13 Stunning Waterfalls Near Reykjavik, Iceland Worth Visiting
Finding beautiful waterfalls near or close to Reykjavik is easier than you’d think.
There are estimated to be over 10,000 waterfalls in Iceland, while only 200 of them have been named.
Many within two hours from the capital city of Reykjavik.
Whether you’ve rented a car (highly recommended) or you’d prefer to book a tour — these waterfalls will be easy to visit due to their proximity.
Some waterfalls are small and off-the-beaten-path while others are very popular and are often overcrowded, especially during the peak tourist season of summer.
If you’re driving yourself, it’s a good idea to check the road conditions in Iceland before traveling, especially due to inclement weather during the winter season.
Below, I’ve ranked the waterfalls based on distance to Reykjavik, with the closest starting first.
Let’s see which waterfalls near Reykjavik are worth visiting!
Waterfalls Near Reykjavik (Closest to Farthest)
*Fun Fact – “Foss” in Icelandic translates to waterfall. So, if you see a sign on the side of the road with a word ending with “foss” it’s probably a waterfall — so go check it out!
1. Kermóafoss (15 min)
This waterfall may be modest in size, but it’s the closest one to Reykjavík — making it an easy stop for visitors.
In fact, you can bicycle to it in just 15 minutes from the city center.
Alternatively, driving your car takes about 10 minutes and you’ll have a short 10 minute walk from the parking lot.
If you’d prefer to take a bus, hop on at Hlemmer Station in downtown Reykjavik and get off at Blesúgrof stop (about 30 minutes). The falls are about a 25 minute walk through Elliðaárdalur park from here.
The walk to the falls is nice as it runs along the stream and is surrounded by trees.
2. Helgufoss (30 min)
Helgufoss is a beautiful waterfall located between mossy cliffs and cascades (about 40ft) into a shallow river below.
It’s located in the Mosfellsdalur valley, making it an easy waterfall stop for those traveling along the Golden Circle.
And it is not well known to tourists, so it’s unikely to be crowded.
There is a marked parking lot where you can park your car and walk approximately a mile to the base of the falls.
The walk is considered easy and is family-friendly.
3. Þórufoss (Thorufoss) (40 min)
Pórufoss was one of the first waterfalls we stumbled across on our first trip to Iceland.
This waterfall is both powerful and beautiful and is approximately 100 ft wide and 60 feet tall.
It’s situated between mossy and rocky landscapes that rumors to triple in beauty when its covered with a blanket of snow or during winter as it often freezes over.
And, for those who are fans of the Game of Thrones series, this waterfall was used as a backdrop in one of the scenes (Season 4, Episode 6) with the Children of the Forest and as Daenery’s dragon, Drogon, roasts a sheep with it’s fire before eating it.
Pórufoss is often overlooked as it requires a small detour (about 15 min) from the route of the Golden Circle.
Note that you will not be able to see it from the road.
There is an area you’ll be able to park your car and walk about half a mile to a rock that overlooks the falls. There is also a small trail that leads down to the falls, but note that it’s steep.
4. Öxarárfoss (50 min)
Located in Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park and along the Golden Circle route, Öxarárfoss is a beautiful waterfall to visit in Iceland.
This waterfall is approximately 44 ft high and 20 ft wide and is beautiful year-round. However, during the winter, Öxarárfoss is also known to freeze over making it exceptionally beautiful.
Don’t expect to have this waterfall all to yourself however, as it’s a popular stop for many tourists.
There are two different trails to the falls. The short trail starts at the parking lot that will take about a 15 minute walk along a paved path with stairs. Or, there is a hiking trail through the Almannagjá gorge that is about 2.6 miles in length and takes about 2 hours to complete.
5. Djúpagilsfoss (50 min)
Combine a beautiful waterfall with a natural hot spring at the Reykjadalur Thermal Bathing Pools.
Reaching Djúpagilsfoss (and the hot springs) will require a hike, however.
From Reykjavik, drive approximately 50 minutes to the town of Hveragerði and follow the signs to Reykjadalur valley where you’ll park near Reykjadalur cafe. Note that there many be a small parking fee and parking may be difficult to find as this is a popular tourist destination in Iceland.
Djúpagilsfoss is located in the gorge along the hike to the thermal bathing pools. Although you can’t get close to the falls, there are good views of the falls from the trail. The hike is about 4 miles (round trip) and will take about an hour each way.
And don’t forget your swimwear and towel!
There are no changing stations near the bathing pools, so I’d suggest wearing your suit underneath your clothes. If visiting during winter, be very careful to stay dry during your hike.
6. Brúarfoss (1 hour, 30 min)
Known as “Iceland’s Bluest Waterfall”, Brúarfoss is a must-visit waterfall near Reykjavik.
Although it’s not a big cascading waterfall, it’s specifically popular due to the hue of it’s bright blue water.
