It is famous for the most beautiful natural contrasts, and all because the annual melting of glaciers is inevitable in this region. Thanks to them, there is such an abundance of waterfalls in such a remote part of the world. We have selected ten of the most stunning attractions in the Icelandic Odyssey that will take your breath away.
Hreinfossar waterfall
A row of small turquoise waterfalls. They originate from numerical streams, which in turn form from under the Lungjökull glacier in the west of Iceland.
Dingyandi waterfall
Dingyandi, also known as the Shumyashchiy waterfall. This natural wonder is unique, since it is not only like a stepped fountain, but is also located at the head of the West Icelandic fjord, a height of one hundred meters.
Seljalandsfoss waterfall
One of the biggest attractions in Iceland, it is located in the southern region of the country. The power of Seljalandsfoss can be experienced by yourself, as it is one of the few places where you can swim, as well as visit the cave that hides just behind a column of water.
Godafoss waterfall
One of the most famous waterfalls Iceland, is located in its northeastern region, in the district of M'wait. This is a wide river waterfall, with which many local legends are associated. The waterfall is also known for the fact that in 999-1000. when the inhabitants adopted Christianity, pagan idols were thrown into the waterfall. Hence the name of the waterfall from Isl. Goð - "God".
Selfoss waterfall
The waterfall is located on the Jökulsau-au-Fjöllum river, and its height is 11 meters. Probably one of the most popular tourist destinations in Iceland, as one of the most powerful waterfalls in Europe is located here.
Glymur waterfall
Most high waterfall in Iceland (196 meters). But to visit such a beautiful miracle you have to be a little fearless, since its location is far from the well-broken tourist routes. However, this does not mean that the goal is unattainable - no. The main thing is to get good boots, a warm jacket and patience.
Hauyfoss waterfall
The cascading waterfall is located in the south of Iceland and is the second highest waterfall in the area. Trip vehicle to the Hauyfoss Falls is extreme, but feasible, although it requires a little effort.
Skogafoss waterfall
On the south coast, you will also find a 60 meter giant named Skogafoss. There is a wonderful view of the falling water both from the top and from the bottom, however, do not forget to get waterproof shoes before your trip to the powerful handsome man.
Dettifoss waterfall
Located 1 km downstream of the Selfoss Falls, it has a fearsome reputation as Dettifoss Falls one of the strongest in Europe. Its width is about 100 meters and its speed is 500 cubic meters per second in full water flow. Standing at the absolute monster of nature, you will feel the earth rumble at your feet.
Gullfoss waterfall
Also known as the Golden Falls. It is unique in that its water falls at an angle, which is quite rare. The Corner Falls is also extremely popular for its numerical rainbows, which are missing only a pot of gold. Gullfoss is located on the Hvitau River, in the Haukadalur Valley, in the south of Iceland and is a real treasure of Iceland.
Iceland is presented as a fabulous landscape, playing with all shades of white snow and sparkling clear ice... A black and white country with lava plateaus and frozen mountain spurs. However, Iceland has a lot to see besides that. At the top of the list of natural attractions in the country are the waterfalls of Iceland. These majestic and magnificent masterpieces of nature are considered the most beautiful in the world.
In the heart of Iceland, across volcanic plateaus and landscapes, the Tieursau River flows, and it also has waterfalls. The name of the most beautiful inner waterfall is translated as “the fall of thieves”. According to legend, criminals were drowned here. The water of the river falls from the black rocks into roaring whirlpools. It all looks almost unearthly, as if a computer illustration for a fantastic film. You will have to get to the waterfall from the Bourfellsstude hydroelectric station.
The most powerful European waterfall is Dettifoss. It instantly amazes with its size and power of the rushing waters. The wild and violent waterfall is located on the Jokulsau-au-Fjodlum glacial river, in a national park in the north-east of the country, near the tranquil Lake Myvatn. The canyons along the river are often compared to. 500 cubic meters of water per second falls from a height of 44 meters. The width of Dettifoss is 100 meters. This raging monster is colored milky, as the beginning of the waterfall parent river is fed by a glacier with chalk sediments. If you take a certain angle of photography - from the west bank - you can catch in the frame and small figures of people, and even another waterfall upstream of the river.
