Incredible Iceland Waterfalls We Loved (+ exact locations!)

Find out what to expect and exactly how to get to some of the best waterfalls in Iceland. This article breaks down all the details so you can easily visit them on your own. Plus we’re sharing a map with exact GPS locations and insider tips to help you plan your visit.

Iceland has tons of waterfalls—so many that after a few days on the road, it’ll feel like there’s one around every bend. 

Despite its small size, the country has one of the highest concentrations of waterfalls in the world, ranging from Europe’s most powerful falls to countless unnamed roadside cascades that barely earn a second glance.

So which ones are actually worth adding to your Iceland itinerary? That’s where we come in! 

After 3 trips to Iceland (4 if you count our team member Amanda’s experience), we’ve rounded up our favorite Iceland waterfalls. We even called upon a few blogger friends to give us recommendations and help fill in the gaps in our personal experience. 

Keep reading to discover our full round up of our favorite Iceland waterfalls. 

You’ll find the iconic heavy-hitters (popular for a reason!) as well as lesser-known gems that require a bit of effort. We’ve even included a map, GPS coordinates, insider tips, and fun facts so you know exactly what to expect.

So go ahead—blast TLC’s “Don’t Go Chasing Waterfalls” in your rental car…and happily ignore the advice!

Fun fact: Many Icelandic waterfall names end in –foss, which simply means “waterfall.” Often, the prefix describes its character—like Gullfoss, meaning “golden waterfall.”

Iceland Waterfalls Guide

• Map of Iceland waterfalls
• Most famous waterfalls in Iceland
• Iceland Waterfalls with a hike
• Lesser known waterfalls in Iceland
• Iceland waterfalls FAQs
• Tips for photographing waterfalls
• More resources
• Perfect Iceland itinerary
• Custom Iceland map

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Iceland waterfalls map + exact locations

Click on the map to see the exact GPS locations of each of the Iceland waterfalls on this list. We recommend downloading Google Maps offline and saving the coordinates so you can navigate to where you need to go!

Most famous waterfalls in Iceland

These waterfalls will likely have crowds, but don’t let that deter you. They are famous for a reason!

1. Gullfoss

• Nickname: “Golden Falls” 
• What makes this waterfall unique: Often hailed as the most famous waterfall in Iceland

Located on the Golden Circle and just over 1.5 hours from Reykjavík, Gullfoss is easily accessible year-round on flat, maintained paths. 

This two-tiered, 32 m (105 ft) waterfall sends up mist that often catches the sun and bursts into rainbows. You can view it from both upper and lower platforms for very different perspectives. 

Interesting history: Visitors today owe a debt of gratitude to a young woman who saved this waterfall from being developed into a hydroelectric plant. Sigríður Tómasdóttir made it her life’s work, and eventually, through her efforts this waterfall became protected. You can see her memorial when you visit Gullfoss today.

2. Seljalandsfoss

• Nickname: Sunset Waterfall
• What makes this waterfall unique: You can walk behind the falls at this site, providing a different perspective for stunning photos

This stunning waterfall is especially beautiful at sunset when the water reflects the sun and shines like liquid gold. 

In fact, we visited this waterfall on multiple occasions at different times of day and can say without a doubt that sunset was the best time to visit for photographs.  

However, sunset at Seljalandsfoss is no secret, so it will get crowded. Arrive early and follow the path all the way behind the falls, right up against the green moss and the tan rock face for some incredible pictures. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes as the path can get slippery from the mist. 

Insider tip: If you’re shooting photos here, be sure to bring a tripod to get the best shots. A lens kit for cleaning and potentially a dry bag to store your camera in until you’re ready to use it will also come in handy. You will get misted as you walk behind the waterfall.

3. Skógafoss

• Nickname: The Rainbow Waterfall
• What makes this waterfall unique: You can walk right up close to this waterfall and you’re likely to see rainbows in the mist

This astounding 200-foot waterfall is unique because you can walk right up to it. The nickname “rainbow falls” comes from the natural rainbows caused by the mist of the powerful falls. The closer you get to the base, the more likely you are to see the rainbow. 

