deal with the tourist crowds at Skogafoss Waterfall. There will be lots of people at this waterfall during every season.

11. Bjarnarfoss Waterfall in West Iceland

  • Distance from Reykjavik: 109 miles (176 km) / 2 hours and 20 minutes of driving each way.
  • Entrance fees: free.

The next easy to reach Iceland waterfall will bring you again to West Iceland. Bjarnarfoss Waterfall is the 9th highest waterfall in the country. It has a height of 262 ft (80 m).

Similar to Selvallafoss, you should not drive 2.5 hours just to see this one waterfall. There are lots of other things to do in West Iceland.

From Kirkjufell to Snaefellsjokull this region could be a true highlight of your trip. Both sights are less than 30 minutes away from Bjarnarfoss Waterfall.

Bjarnarfoss in Western Region, Iceland

12. Kirkjufellsfoss Waterfall in West Iceland

  • Distance from Reykjavik: 112 miles (181 km) / 2 hours and 30 minutes of driving each way.
  • Entrance fees: ISK 1,000 (~$7) per car.

You will not be disappointed if you follow this piece of advice and drive to Kirkjufell Mountain. This mountain has a captivating shape.

You probably saw this mountain without knowing its name. It was part of Game of Thrones series. Kirkjufellsfoss Waterfall is also right next to this mountain.

Iconic view of Kirkjufell with waterfall and bridge in Western Region, Iceland

You can get a view of the waterfall for free from highway 54. But the iconic view with the mountain involves a parking fee.

A short path will bring you over the bridge. This spot will allow you to capture the mountain, waterfall, creek, and bridge in one picture.

13. Kolufossar Waterfall in Northern Iceland

  • Distance from Reykjavik: 129 miles (208 km) / 2 hours and 40 minutes of driving each way.
  • Entrance fees: free.

Kolufossar Waterfall is the last waterfall you can visit on a day trip from the capital city. It is the first and only waterfall in Northern Iceland on this List of the Easiest to Reach Iceland Waterfalls.

This waterfall is at the end of Kolugljufur Canyon. You would need to take a short gravel road to reach it. Once there, you can wonder atop of the canyon. Enjoy the views of this scenic waterfall.

Kolugljufur waterfall, or Kolufoss, views in Northern Iceland

There is no doubt that Kolufossar Waterfall is a beautiful. Its streams drop into a narrow ravine. The unified stream continues through the canyon.

But this waterfall is not enough as a sole attraction in this part of the country.

  • You should tag it to the Ring Road drive through Northern Iceland.
  • You could also visit it after a day in West Iceland.
  • It is an excellent addition to a longer exploration of West Fjords Region.

Easiest to Visit Waterfalls in South Iceland

Urridafoss, Seljalandsfoss, and Skogafoss are the only waterfalls in South Iceland you can reach in under 2 hours.

All other major waterfalls in Iceland require a longer drive from the capital city. You are looking at over 3 hours each way to reach them. It puts other waterfalls just outside the reach of a typical day trip.

You will have the best return on your time and investment if you pair these waterfalls with other regional sights. South Iceland is one of the closest regions to the capital city. It has a few waterfalls and black sand beaches.

This section of the Easiest to Reach Iceland Waterfalls List will cover the falls in South Iceland.

Reynisdrangar cliff views at Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach in South Iceland

14. Systrafoss Waterfall

  • Distance from Reykjavik: 162 miles (260 km) / 3 hours and 30 minutes of driving each way.
  • Entrance fees: free.

Systrafoss Waterfall is quite remote. It is past the village of Vik. The waterfall is next to the regional line with East Iceland. As a result, a lot less people visit Systrafoss than other waterfalls in Iceland.

Yet, this waterfall deserves your attention. It has a respectable height of 226 ft (69 m). You can even get a glimpse of this waterfall from the Ring Road.

But you would need to turn back and drive through the village of Kirkjubaejarklaustur to get closer to the falls.

Keep in mind that there is no public parking next to this waterfall. But there is a path that brings you right to the waterfall if you manage to park nearby.