Svartifoss is remembered for the huge basalt columns that tower over its sides. The columns can be studied up close, they look like man-made ones, but this is the creation of Mother Nature. Svartifoss - a high waterfall, with a six-story building, 20 meters. The name of the waterfall is translated as "fall of darkness", and these bodies of water among the black columns attract travelers from all over the world.
In Islamia, the two-level Gullfoss waterfall is very popular. It covers the entire width of the Khvitau River. The upper tier of the waterfall is 11 meters, and the lower one is already 21. Fog is one of the hallmarks of a waterfall, tourists are sure to explain why it is always dim and damp here. Usually people come from Reykjavik to see Gullfoss, it is included in the golden list of attractions that are easy to see in a day. In the twentieth century, the waterfall almost disappeared due to the construction of a hydroelectric power station. There is a legend according to which the daughter of one eminent merchant was going to rush into the waterfall because of the ruin of the priest, but everything turned out well.
In the southwest of Iceland, the Hamragardar River rolls its waters. It is adorned by a powerful handsome man - Seljalandsfoss waterfall. He is tall, narrow and slender. The Seljalandsfoss waters fall from sixty meters. This waterfall is easy to see without even leaving Iceland's main ring road. Only the most desperate climbers risk climbing the slopes along the waterfall.
One of four waterfalls on the Jokulsau-au-Fjodlum river (in the same place as Dettifoss). It is wide and stretches for 100 meters, but the height is disappointing - only 11 meters. But looking at a huge river waterfall, which is undoubtedly incredibly beautiful, is still very pleasant. Here, along the coast, hikes are organized for those who like to take pictures. If you go downstream of the river, you will find the Dettifoss waterfall.
There is a heritage site in the south of Iceland. This is the mysterious Joksaraurfoss waterfall. It is believed that this waterfall on the Yoksarau river was created artificially, several centuries ago, in order to take water. In winter, the waterfall looks wonderful, as the lower part of it freezes, and the foaming transparent jets hit the ice blocks. The waterfall is also protected because it is located exactly in the place of a geological fault between continental plates, on the border of the European geological plate and the North American one. Joksaraufoss is located just 54 km from Reykjavik.
And again before your eyes another majestic two-stage waterfall in central Iceland. Previously, a natural stone bridge stretched across the waterfall, but in the 90s it collapsed due to an earthquake or due to the colossal amount of water masses after the snow melted. You can walk around the waterfall only on the plain, and observe it only from below.
In the south of Iceland's green plains, the Merkjar River flows. And it so happened that one of the small hills, almost a rock, cuts the Merkjárfoss waterfall. It is calm and quiet, it carries its waters solemnly through several rapids. The banks of the waterfall are overgrown with greenery, and the river's waters are almost melodious. Merkjarfoss is a low but amazingly beautiful waterfall.
The amazing Hraunfossar waterfall is formed at the confluence of several springs. The name of the waterfall is translated from Icelandic as "lava fall". In fact, Hraunfossar is born from a lava flow and 900 springs flow from there. They flow through deep potholes and lava grooves. It is very difficult to photograph the entire waterfall, but each separate "strand" of it is worthy of attention. Northern, dull flowers bloom near the waterfall. There are a lot of them, and they are wonderful in their own way.
Hjaulparfoss is a unique double waterfall on the Hekla River. "Falling help" - this is how the name of the waterfall is romantically translated. It is connected with the story of how the first settlers came here. They were very tired, and the waterfall in their eyes was a great boon from the gods. Here people and animals could rest and recover for a long journey. They say that this waterfall has very tasty and almost healing water.
The Skjaulfandaflyout River in northern Iceland falls majestically 12 meters down at the Godafoss waterfall. It got its name "God's waterfall" in connection with the adoption of Christianity in the country. In 1000, both pagans and Christians worshiped the waterfall as an earthly manifestation of divine power. Naturally, the former performed their rituals on the quiet, while the latter did not hide. Godafoss waterfall is so popular that on its banks, according to certain tourist routes even crush appears.