If you prefer, you can walk up a metal staircase for a view of Skógafoss from above.

And if you have time, we’d highly recommend continuing on the path at the top of the staircase known as “Waterfall Way” (this is also the start of the famous Fimmvörðuháls Trail).  You will see some of the most beautiful waterfalls with far fewer crowds. 

Read more about the waterfalls along Waterfall Way by skipping down to that section, here. 

This popular waterfall can get super crowded during the day, but it’s still a really cool sight to see. 

4. Dettifoss & Selfoss

• Nickname: The Beast or Tumbling Falls
• What makes this waterfall unique: Dettifoss is the largest waterfall in Iceland 

Certainly the largest waterfall in Iceland, Dettifoss is also said to be the most powerful waterfall in all of Europe by some accounts. 

Measuring up at 100 meters (330 ft) wide with a 44 meter (144 ft) drop, this impressive waterfall is often paired with its neighbor, Selfoss, which is just a short walk down the same river. 

Just a 20–30 minute (1.4 km) walk upstream is Selfoss, a quieter 11 m (36 ft) waterfall that cascades beautifully along the same river. Access is from either the east or west side of the river (each with pros and cons); from scenic gravel roads on the east, or a paved route on the west. 

Insider tip: The short river trail involves scrambling over boulders, so wear good footwear and stay behind safety barriers.

5. Kirkjufellsfoss

• Nickname: none
• What makes this waterfall unique: A uniquely shaped cylindrical mountain looming in the backdrop

Located on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, Kirkjufellsfoss gets its name, which means “church falls”, from the cone-shaped mountain in the background which resembles a church’s steeple. 

This waterfall is a popular spot for photography enthusiasts, especially during the sunset. You’re likely to see photographers setting up their tripods aiming to get that panoramic shot with the falls and Kirkjufell mountain in the near distance. 

Insider tip: To get a different angle, you can pull off the road into this small dirt parking lot on the north side of the road. Walk down to the water, and on a calm day, you’ll have an epic reflection shot of the mountain (not the waterfall). On windy days (like we had), this shot isn’t nearly as spectacular. 

6. Öxarárfoss

• Nickname: none
• What makes this waterfall unique: An easily accessed falls framed by basalt columns

Just north of the Silfra Fissure in Thingvellir National Park, a short walk from the parking lot will lead you to Oxararfoss. This small waterfall (by Iceland’s standards) stands at just 20 meters high and is framed by interesting basalt column formations.

It’s cool to see, but certainly not the most impressive of waterfalls on this list. However, since it’s relatively easy to access, we definitely recommend adding it to your Golden Circle itinerary. 

Interesting fact: Some people think the waterfall was artificially created several centuries ago due to a water diversion to provide better access to clean drinking water. Though this theory has not been proven. 

Insider tip: The best light for photography will be in the morning here. 

7. Brúarfoss

• Nickname: Iceland’s bluest waterfall
• What makes this waterfall unique: It’s bright icy blue hue

Known as the “bluest” waterfall in all of Iceland, this was one of our favorite off the beaten path attractions along the Golden Circle. The unique cascading falls and icy blue hue of the water makes it especially fun to photograph. 

What used to take a 2 hour, 7 km (4.4-mile) round trip trek, is now much more easily accessible via a new access road and paid parking lot just a 5 minute walk from the falls. This accessibility has also meant the falls have grown in popularity since 2023 and are no longer the hidden gem they once were. 

Still, Brúarfoss remains one of our very favorite waterfalls on this list and 100% worth a visit, any time of year. 

8. Goðafoss

• Nickname: Waterfall of the Gods
• What makes this waterfall unique: Easily accessible waterfall on Ring Road

Located in North Iceland, Goðafoss is a horseshoe shaped waterfall dropping 12 meters (39 ft) and stretching over 30 meters (98 ft) wide. This easily accessible falls is a popular stop along Ring Road. 