Systrafoss waterfall in South Iceland

15. Stjornarfoss Waterfall

  • Distance from Reykjavik: 162 miles (260 km) / 3 hours and 30 minutes of driving each way.
  • Entrance fees: free.

Stjornarfoss Waterfall is in the same village as Systrafoss. This waterfall has a fraction of the height of Systrafoss. But you do not need to worry about parking when visiting it.

You can park at a free viewpoint. The waterfall will be on full display there. Hike for a few minutes towards the waterfall for an even better view.

Skaftafoss waterfall in South Iceland

16. Foss a Sidu Waterfall

  • Distance from Reykjavik: 168 miles (270 km) / 3 hours and 30 minutes of driving each way.
  • Entrance fees: free.

Foss a Sidu Waterfall is a waterfall in a remote part of South Iceland. But it is only a few minutes from Stjornarfoss and Systrafoss Waterfalls.

This waterfall is the 8th highest waterfall in Iceland. It has a height of 269 ft (82 m). So, you can easily see this waterfall right from the Ring Road.

But you should drive past this waterfall and stop at Dverghamrar. This place has basalt columns. You should walk a little south from the road, deeper into this attraction.

This way, you can get a picture of Foss a Sidu with the columns on both sides.

Foss a Sidu waterfall as viewed from Dverghamrar in South Iceland

Most Accessible Waterfalls in Northern Iceland

It is hard to describe the waterfalls in Northern Iceland as accessible. Most of them, except for Kolufossar, require well over 5 hours of driving to reach.

But the waterfalls in the region are still closer to Reykjavik than the falls in East Iceland. You do not need to hike to see many waterfalls in this region.

Cruise ship in Akureyri, Northern Iceland

This makes Northern Iceland a great region to chase waterfalls. You just need to keep driving along the Ring Road to see the falls. You could do so after a whale watching tour in Akureyri or Husavik.

There is another way to make Northern Iceland feel closer than it is. You could take a cruise with a stop in Akureyri. This would certainly cut the number of hours you need to visit waterfalls in the region.

This section of the Easiest to Reach Iceland Waterfalls List will cover the falls in Northern Iceland.

17. Godafoss Waterfall

  • Distance from Reykjavik: 216 miles (438 km) / 5 hours 30 minutes of driving each way.
  • Entrance fees: free.

Godafoss Waterfall is the closest waterfall to Akureyri. You can get to this waterfall in just 40 minutes from the largest city in Northern Iceland.

This waterfall is a prime example of an easy to visit attraction. All you need to do is turn to the parking lot from the Ring Road. You will be able to see the waterfall right from the parking lot.

Godafoss waterfall views in Northern Iceland

Take a short path to get an even better view of the falls. Godafoss looks most like Faxafoss on the Golden Circle map.

This waterfall cannot compete with the highest waterfalls in the country. Yet, it is the most accessible waterfall in the region.

18. Dettifoss Waterfall

  • Distance from Reykjavik: 333 miles (536 km) / 6 hours 30 minutes of driving each way.
  • Entrance fees: free.

Dettifoss Waterfall is quite different from other waterfalls in Northern Iceland. This waterfall has a lot of titles. Yet, almost all of them put it in the second best category.

  • Dettifoss is the second most powerful waterfall in Europe.
  • It is on the second longest river in the country.
  • The waterfall is in both Northern Iceland and East Iceland.
Views of Dettifoss in Northern Iceland, the most powerful waterfall in Europe

You can choose from two viewpoints when visiting Dettifoss Waterfall. The West Viewpoint in Northern Iceland is easier to reach thanks to a paved road.

You would need to hike for about 1 mile (1.6 km) round trip to see the falls. The path is accessible. You just need to bring a waterproof jacket to deal with the mist.

19. Selfoss Waterfall

  • Distance from Reykjavik: 333 miles (536 km) / 6 hours 30 minutes of driving each way.
  • Entrance fees: free.

If you already made it to Dettifoss Waterfall, you should also stop at Selfoss Waterfall. You can reach this waterfall from the same trailhead.