Hauyfoss is the second largest waterfall in Iceland. Its dimensions are 122 meters high. A foamy, raging stream falls from black basalt rocks, and the water at their foot also seems black. Around the waterfall there is a desert landscape, and up to four rainbows constantly keep above the water vapor. The journey to Hauyfoss should be started from the ruined Stung farm, and it will take several hours to walk. Only true connoisseurs of natural beauty can withstand the difficult pilgrimage to the south of Iceland.
The highest waterfall in Iceland is Glymur ("Shimmering"). Its height is 196 meters - higher than the pyramid of the ancient Egyptian pharaoh Cheops. Glymour is multi-level, and a natural arch extends over one of the first steps. There are many caves near Glimour, through which excursions are led. Previously, you had to cross the waterfall to get to the east of the Hvalfjordur fjord, but now a modern reliable tunnel has been laid under the fjord, and no one walks the old paths. They say it is extremely dangerous.
Wide waterfall, confusingly similar to Gullfoss. Both waterfalls are located on the same river, the landscapes of the banks of which are similar. The surrounding nature pleases: there is a lot of fog, and in the spring the fish go to spawn, overcoming the rapids of the waterfall. The waterfall is very picturesque, but the photographers lament that they cannot capture the bottom of the Faxi. There is a convenient car park and a picnic or camping area next to the waterfall, while Faxi is not far from Reykjavik.
A kind of waterfall, in the center of the country, not far from (Lakagigur). The eruption of this natural disaster once wiped out a third of Iceland's population. Fagrifoss waterfall differs from other streams in that at first its shores are quite gentle, and then abruptly break down. Therefore, travelers are not advised to walk downstairs. You can fall off a steep slope and fall into a hellish seething funnel.
The waterfalls in western Iceland are very picturesque. Dinyandi ("Thunderous") is a trapezoidal waterfall, the upper base of a huge "trapezium" is 30 meters, the lower one is 60. In fact, Dinyandi is connected by seven small waterfalls, the total height of which is as much as one hundred meters. Each of the seven waterfalls has a name (Hundafoss, Bæjarfoss, Hrísvaðsfoss, Strompgljúfrafoss, Göngumannafoss, Fjallfoss, Hæstajallafoss). There are stairs on the slopes of Dinyandi.
Another of the waterfalls on the northern river Jokulsau-au-Fjodlum, which originates in glaciers. With thunder and roar, the rivers fall here from twenty-seven meters. Previously, tourists were lured by the cable car. Many adventures could be experienced here, but in the end, due to the danger, cable car removed. From the Dettifoss waterfall, Hafragilsfoss is just two kilometers to the west. Even a short walk can be allowed.
It seems that it is not worth visiting Aldeyarfoss at all, as it is very far from the main tourist routes. But when you see the power of the glittering water masses whipping the ancient basalt columns and falling into the lava plains, you will find that the sight is worth it. Black slabs melted in fire with icy stones look dramatic. By the way, off-road competitions are often held near the Aldeyarfoss waterfall. wild nature and powerful cars against the backdrop of a waterfall - an amazing combination.
Iceland, located in the North Atlantic Ocean, is called the "ice country". Along with geysers, fjords and volcanoes, waterfalls are the main attractions of this island nation... Frequent rainfall, large glaciers, mountainous terrain and other landscape features provide ideal conditions for some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world to emerge in Iceland.
Gullfoss waterfall - "golden waterfall" (gull - gold; foss - waterfall). Although looking at this, he is rather frozen. (Photo by Trey Ratcliff):
The waterfall is located on the Hvitau River, in the Haukadalur Valley, in the south of Iceland. (Photo by Tony Prower):
The depth to the place where the water falls in the valley is about 70 meters. Gullfoss itself consists of two steps - 21 meters and 11 meters high, turned to each other at an angle of 90 °. (Photo by Trey Ratcliff):
In 1920 and 1977, attempts were made to build a hydroelectric power plant on the site of the waterfall, which would lead to the destruction of the waterfall. However, the waterfall is still under reliable protection and is considered one of the most beautiful places Iceland. (Photo by Tony Prower):
Dinyandi
Dinyandi waterfall is also known as Fiatlfoss. In fact, Dinyandi is a river of which the waterfall is a part. (Photo by Spike):
In shape, Dinyandi Falls resembles a stepped pyramid and evokes associations with the structures of the South American Indians. It falls down from almost 100 meters in height and is divided below into five smaller waterfalls, eventually reaching the ocean. (Photo by Gouldy99):
This waterfall is the most big waterfall not only in Iceland, but also the most powerful in all of Europe!