Honestly, this is a waterfall that didn’t wow us as much as we thought it would. 

Perhaps it’s because we arrived in the early afternoon on a bright, sunny day, so it was hard to photograph, or perhaps it is just that compared to a lot of the more remote falls on this list, this one just didn’t do it for me the same way the waterfalls in lush green canyons really knocked my hiking socks off!

That said, it is powerful; and undeniably a good stop if you’re on this stretch of the Ring Road. There are parking lots on both sides of the river and a pedestrian bridge that allows you to walk from one side to the other.  

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Iceland Waterfalls with a hike

There are lots of epic hikes around Iceland, and many of them bring you past a waterfall or two. These waterfalls should be on your list if you’re willing to put in a bit of effort to reach them. Sometimes the journey makes the destination even more worthwhile!

9. Stuðlafoss 

• Nickname: none
• What makes this waterfall unique: A basalt column waterfall in the famous Stuðlagil Canyon

To be honest, the actual waterfall that probably isn’t going to wow you like some of the other ones on this list. Other than being surrounded by hexagonal basalt columns, it’s not the largest or most impressive waterfall in Iceland, but the canyon where it’s located is absolutely epic.

Luckily, we have a detailed guide to Stuðlagil Canyon so you can plan your visit with all sorts of insider tips under your belt.

Visiting Stuðlagil Canyon: What We Wish We’d Known Before Going

10. Waterfall Circle

• Nickname: also known as the ‘Laugarfell Loop’
• What makes this waterfall unique: An 8 km long hiking loop that starts and ends in Laugarfell

If you’re driving the Ring Road and want to get off the beaten path in East Iceland, hiking the Waterfall Circle makes an adventurous detour. 

As the name implies, it is a loop trail covering 8 km (5 miles), which takes hikers along the banks of Jökulsá River past 5 waterfalls and through a stunning canyon. The most famous of the waterfalls is Kirkjufoss.

The hike will take about 6 hours and ends at the Laugarfell Highland Hostel, one of our favorite Airbnbs in Iceland, which is a great place to soak in their natural hot spring pools afterwards. 

11. Glymur

• Nickname: Formerly Iceland’s tallest waterfall
• What makes this waterfall unique: Iceland’s second tallest waterfall

Glymur was long considered Iceland’s tallest waterfall at 198 m (650 ft) until scientists discovered the inaccessible Morsárfoss. Since you can’t visit the new contender, Glymur remains the tallest waterfall you can actually see in Iceland.

The 6.9 km (4.28 mile) loop is a challenging but rewarding hike, involving a river crossing, decent elevation gain, and sweeping views of a mossy canyon. Plan for about 3–3.5 hours, and use caution near the end where the trail can get slippery, especially in rain.

Our experience: We turned back just before the main viewpoint due to heavy rain and wind making the trail unsafe—thankfully, there are plenty of scenic viewpoints along the way, so we still got an incredible look at Glymur.

Find out exactly how to get there and everything else you need to know in our Glymur Waterfall hiking guide.

Everything You Need to Know Before Hiking to Glymur Waterfall

12. Svartifoss

• Nickname: Black waterfall
• What makes this waterfall unique: It’s surrounded by black basalt columns

Located in Vatnajökull National Park, Svartifoss is known as the “black waterfall” due to the black basalt columns surrounding the plunging falls. At 20 meters (65 ft) tall, the basalt columns beautifully frame the waterfall making this one of the more unique falls on this list. 

To get to the falls itself, you will need to hike a relatively easy 4 km (2.5 mile) loop trail which passes by this unique waterfall. Plan at least 45 minutes to reach the falls and over 1.5 hours in total to allow for some time for photos. 

13. Waterfalls on the Fimmvörðuháls Hike

• Nickname: Waterfall Way
• What makes this waterfall unique: Around 26 waterfalls can be found on this stretch of trail

If you are a waterfall fiend and you enjoy hiking, be sure to put the Fimmvörðuháls hike on your Iceland bucket list. Even if you don’t want to complete the full 25 km (15.5 mile) hike, or just don’t have time, you can still see plenty of waterfalls from the start of the trail.