You just need to hike upstream for another 0.5 miles (0.8 km). This waterfall has a lot less mist. It looks far more similar to other falls in Northern Iceland.

Selfoss waterfall in Northern Iceland

Easiest to Reach Waterfalls in East Iceland

East Iceland is the most remote region of the country. It is the furthest area from the capital city. You would need to drive for over 4 hours to see the first waterfalls in East Iceland.

The waterfalls visible from the viewpoints on the Ring Road require an even longer drive. As a result, far fewer people visit the waterfalls in East Iceland than in other regions.

Icebergs at Jokulsarlon in South Iceland

But you should not skip the sights in East Iceland. This region is the land of glaciers, volcanoes, and black sand beaches. They are all great additions to the Ring Road itinerary.

You might even start your trip to the country in East Iceland. This will happen if you take the only car ferry to the island. The ferry carries cars and passengers between Denmark and the town of Seydisfjordur.

The next section of this List of the Easiest to Reach Iceland Waterfalls will cover the falls in East Iceland.

20. Barkinafoss Waterfall

  • Distance from Reykjavik: 330 miles (531 km) / 7 hours of driving each way.
  • Entrance fees: free.

Barkinafoss Waterfall is one of the easiest waterfalls to visit in East Iceland. All you need to do is pull over at a viewpoint on the Ring Road. You will get a good look at this waterfall right from your car.

There is a path that will bring you even closer to the waterfall. You can stand right next to the main falls. Just remember that the closer you get, the less you will see of the second waterfall terrace.

Barkinafoss waterfall in South Iceland

21. Nykurhylsfoss Waterfall

  • Distance from Reykjavik: 352 miles (566 km) / 7 hours 30 minutes of driving each way.
  • Entrance fees: free.

The distance from the capital city is main problem of Nykurhylsfoss Waterfall. Other than a lengthy drive, there is little that stands in the way of visiting this waterfall.

It is next to the Ring Road. But the waterfall is hidden from sight. You would to take a short gravel road to the viewpoint. You will see a very powerful waterfall in just a couple of minutes.

Nykurhylsfoss waterfall in East Iceland

22. Rjukandi Waterfall

  • Distance from Reykjavik: 374 miles (602 km) / 7 hours 30 minutes of driving each way.
  • Entrance fees: free.

This waterfall has two names, Rjukandi and Rjukandafoss. It is the waterfall furthest away from Reykjavik. Yet, it is quite easy to see this waterfall if you embark on the full Ring Road adventure.

It takes “just” 2.5 hours to reach the waterfall from Akureyri. A drive from Egilsstadir, the largest town in East Iceland, is mere 40 minutes.

The waterfall is the 7th highest in Iceland thanks to a drop of 305 ft (93 m). You can see the waterfall right from the roadside viewpoint.

Rjukandi Waterfall in East Iceland

Not So Easy to Visit Waterfalls in Iceland

There is a handful of Iceland waterfalls that are not very easy to visit. It is not enough to just step out of your car at a viewpoint to see some waterfalls.

You would need to go an extra mile to visit these falls. Sometimes it means driving on rocky gravel and dirt roads. Other times you need to embark on a hike.

If neither option poses a problem for you, you should add the next 7 waterfalls to your itinerary. This way, you will see some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the country.

The next section of this Easiest to Reach Iceland Waterfalls will cover the slightly more difficult to visit falls.

Path through forest in Skaftafell National Park in Iceland

23. Glymur Waterfall in West Iceland

  • Distance from Reykjavik: 44 miles (72 km) / 1 hour 10 minutes of driving each way.
  • Entrance fees: free.
  • What makes it difficult: a hike.

Glymur Waterfall is the second highest waterfall in Iceland at 650 ft (198 m). And it is the highest waterfall you can see on a day trip from Reykjavik.

This waterfall is closer to the capital city than Urridafoss. But you cannot see the falls from the viewpoint. There is no other way but a strenuous hike to see Glymur Waterfall.