This waterfall can be seen in Ridley Scott's film Prometheus, where it was shown as one of the landscapes of prehistoric Earth; it was here that life began to emerge on the planet according to the film. However, we have already talked about the Dettifoss waterfall in.
The Hreinfossar lava waterfall is one of the most unusual, you will not see it anywhere in Europe. This is a whole series of small waterfalls formed from numerous streams (more than 100) about 900 meters long. (Photo by Orn Sigurosson):
The Hviutau River, which originates in the Langjökull Glacier, has made its own bed along the border of the Grauhrein lava flow that has stopped there. Since the lava rock is porous, the river easily seeped into it and went underground. Under the ground, for one kilometer, the river gets out, thus forming numerous waterfalls. This is where the name of the waterfall comes from: “hraun” originates from the Icelandic word meaning “lava”. Clickable, 1280 × 850 px. (Photo by Gunnar O Sigmarsson):
We continue to get acquainted with the waterfalls of Iceland. This waterfall is located in the south of Iceland on the Fossau River, located near the Hekla volcano.
It drops to a height of 122 meters and is the second largest waterfall in Iceland. (Photo by Sveinn Michaelson):
Selfoss Falls on the Jökulsau-au-Fjöllum River in Iceland, located about 30 km above the river's mouth and a few hundred meters upstream of Dettifoss Falls, the most powerful waterfall in Europe. Selfoss is 11 meters high and 100 meters wide. (Photo by Jacopo Colombo):
The Jökulsau-au-Fjöllum river originates in the Vatnajökull glacier, and therefore the water level in the river changes depending on the season, weather and volcanic activity... (Photo by Chung Hu):
12 kilometers from the Gullfoss waterfall (the first in this review) is the picturesque Faxi Falls. Both waterfalls are located on the same river, so the landscapes of the banks of which are similar.
It is one of several waterfalls in the south of Iceland, located in lava fields north of the Hekla stratovolcano, where the Fossau and Tjoursau rivers join. (Photo by Kaja Arastardottir):
The name of the waterfall, literally translated as "waterfall of help", comes from the name of this area. The area got its name due to the fact that here travelers found food and feed for horses, after a difficult and dangerous crossing along the Sprengisandyur route. (Photo by Jon Oskar Hauksson):
Svartifoss waterfall is located on the territory national park Skaftafell in Iceland is one of the most popular local attractions. Clickable, 1600 × 1050 px. (Photo by Filippo Bianchi):
Black waterfall. surrounded by unusual hexagonal columns of black lava, hence its name. These columns were created inside the lava flow, which cooled very slowly, which led to its crystallization. (Photo by PAk DocK):
The base of this waterfall deserves attention because of the sharp-pointed stones, as the hexagonal columns at the very beginning of the waterfall grind off faster under the powerful stream of water. These basalt columns have inspired many Icelandic architects to create magnificent masterpieces of classical architecture, the most notable of which are the Hallgrimur Church in Reykjavik and National Theater... (Photo by Diana Michaels):
The waterfall is located on the Thorsau River in the eastern lava region of Merkurhraun. Clickable, 1200 × 800 px. (A photo):
This is one of the most famous waterfalls Iceland, located in the north of the island near Akureyri. The waterfall is not the highest (12 meters), but one of the most visited waterfalls in Iceland. Its width is about 30 m. (Photo by Diana Michaels):
The waterfall is also known for the fact that in 999-1000. when the inhabitants adopted Christianity, pagan idols were thrown into the waterfall. Hence the name of the waterfall from Isl. Go? - "The God". Clickable, 1300 × 850 px. (Photo by Abdulkhalek):
This two-stage waterfall is located in the Eldyau volcanic canyon in central Iceland. Until early 1990, a natural basalt stone bridge crossed the waterfall, but it was destroyed by snow melt in 1992-1993. (A photo):
It is located on the Skogau River in the south of Iceland, located in the cliffs coastline just below the Eyjafjallajökull glacier. (Photo by PAk DocK):
(Photo by Chris Lazzery):
Skogafoss waterfall is one of the most famous and most visited waterfalls, as well as one of the largest and most beautiful in Iceland. Clickable, 1600 × 1060 px. (Photo by Rozanne Hakala):
The width is 25 m, the height of the water fall is 60 m. Due to the large amount of splashes formed by the waterfall, on sunny and clear days, one can observe a single and sometimes double rainbow. (Photo by vulture labs):
Lake Lagarflout is located in the eastern part of Iceland near the town of Egilsstadir. Locals it is believed that in the depths of the lake, as in the Scottish Loch Ness, there is a creature unknown to science, which they call the Lagarflout snake.