And, it’s located right off of the Golden Circle in southwest Iceland.
It is very easy to reach Brúarfoss falls, as it’s only a 5-minute walk from the parking lot. Note, that parking costs $5 via an app called Parka which can be used at other pay-as-you-park lots in Iceland.
If you’d prefer to hike via the old hiking trail, it’s a 4.4 mile hike out and back with small bonus waterfalls along the trail including Hlauptungufoss.
We decided to do the short walk to the falls as we had many other things to do on our agenda for the day.
7. Gullfoss (1 hour, 45 min)
One of the most popular waterfalls in Iceland is Gullfoss, known as “Golden Falls” and is located about an hour and 45 minutes from Reykjavik.
These falls have two cascades that plunge into the canyon about 100ft below.
Standing on the platform, you’ll be able to hear (& feel!) the real power of these falls as the mist from the falls will encompass you on certain parts of the trail.
The visitor center includes bathrooms, a café, and a shop for souvenirs.
It is also one of the waterfalls located along the Golden Circle, so add it to the list if you’re doing a DIY trip.
Alternatively, take this guided Golden Circle tour that includes Gullfoss as well as Thingvellir National Park, the Geyser geothermal area, and a visit to the mighty Kerid Crater.
8. Hjálparfoss (1 hour, 45 min)
Two waterfalls joining as one, Hjálparfoss is a beautiful and unique waterfall just under two hours from Reykjavik.
The rivers Fossá and Þjórsá meet together making the waterfall, and then together, feed the country’s second largest hydroelectric dam.
The setting was created by previous eruptions of the Hekla volcano where you’ll now find black volcanic sand and lush green vegetation. In the spring, look for the purple lupine flowers.
Hjálparfoss is easy to reach from the Ring Road. Heading south on Ring Road, turn left onto Route 30, and then right onto Route 32 where you’ll finally reach the falls at the end of the gravel road.
9. Seljalandsfoss (1 hour, 50 min)
Here you’ll get the unique opportunity to walk behind one of Iceland’s most popular waterfalls, Seljalandsfoss.
It’s located on the south coast and is possible to visit from Reykjavik with a day trip as you’ll want to visit other waterfalls in the area.
Bring a rainjacket, as you’ll likely get soaked walking behind the falls!
We visited many waterfalls on the south coast in Iceland, including a trip to Vik, but we did feel rushed as we had to drive all the way back to Reykjavik that evening.
Consider staying at multiple places in Iceland as you travel along the Ring Road as suggested in my Pros & Cons of Basing your Stay in Reykjavik Guide.
10. Selvallafoss (2 hours)
Nicknamed as the “Sheep’s Waterfall,” you’ll have the chance to spot a few sheep grazing along the lush green grass surrounding the falls.
You can also walk behind these falls like you can at Seljalandsfoss — just remember your rain jacket!
It’s also completely hidden from view from the main road. For this reason, tourists often miss out on it’s beauty. Luckily, this means less crowding for you!
Unlike the previous waterfall, Selvallafoss is located north west of Reykjavik in the Snaefellsnes peninsula.
11. Bjarnarfoss (2 hours, 15 min)
If you plan on driving the Snaefellsness Peninsula as a day trip from Reykjavik, then stopping at Bjarnarfoss is a must!
This waterfall is stunning as it cascades over dark basalt columns that were formed by volcanic lava thousands of years ago.
Bjarnarfoss is often referred to as “Lady of the Mountain” and can actually be seen from the road, so it’s impossible to miss!
However, I’d recommend you park your car and walk to the base of the falls to really take in it’s beauty.
12. Háifoss (2 hours, 15 min)
Háifoss is one of the highest waterfalls in Iceland as it cascades over 400 feet!
As a bonus, there is also a smaller waterfall called Granni falls right next to it.
You’ll also be able to spot one of Iceland’s legendary volcanos, Hekla, earning the nickname “Gateway to Hell” as it’s erupted a record of over 20 times!
13. Skógafoss (2 hour, 15 min)
Finally, last but definitely not least, is Skógafoss. One of my (and many others’) favorite waterfalls in Iceland!
This waterfall is grand, and majestic, and powerful, all at once.
You can either view the waterfall from down below or climb the steps and view from above — do both if you have time!
On a sunny day, you’ll likely see a rainbow make it’s appearance in front of the falls, making for a picturesque photo!
Combine Skógafoss with other popular waterfalls on the southcoast such as Seljalandsfoss,
Final Thoughts
This list of waterfalls near Reykjavík only scratches the surface.
There are hundreds to thousands of waterfalls to see in Iceland, some you’ll happen across and others you need to seek out to find.
And as mentioned before, the best way to see many of these waterfalls and to explore Iceland on your own terms is by renting a car.
Let me know which waterfalls you decided to visit, and why, as I’d love to hear about your experience!
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