  • You would need to hike at least 3 miles (4.8 km) round trip.
  • You will gain almost twice the elevation of the waterfall on this trail.
  • You will pass through a cave.
  • And you will cross a creek at least twice on your way to the waterfall viewpoint.

If you are fit and have a few hours to spare, Glymur Waterfall is a hike for you. This waterfall is a sight to see.

Glymur Waterfall from viewpoint in Iceland

24. Haifoss Waterfall on Golden Circle Route

  • Distance from Reykjavik: 88 miles (142 km) / 2 hour 15 minutes of driving each way.
  • Entrance fees: free.
  • What makes it difficult: a rocky gravel road.

Haifoss Waterfall might be one of the most difficult Iceland waterfalls to reach on this list. The route does not look too challenging on the surface.

You need less than 2.5 hours to reach the waterfall from the capital city. Most of the drive (83 miles) is on a well maintained paved road. The issue is with the last 4.7 miles (7.5 km). Double this distance for a round trip drive.

You would need to drive on a high clearance gravel road. There are lots of rocks and drops on this road. A 4×4 car is not a requirement. But high clearance would greatly help in reaching this waterfall.

Haifoss waterfall on Golden Circle map in Iceland

You might start to wonder why you should bother visiting Haifoss. There is a good reason to go through all this trouble.

This waterfall has a height of 400 ft (122 m). Unless you choose to hike to Morsarfoss, Glymur, and Hengifoss, it will be the highest waterfall you see in Iceland.

25. Granni Waterfall on Golden Circle Route

  • Distance from Reykjavik: 88 miles (142 km) / 2 hour 15 minutes of driving each way.
  • Entrance fees: free.
  • What makes it difficult: a rocky gravel road.

Granni Waterfall shares the viewpoint with Haifoss Waterfall. If you decide to visit Haifoss, you will see Granni. But all the same challenges for a visit apply to this waterfall, too.

A chance to see this waterfall is worth an effort. It drops 331 ft (101 m) from a plateau into a narrow canyon. It is the fifth highest waterfall in Iceland.

See for yourself if a drive to the 4th and 5th highest waterfalls in the country is worth it.

Granni waterfall on on Golden Circle map in Iceland

26. Mogafoss Waterfall in South Iceland

  • Distance from Reykjavik: 159 miles (256 km) / 3 hour 30 minutes of driving each way.
  • Entrance fees: free.
  • What makes it difficult: a hike.

Mogafoss Waterfall is not the most scenic waterfall in the country. But the path to this waterfall is one of the most breathtaking hiking routes in all of Iceland.

Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon has a long and difficult to pronounce name. It refers to a narrow and tall canyon. A river flows at the floor of this canyon. The bluffs of the canyon make the river take turns.

As a result, the river looks a lot like a ski slalom route. You start hiking at the river level and gain elevation as you go along. The shortest 1.2-mi (2-km) path gains 253 ft (77 m) in elevation.

You will reach a viewpoint at the end of the trail. The observation deck will show Mogafoss Waterfall in all its beauty.

Mogafoss Waterfall in Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon in South Iceland

27. Svartifoss Waterfall in East Iceland

  • Distance from Reykjavik: 203 miles (327 km) / 4 hour 15 minutes of driving each way.
  • Entrance fees: ISK 1,000 (~$7) per car.
  • What makes it difficult: a hike.

Svartifoss Waterfall does not involve a long or strenuous hike. But you have to cover both a long drive and a 2-mi (3.2-km) round trip hike. This combination make Svartifoss a more difficult waterfall to see than many other falls.

This is also only the third waterfall on this List that requires parking fees. But the beauty of Svartifoss makes the drive, hike, and parking fee worth it.

Close up view of Svartifoss waterfall in Skaftafell National Park in Iceland

28. Hundafoss Waterfall in East Iceland

  • Distance from Reykjavik: 203 miles (327 km) / 4 hour 15 minutes of driving each way.
  • Entrance fees: ISK 1,000 (~$7) per car.
  • What makes it difficult: a hike.