Not far from the lake is the Hengifoss waterfall, which is 118 meters high. It is one of the tallest waterfalls in Iceland. (Photo by IUCNweb):
This is one of the most famous waterfalls in Iceland. This is a very picturesque waterfall and pictures of it can be found in many books and calendars. (Photo by Kristinn R. Kristinsson):
The waterfall is located on the Seljalandsau River and rises 60 meters above the rocks. (Photo by Iurie Belegurschi):
The deep indentation behind the waterfall allows you to move freely behind it, thus observing Seljalandsfoss from all sides. It is especially recommended to visit the waterfall in the evening hours, when the lighting around the waterfall becomes more intense. Clickable, 1920 × 738 px ... (Photo by Wolf-Ulf Wulfrolf):
About beautiful northern country many dream. One of the main advantages of Iceland is its magnificent waterfalls. Let's talk about the ten most beautiful.
Kirkjufellsfoss
You have probably seen this landscape in numerous photographs. This small waterfall is located near the Kirkjufell mountain, in the town of Grundarfjordur on the Snйfellsnes peninsula. Local photographers believe that the ideal time to shoot the waterfall is a summer evening.
Hraunfossar
This one is amazing beautiful waterfall located next to the Borgarfjord in western Iceland. Its waters flow to the glacier of the Khvitau River. In autumn, interesting color contrasts can be observed here.
Bruarfoss
Bruarfoss is a series of small waterfalls on the Broir River in the Grimsnes area, a true gem of Iceland. A river splitting into thousands of small streams, deep blue water - this landscape will be a godsend for any photographer.
Svartifoss
The waterfall is located in Skaftafell, which is part of the Vatnajökull National Park in the southeast of Iceland. The picturesque waterfall inspired the architecture of Hallgrimskirkja Church in Reykjavik and the famous sculpture by Richard Serra on Videy Island.
Hrafnabjargafoss
Hrafnabjargafoss is located on the mighty Skjaulvandaflyout River in North Iceland. A win-win time to shoot here is winter. Just look at this snowy geometry!
Aldeyjarfoss
This waterfall with a 20-meter cascade is one of the most beautiful. A white cap of snow, dark basalt pillars and blue water are the traditional palette of harsh Icelandic nature that attracts photographers.
Goðafoss
This is one of the most famous waterfalls in the country, 12 meters high and 30 meters wide. It is known for the fact that in the X century, when the inhabitants of the country adopted Christianity, pagan idols were thrown into it. Hence the name of the waterfall: from Icelandic goð - "god".
Gullfoss
The 32-meter "golden waterfall" is located on the mighty Hvitau River, in the Haukadalur Valley in the south of Iceland. It is so beautiful that it entered the top of the main attractions of the country.
Skogafoss
Skogafoss - popular place among travelers along the south coast of Iceland. 60 meters wide and 25 meters high, this is one of the largest and most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland. Photographers should remember that on sunny days, a single or even double rainbow appears here.
(Seljalandsfoss)
Seljalandsfoss is another popular waterfall to be found if you are traveling south coast country. Its stream is narrow and long, and the uniqueness of the waterfall is that you can literally follow it, choosing an interesting angle.
