Waterfall Wednesday coming at you with a splash!
And by splash, I mean a round-up of 12 different waterfalls all two hours or less away from downtown Reykjavik!
When most people visit Iceland they tend to visit the following three waterfalls: Gullfoss, Seljalandsfoss, and Skógafoss. These are gorgeous waterfalls and definitely need to be seen, but they are also becoming more and more crowded with hundreds of visitors all wanting to take in the pretty view.
So after (or before!) you have visited these three popular spots head off for other waterfalls that are less crowded, equally beautiful, and are all located two hours or less away from Reykjavik.
Elliðaárdalur
How many cities have a park right next to them with a beautiful waterfall in it? Reykjavik does! I feel pretty lucky that I just have to take a short ten-minute drive to enjoy a waterfall, life in Iceland has spoiled me. If you aren’t planning on leaving the city head to Elliðaárdalur to get your Icelandic waterfall experience.
Tröllafoss
If you are looking for a hiking and waterfall adventure just minutes outside of Reykjavik Tröllafoss is one for you. Located in the Mosfellsdalur Valley the trail back to the waterfall takes you through a small gorge that has views just as beautiful as the waterfall with unique rock formations and mountain views all around. Once you reach the hidden waterfall you can walk down to get up close to it. This hike is great for those with tiny travelers in their group, I have done it several times with my little ones when we are after a quick nature break. The trail is the perfect amount of time for a family adventure or a shorter outing.
Helgufoss
One of the more hidden places on this list, Helgufoss is a small waterfall located on the Laxness hiking trail a quick twenty-minute drive from Reykjavik. The walk back to Helgufoss is quiet and peaceful, if you are lucky you can enjoy this spot all to yourself. It is like having your own waterfall for the day.
Þórufoss
Close to the popular national park, Þingvellir, you will find the powerful Þórufoss crashing down into the river water. Use caution while taking in the views of Þórufoss as you will be up quite high above and don’t want anyone to fall down the steep edge. Thankfully you can still get some impressive views of Þórufoss from this location, and with nothing blocking the view of the waterfall it makes for a great photography spot.
Fun fact, this waterfall has been used in several movies/tv shows such as Game of Thrones, so it is a Hollywood famous stop as well.
Öxarárfoss
One of the best things about Iceland, you can find a waterfall almost anywhere! Öxarárfoss is located in the popular national park Thingvellir, an area where I did not expect to find a waterfall but was a nice surprise. There is a nice pathway and viewing deck to take in Öxarárfoss, because all Icelandic adventures should include a waterfall.
Faxi
Foxy Faxi as I like to call it is a waterfall I just recently visited but foresee many trips back here in the future. If you are traveling along the popular Golden Circle route and want to enjoy a less crowded spot add a visit to Faxi waterfall to your day.
Kvernufoss
Located just around the corner from the popular Skógafoss, Kvernufoss is definitely a hidden gem in the area. It takes about 20-30 minutes to walk back to the waterfall, and most likely you will be the only people back there. If you are feeling adventurous (like my Viking was) you can walk all way behind Kvernufoss for an even more amazing view.
Hjálparfoss
Located in the lava fields past Mt Helka is the beautiful double waterfall Hjálparfoss. This picturesque stop is perfect for those looking for a quiet area to enjoy nature in the middle of a day of exploring. I recommend bringing a picnic to enjoy with the double waterfall in view, or just take a nap in front of the waterfalls, either one works:)
Hraunfossar
A series of waterfalls trickling down over 900 meters of lava rocks, Hraunfossar is best described as a wall of waterfalls! With each season Hraunfossar takes on a new look which just adds to the beauty of these waterfalls. My favorite, when the fall colors are bright and orange along the wall of waterfalls, it is beautiful
Glymur
Visit Iceland’s second tallest waterfall and enjoy a pretty hike along the way. This is one of my favorite hiking trails to do, the pretty waterfall at the end (which often has a rainbow in front of it) is just an extra bonus.
Haifoss
This waterfall is one of the furthest away from Reykjavik on this list, just over 2 hours, but it has to have a spot on this list because a visit here gives you a 2 for 1 waterfall special! The drive back to reach Haifoss is a bumpy one, but if you are in a 4WD vehicle I definitely recommend a drive back to this pretty place. Not in a 4WD? Don’t worry you can still visit by hiking back to Haifoss from Gjáin.
Right next to Haifoss you will find a second waterfall, Granni, which means neighbor in Icelandic, quite the clever name don’t you think?! The waterfall is somewhat hidden back in a little rock bowl making it hard to fully capture in a picture, but in my opinion, the rocks surrounding it just added to its beauty.
Brúarfoss
I have to end this list with what I think is the most unique waterfall in Iceland. I mean how often do you see a waterfall with blue color like that?! Warning to anyone that comes and visits me, I will be taking you all to Brúarfoss, this place is just crazy beautiful! It does require a bit of a walk back to reach this stunner, but trust me it is worth it.
To complete this waterfall guide here is a map for you so you can plan your trip around all the waterfalls in Iceland you want to visit.
I clearly have an obsession with waterfalls. If I ever move away from Iceland I am going to struggle not having a dozen waterfalls close by!
Question of the Day?
Do you enjoy visiting waterfalls? Which waterfall on this list would you want to visit?