The trailhead starts behind one of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls: Skógafoss. The first 4.5 miles of this hike are known as “Waterfall Way” because there’s such a high concentration of them. 

By most accounts there are 26 waterfalls in total along the mostly flat trail (though we lost count when we visited). Continue for as long as you’d like and then turn around and make your way back to the parking lot at Skógafoss. 

On the trail you will find far fewer crowds than at Skógafoss (we noticed the crowds started to thin after about 1 mile of walking, so keep this in mind) and these were some of our very favorite waterfalls in Iceland.

Find more information and essential tips for planning Iceland’s best day hike in our Fimmvörðuháls hiking guide. 

Fimmvörðuháls Hike: Guide to Iceland’s Best Day Hike

14. Hangandifoss

• Nickname: none
• What makes this waterfall unique: A stunning waterfall in a lush mossy green canyon

Located in the lush Múlagljúfur Canyon in the south, Hangandifoss seems to be one of the few Iceland waterfalls that’s remained mostly under the radar from tourism. That said, I don’t think it’ll remain secret for long, so we highly, highly recommend making time for this stop.  

The 5.8 km (3.6 mile) hike into the canyon brings you to an epic viewpoint of two waterfalls (one right in front of you and one further down the canyon). With birds flying through the lush green canyon, it made us feel like we had been transported to Jurassic Park. 

It was one of our very favorite views in all of Iceland! 

Sometimes compared to the more famous and built-up Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon, Múlagljúfur is still far less crowded. When we started the hike, we were the only people in the parking lot, and on our walk back we crossed paths with two other couples.

15. Hengifoss

• Nickname: The Hanging Falls
• What makes this waterfall unique: Hengifoss is the third tallest waterfall in Iceland, and is often characterized by its unique backdrop of red clay layered between volcanic rock. 

Hengifoss, the third-tallest waterfall in Iceland at 128 meters (420 ft), sits in a dramatic Eastern Region gorge surrounded by striking basalt layers streaked with red clay. 

Its height is impressive, but it’s the colorful cliff walls contrasted against the blue waters below that make this moderate hike especially memorable.

The trail climbs steadily from the start along a scenic gorge, so be prepared for consistent elevation gain and ensure you know how to pack for a day hike. Benches along the way offer a chance to rest and soak in the views. 

At the falls, you can follow a short path toward the base—and sometimes behind the waterfall—though this section may close in cooler months when the mist makes surfaces slippery.

Insider tip: For the best experience, visit early in the morning when the trail is quiet, the lighting is ideal, and parking is easier. Take your time on the ascent and enjoy the stunning scenery along the way.

Recommended by: Natasha from Planes, Trains and Karcz

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Lesser known Waterfalls in Iceland

If you like getting off the beaten path, these waterfalls are hidden gems you can add to your itinerary.

16. Gluggafoss

• Nickname: Window Falls
• What makes this waterfall unique: The unique geology behind its nickname

Known as the “Window Falls” for the unique holes in the bedrock that create gluggar or “windows” through which the water finds its way. Gluggafoss is part of a series of waterfalls running through the Merkjá River, known collectively as Merkjárfoss. 

There are two tiers to the falls. The upper tier plunges around 44 meters (145 ft) and then widens into the lower falls, which is a short 8.5 meter (28 foot) plunge further. You can hike up to the top of the lower tier to get a very cool view of the upper tier. 

A stop here is a quick detour from Ring Road. We stopped here after a busy day on the Golden Circle. When we arrived around dusk, we were the only ones in the parking lot and had the waterfall all to ourselves.

17. Kvernufoss 

• Nickname: none
• What makes this waterfall unique: A mostly hidden gem in a lush green canyon

A quick and easy 15-minute walk brings you to a small, lush green canyon with this jaw-droppingly beautiful waterfall.