Photo: Francesco Riccardo Iacomino
What comes to mind when you mention Iceland? For me personally - the singer Bjork with her strange iridescent tunes. Snow-capped rocks and plains, geysers and volcanoes, glaciers and lakes, in a word - untouched by civilization, wild northern nature are also imagined. Iceland is small island country, washed at once by four seas-oceans: Atlantic Ocean, The Greenland and Norwegian Seas and the Danish Strait. Accordingly, the nature here is very diverse and extraordinary, and the sights are stunning. Today I will tell you about the rebellious element - waterfalls. Let's make a small rating of the most famous.
A rainbow in a stream of clear water
Since Iceland - mountain country with large differences in landscape heights, on its territory you can admire countless waterfalls, which are considered the most beautiful in the world.
Skogafoss
Skogafoss can be safely put on the top lines of the rating of the most beautiful Icelandic waterfalls. It falls down from a great height (over 60 m) in the south of the country. The name of this masterpiece of nature was given by the nearby village of Skoudar. Weight fresh water originates upstream of the Skou River, namely from the glacier. The width of the waterfall is 25 m. This waterfall is also famous for the fact that numerous splashes falling from great height the waters create several lovely rainbows at once. Tourists love this place.
It does not belong to the highest, but without a doubt, it is a very picturesque and extended waterfall, which can rather be called a cascade. It falls to the ground in the central part of the country, flowing between the layers of tectonic plates. Previously, there was a natural basalt bridge over the waterfall, which made the natural element even more picturesque, but during a flood in 1992, the bridge was demolished by water. Still, the crystal clear water running over the mossy stones is very attractive for tourists.
This is the most powerful waterfall on European territory. See the glacier wild waterfall's magnificent water beds. It falls down on the river with the difficult to pronounce name Jokulsau-au-Fjodlum, which is in the north-east of the country. The height of the waterfall is 44 m, width is 100 m, and the volume of falling water is 500 cubic meters per second. Impressive?
The water of Dettifoss is colored white (milky), this is due to the fact that the glacier from which the raging monster originates has a chalk composition.
It is famous for its walls of black basalt, from which it got its name, which translates as "fall of darkness". The height of the waterfall is 20 meters.
The two-level waterfall flows along the entire width of the Khvitau River. Above and around him, there is constantly thick fog and twilight. This full-scale natural phenomenon is included in all excursion programs in Iceland.
It can be seen in the south-west of the country without even leaving the motorway, because the height of this monster is 60 meters! With a deafening roar, streams of water fall to the ground, forming bright rainbows.
One hundred meters wide, but low in height (only 11 meters), Selfoss is located on the Jokulsau-au-Fjodlum river in the immediate vicinity of another waterfall - Dettifoss, which is two hundred meters downstream. A thick beautiful fog rises from the bottom of the waterfall; tourists like to take pictures in these places.
Double waterfall flowing from the Hekla River. In addition to its unusual shape, it is also famous for its healing, tasty water, which you can draw directly from the formed bowl and drink.
One of the tallest waterfalls - 122 meters high! The surroundings around the rushing streams of water are very dramatic - black basalt rocks, which makes the water below also seem black. 3-4 rainbows constantly “live” in the water veil above the waterfall.
And finally, the highest waterfall. This is Glymur ("Shimmering"), it is higher than the Cheops pyramid - its height is 196 meters! This is a two-level waterfall, overcoming various grottoes, gorges and huge boulders on its way. There are many caves around the waterfall, there are guided tours.
Dynjandi falls at the bottom of our rating. Look at the photo - it forms a perfect trapezoid in shape. Streams of water cascade down, and this is a magical sight. At the top, the trapezoid is 30 m wide, while at the bottom it is already 60. In fact, these are seven small waterfalls with a total of 100 meters in height. You can go up and down along the stream, for this, stairs are built on the slopes.
AT short article do not list all the unique waterfalls, because there are dozens of them, and they all have their own flavor. Special “waterfall” tours are taken to Iceland so that tourists can cover as many of these amazing natural creatures as possible in one trip and not be distracted by other attractions.
Some of them are located in hard-to-reach and remote areas, but true connoisseurs of water streams still get to them and take stunning photos of this formidable, but such a beautiful element.
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