Hundafoss Waterfall is on few lists of the Best Waterfalls in Iceland. This waterfall is not a destination by itself. Luckily, it is next to Svartifoss Waterfall in Skaftafell.

Follow the S2 route in the park. This way, you will see Hundafoss first and save Svartifoss for last.

Hundafoss waterfall in Skaftafell National Park in Iceland

29. Folaldafoss Waterfall in East Iceland

  • Distance from Reykjavik: 357 miles (574 km) / 7 hour 30 minutes of driving each way.
  • Entrance fees: free.
  • What makes it difficult: a long gravel road.

Folaldafoss Waterfall is right next to highway 939. You do not need to hike to this waterfall. Just stop the car and enjoy the views.

But this waterfall scores low on the List of the Easiest to Reach Iceland Waterfalls. There are a few reasons. The fact that this waterfall is one of the furthest away waterfalls from Reykjavik played its role.

Highway 939 is a gravel road. If you visit Folaldafoss, it makes sense to drive on this highway all the way to Egilsstadir. You will be driving on a gravel road for at least 13 miles (21 km).

Folaldafoss waterfall in East Iceland

Takeaways: Easiest to Reach Iceland Waterfalls

There are a lot of waterfalls you should visit on your trip to Iceland. From Gullfoss to Skogafoss there are a handful of easy to reach waterfalls in the country.

Hop in a rental car and visit 13 waterfalls within 3 hours from the capital city. If gravel roads do not scare you, add Haifoss and Granni to your trip plan.

If hiking trails are your thing, do not skip Glymur, Mogafoss, and Svartifoss. You should also add a few waterfalls to your list if you drive around the island on the Ring Road.

No matter what waterfalls you choose to visit in Iceland, bring your phone or camera. You would want to capture these scenic falls on photo and video.

Take a look at this Video List of the Easiest to Reach Iceland Waterfalls. And visit the YouTube channel for the latest videos.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many waterfalls are in Iceland?

Iceland has about 10,000 waterfalls. This number is an estimate since nobody knows for certain.

What are easiest to reach Iceland waterfalls from Reykjavik?

There are 13 major waterfalls you can reach from the capital city in under 3 hours.
1. Oxararfoss
2. Urridafoss
3. Faxafoss
4. Glanni
5. Gullfoss
6. Hraunfossar
7. Barnafossar
8. Seljalandsfoss
9. Selvallafoss
10. Skogafoss
11. Bjarnarfoss
12. Kirkjufellsfoss
13. Kolufossar

What is the best waterfall in Iceland?

Everyone has a different take on the best falls out of 10,000 waterfalls in Iceland. But Gullfoss, Skogafoss, Svartifoss, Haifoss, and Dettifoss are worthy contenders.

What is highest waterfall in Iceland?

Morsarfoss in Skaftafell is the highest waterfall in Iceland at 745 ft. Glymur Water is the highest waterfall (643 ft) you can reach on a day trip from Reykjavik.

What is most powerful waterfall in Iceland?

Dettifoss in Northern Iceland is the most powerful waterfall in the country. It is also the second most powerful waterfall in Europe.

What are easiest to reach waterfalls in South Iceland?

South Iceland is the region of waterfalls. You can see Urridafoss, Seljalandsfoss, Skogafoss, Mogafoss, Systrafoss, Stjornarfoss, and Foss a Sidu.

What are easiest to reach waterfalls in West Iceland?

You can reach all West Iceland waterfalls on a day trip from Reykjavik. Its most accessible waterfalls are Glanni, Hraunfossar, Barnafossar, Selvallafoss, Bjarnarfoss, and Kirkjufellsfoss.

What are easiest to reach waterfalls in Northern Iceland?

Kolufossar, Godafoss, Dettifoss, and Selfoss are the easiest to reach waterfalls in Northern Iceland.

What are easiest to reach waterfalls in East Iceland?

East Iceland is the most remote region of the country. But you can visit Svartifoss, Hundafoss, Barkinafoss, Nykurhylsfoss, Rjukandi, and Folaldafoss fairly easily. They are a great addition to a Ring Road trip.

Safe realist travels!