While nearby Skógafoss draws tour buses and huge crowds (for good reason), this waterfall is still somewhat a secret. Many visitors miss this hidden waterfall because they simply don’t know of its existence. This was us on our first trip to Iceland! 

We made sure not to make that mistake again on our second go-around. 

Our experience: We arrived when there were no other people at the falls, but as we started to head back there were quite a few people (still not the same amount of crowds as at more popular waterfalls). 

18. Gljúfrabúi 

• Nickname: none
• What makes this waterfall unique: A water curtain draped inside a narrow slot canyon

Nestled inside a hidden slot canyon not far from the famed Seljalandsfoss, this is another waterfall many visitors miss even though they’re nearly there. 

Know that this little canyon can get quite crowded as it’s not very big. 

There is a rock you can climb on to get the shot pictured above, but please be respectful of others and take your photos quickly as everyone wants to get the same shot. When we were there, some people were taking long photo shoots which was kind of rude to everyone else who had to wait.

19. Hamrafoss

• Nickname: none
• What makes this waterfall unique: Beautiful road-side waterfall

Not exactly off the beaten path (this waterfall can actually be seen from Ring Road), it made the list as one of the Iceland waterfalls we visited without any crowds. 

There is a short pull-off from Ring Road where you can pull over and view this towering waterfall up close. It is pretty spectacular for a roadside waterfall, and we were the only ones there when we visited. 

Note: This waterfall is sometimes referred to as Foss á Síðu.

Insider tip: There is a cute little cafe on the opposite side of the road from this waterfall that’s a nice place to warm up for a bit. While we were there, the service was pretty bad (they were serving a larger party and forgot about us for 45 minutes). But the cake and coffee were good, and we hope our experience was just a fluke.

20. Kolufossar

• Nickname: named after Kolu the troll
• What makes this waterfall unique: Interesting Icelandic folklore around how it was formed

Located in the Kolugljúfur Canyon, the Víðidalsá River plunges into a deep canyon creating the Kolufossar waterfall. Legend has it that this was once the home of Kola the troll and the falls were therefore named after her. 

If you’re driving the entire Ring Road, this waterfall is a good one to have on your list because it’s just a short detour from Highway 1; plus, it’s one of the better stops in an otherwise somewhat boring stretch of road. 

Though we are including this in our lesser known Iceland waterfalls list, it is rapidly increasing in popularity and tourist traffic. 

21. Dynjandi

• Nickname: Thunderous Falls
• What makes this waterfall unique: It is a unique bridal veil waterfall in Iceland

The Dynjandi waterfall is a tiered fan waterfall which drops over 100 meters (330 ft). Its unique bridal veil shape means that at the top of the cliff the falls are 30 meters wide but by the bottom they have spread out to cover over 60 meters (196 ft).  

After the initial large waterfall there are five waterfalls further down before the river flows into the nearby Arnarfjörður Fjord. Some of the best views and photography spots for these falls are from about halfway up.

The parking area at the foot of the falls is large with a toilet block.  The path to the falls leads directly from the parking lot and is rough and uneven. 

Recommended by: Suzanne from Meandering Wild

22. Sigöldugljúfur

• Nickname: Valley of Tears
• What makes this waterfall unique: Known for its high number of waterfalls.

Sigöldugljúfur isn’t your typical Icelandic waterfall—in fact, it’s a canyon that was left dry after the Tungnaá River was diverted. 

Today, dozens of waterfalls spill down its walls, known as “tiger-tears,” creating a surreal and mesmerizing scene of plunges, cascades, and trickles you could admire for hours.

While none of the falls are large or powerful, the area’s remote Central Highlands location means you’ll likely have it all to yourself. Just know there are no facilities in the area!

Insider tip: The best viewpoint is at the canyon’s bend, where the greatest number of waterfalls can be seen. Morning brings a beautiful sunrise glow, while afternoon offers the best light on the falls.

Recommended by: Claire from ZigZag On Earth

23. Aldeyjarfoss

• Nickname: none
• What makes this waterfall unique: Beautiful coloured hexagonal basalt columns surround Aldeyjarfoss and Hrafnabjragafoss has both a horseshoe and horsetail section

Aldeyjarfoss is a stunning plunging waterfall that drops 20m (66 ft) through a narrow gap in the ancient Baðardalshraun lava field. 

Unlike Svartifoss, with its black columns, Aldeyjarfoss also has red and orange highlights in the surrounding rock. At certain times of year, the water crashing down the falls is icy blue, making for some beautiful contrasting photographs.

The Skjálfandafljót river originates at Vatnajökull, the largest glacier in Europe, so the water level and colour varies depending on how much meltwater is coming from the glacier. 

The bluest water appears during the winter or springtime. Later in the season, the water level is much higher, but the minerals dissolved in the water make it appear quite brown.

Recommended by: Cat from Cat’s Nine Lives

24. Haifoss

• Nickname: none
• What makes this waterfall unique: the 4th tallest waterfall in Iceland

Haifoss is one of Iceland’s tallest waterfalls, plunging 122 meters (400 ft), yet many travelers skip it since it’s slightly off the main Golden Circle route—a missed opportunity if you ask me! As one of the best day trips from Reykjavík for those with a car, it offers a far less crowded experience than nearby attractions.

You can admire Haifoss from the upper viewpoint just a short walk from the parking lot, or take the steep 30-minute trail down to the base (good hiking shoes recommended). At the bottom, you can get close enough to feel the mist—waterproof layers optional but helpful!

If you’re craving big scenery without big crowds, Haifoss is a must, especially since Granni Waterfall sits right beside it, giving you a two-for-one view.

Recommended by: Victoria from Iceland Trippers

25. Barnafoss & Hraunfossar

• Nickname: The Children’s Falls
• What makes this waterfall unique: Best known for the folk law that depicts a dark history surrounding the falls

Barnafoss stands 9 meters (30 ft) tall and sits just upstream from Hraunfossar. 

While smaller, Hraunfossar is wrapped in legend: two boys are said to have fallen to their deaths while crossing a stone bridge, prompting their mother to curse it—though whether true or simply a cautionary tale, the bridge is long gone and the falls are best admired from a safe distance.

Both Barnafoss and Hraunfossar are exceptionally easy to visit year-round. A short 15-minute walk from the parking lot leads to several viewing platforms, and there’s a restaurant and restrooms onsite. 

Insider tip: Being close to Reykjavík and the Ring Road, these falls can get crowded midday, so aim for morning or late afternoon for a quieter visit.

Recommended by: Yulia from Miss Tourist

26. Nauthúsagil

• Nickname: none
• What makes this waterfall unique: You must first traverse through a moss-covered ravine to reach it (using stepping stones to avoid falling in, and chains hammered into the canyon wall to aid in scrambling over various rock faces!) 

At the base of a glacial volcano in the narrow ravine of Nauthúsagil, you’ll find the beautiful 20-meter (65 ft) Nauthúsafoss. 

Just 15 minutes from Seljalandsfoss, it sees far fewer visitors. Go early for solitude or visit at midday to catch the canyon’s famous sunbeams filtering through the rowan trees and moss overhead.

Reaching the falls requires a roughly 20-minute hike through the gorge. The approach is easy at first, with a rubberized path from the parking lot, but then you’ll need to hop across rocks in the creek, so wear footwear that can get wet. 

Follow the ravine to a small lower waterfall, use the fixed chains to climb up, and continue to the main falls. The final chamber is enclosed and misty, so protect your camera gear—and enjoy the dramatic payoff!

Recommended by: Natasha from Planes, Trains and Karcz

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FAQs about Iceland waterfalls

Got questions about waterfalls in Iceland? We’ve got answers for you…

How many waterfalls does Iceland have?

After quite a bit of digging, we couldn’t find an exact number. However, there are estimates that there are more than 10,000 waterfalls in Iceland. Not all of them are named or even accessible. 

So I guess the best answer to this question is: Iceland has a lot of waterfalls. Like, a LOT a lot.

Why are there so many waterfalls in Iceland?

With several glaciers and lots of volcanic landscape, many of Iceland’s waterfalls come from ice melt that feeds into rivers, thus creating waterfalls.

The combination of volcanic rock formations and pure glacial water creates some very unique waterfalls, like those that are flanked by hexagonal basalt columns and those with extremely clear or blue water.

What’s the tallest waterfall in Iceland?

Iceland’s tallest waterfall, Morsárfoss, was only discovered in 2007 when an outlet of Vatnajökull Glacier started melting and revealed this massive falls. It wasn’t until 2011 that researchers were able to measure the falls and confirm that at 227 meters (745 feet), it is in fact the tallest waterfall in Iceland.

Reaching it requires mountaineering skills, specialized gear, and a guide; the closest most visitors can get is a viewpoint 6 km (3.75 miles) away, so it’s not included on our list.

The good news? Iceland’s second-tallest waterfall, Glymur, is far more accessible. Standing 196 meters (643 ft) high, it’s a challenging but incredibly rewarding day hike—and absolutely worth the effort.

Tips for photographing Waterfalls in Iceland

If you’re into photography and are planning to bring a DSLR with you to Iceland, brush up on these tips for shooting waterfalls so you can get some epic photographs! 

Don’t have a professional camera? No worries, the first tip is for you!

1. Know how to shoot on a phone

Not bringing a DSLR with you to Iceland? No worries. Smartphones today have some really spectacular cameras, and some even have settings that make waterfalls look downright magical. In fact, the newer phone cameras can mimic the settings of a DSLR pretty well. 

Do a quick Google search for “how to photograph a waterfall with + [your phone make & model]” and you should find personalized directions. 

Good to know: With most iPhones, you can adjust “live photos” to have a long exposure mode. Be sure that you have your settings on “live” before shooting, because you can’t do it after the fact.  

2. Open that shutter

Want to know the secret to a great waterfall shot? 

A slow shutter speed!

This will make the water look a bit blurry, and will bring movement to your composition. 

Important: With a slow shutter speed, it’s important that you have a tripod and adjust some of your other settings so that they work together (see tip #5 for more info!).

3. Pack a tripod

If you plan to take lots of photos around Iceland, one thing we would definitely recommend is investing in a tripod. In order to lengthen your shutter speed (thus getting a blurred, dreamy effect with waterfall shots), you’ll need to keep your camera stable. Aka, you need a tripod.

Our recommendation: We have two tripods for slightly different purposes.

• We have a larger tripod that gets pretty tall and is great for almost all compositions. That said, it is a bit bulky. This is the tripod we have and we really like it. It’s pretty lightweight and high quality. We ordered a different one first that was a bit cheaper and lighter weight, but it was really poor quality. We’re much happier with this one. 
• We also have a compact Joby Gorilla Pod that works great for taking on longer hikes and for times when we don’t want to carry our larger tripod. That said, we either have to attach it to something, like a tree branch or a fence, in order to get the camera into position, or we will set it on the ground for a low-angle composition.

Don’t have a tripod? No worries. Rest your phone or camera on something solid, like a rock, your car, or a fence post to get some stability. We’ve taken many shots this way over the years and while not perfect, this trick does quite a good job.

4. Use a remote

If you’re using a slow shutter speed to get that blurred water effect, you may want to consider also using a remote. This will eliminate any shaking caused by you actually touching the camera’s buttons.

Bonus: Remotes are cheap, easy to travel with, and are great for taking photos with yourself in the composition. Search remotes here but be sure to find one that is compatible with your specific camera.

5. Start with these settings…

Putting your camera in manual mode is the first step. Once you’re there, start with these settings and experiment and adjust as needed.

• Low ISO
• Small aperture
• Slow shutter speed
  • Remember, with a slow shutter speed, you will need a tripod.

6. Focus on something other than the water

When you have a long shutter speed, it’s important to focus on something other than the rushing water. To ensure that your photo is crisp, set the focal point on the rocks or foliage around the falls, so that those are clear even when the water is blurred.

7. Play around with the composition

When shooting waterfalls, play around with vertical and horizontal shots – for some falls, the vertical will showcase its towering height, while other times, a landscape view will show its scale in relation to everything around it. 

Get as many angles as possible: Crouch low and shoot upwards. Or hike to the top and shoot down the falls. Showcase the river that the falls creates, or crop into the cloud of mist to illustrate its power. 

Also, if possible, get a person in the shot (using a tripod makes it so you can be in the photo). Having a person in the frame can show its magnitude in a really beautiful way.

Bonus: Playing around with all sorts of shots and compositions will keep your (many!) Iceland waterfall photos interesting. You’ll surely come away from this trip with a ton of waterfall shots, so having unique compositions will keep them from all looking the same.

8. Have a lens cleaning kit ready

Spray near the waterfalls means your lens will be getting wet. A lens cleaning kit will help with this, plus it is also super handy to have in Iceland’s notoriously rainy climate. 

9. Time your visit right (when possible)

Harsh midday sun isn’t the best look for waterfalls. Sometimes you just can’t help it (trust me, a lot of our Iceland waterfall photos were taken during the middle of the day and they’re just not the best. 

Most of the great waterfall photos are taken early in the morning or at sunset during “golden hour”. Keep this in mind as you plan your route and consider which waterfalls are top priority for you to shoot at an optimal time.

10. Clouds are your friends

Overcast days can sometimes be a bummer when you’re traveling, but we actually love cloudy days for taking photos. The clouds tend to make the light softer and less harsh than you’ll get with direct sunshine. 

On cloudy days, you can get some really beautiful waterfall shots (even in the middle of the day when it’s otherwise too harsh of sunlight to get a great photo).

Insider Tip: If you’re shooting on a partly cloudy day, watch the clouds in the sky. As they approach the sun, get your camera ready. When the sun is blocked, shoot away, as this will be your best lighting. 

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Don’t miss our other Iceland round ups…

Incredible Iceland hot springs

If you’re a hot spring fanatic like us, this article breaks down all the details and where to find the best hot springs in Iceland. Plus we’re sharing some important tips for Icelandic hot springs etiquette so you don’t embarrass yourself or offend anyone (you’re welcome!).

14 Incredible Iceland Hot Springs to Visit

Best Iceland hiking trails

We’ve done quite a bit of trekking around this jaw-dropping country and we’ve compiled a list of our favorite Iceland hikes to share with you. This article includes plenty of photos and details to help you plan your experience hiking in Iceland and know exactly what to expect.

Our Favorite Iceland Hikes (+ advice for first-timers!)

Top Iceland photo spots

Wondering where to get the best pictures in Iceland? Scroll through our personal Iceland photography collection to see where got all the shots at some of the best photo spots in Iceland. 

Our Favorite Iceland Photography Locations (+free map!)

Iceland map: Our favorite spots!

Want to upgrade your experience in Iceland?

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Plan your trip to Iceland

We have TONS of resources on travel in Iceland and how to make the most out of your trip. Check out our Iceland Homepage for all the answers to your most burning questions, or read some of our favorite articles below.

• Check out all of our top recommendations for things to do in Iceland. 
• Figure out thebest time to visit Iceland based on weather, crowds, and activities.
• Start with this 7-day Iceland itinerary if it’s your first time visiting.
• This step-by-step guide will help you plan an unforgettable Iceland road trip.
• You’ll want to keep this guide handy if you plan on driving Iceland’s Golden Circle. 
• Bookmark these must-see stops along Iceland’s Ring Road before you hit the road.
• Read up on all the actually cool things to do in Reykjavik. 
• Be sure to download these essential Iceland travel apps before your trip!

Don’t miss your chance to grab our Iceland packing list!

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We want to hear from you!

Which Iceland waterfalls are you most excited to visit? Do you have a favorite waterfall in Iceland you think we should add to this list?

Comment below and we’ll do our best to get back to you!