Iconic waterfalls to photograph in Iceland
Colorful soils and atmosphere, volcanic smells, huge melting glaciers, sheep and horses running in the plains, impressive highland deserts and unstable weather are some of the experiences while visiting Iceland. But any "must see" list for a trip around the country is incomplete without its spectacular waterfalls.
Waterfalls are all around the country. From hidden small ones, to the second most powerful waterfall in Europe, the exact number of waterfalls in Iceland is unknown. Even uncertain, the most commonly accepted estimate is around 10,000 waterfalls.
A journey to map and photograph all of them sounds an impressive effort and desire of many. However, time to spend around Iceland will likely limit most explorers. If you're also in this group of people, here I list some of the most iconic waterfalls in Iceland that are worth visiting.
First of all, note that photographing some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland is a wet experience, and probably cold even during summer. Wear suitable clothes and protect the gear from the drops - Kenko PRO1D Instant Action Magnetic UV and Polarizer filters are good options to keep the front elements of the lens dry. I had no issues with wetness in the gear photographing with the Tokina atx-i 11-20mm F2.8 CF lens, mounted in the mirrorless Canon R7 using Canon's EF-EFS adapter. However, I needed to clean the lens the whole time.
Drops in the filter after one or two shots affect the autofocus and can cause serious problems if the gear is not sealed or protected against wetness.
Waterfalls: Gljúfrafoss, Skógafoss, and Seljalandsfoss
Tip: composing and metering beforehand, while keeping the lens cap and manual focus in the infinite will reduce the gear exposure to unnecessary wetness.
Note: the map includes photos of other Google Map users and the first ones may not correspond to the photos shown here in the page.
There are iconic waterfalls all around Iceland, from East to West, from South to North. Perhaps the most visited ones are concentrated in the South Coast, not only due to the easy access from the capital Reykjavik, but also because some are really impressive.
It is difficult to decide which ones to include in the map and the order of the photos. Given the lack of a better criteria, the waterfalls are ordered here according to their clockwise location from Reykjavik.
1. Kirkjufellsfoss
Kirkjufellsfoss is a sequence of small waterfalls in the foothills of the famous Kirkjufell Mountain.
Apart from the classical and pleasant composition, the other falls allow exploring a myriad of perspectives from the falls to the hill.
2. Aldeyjarfoss
Heading to the highlands of the Northeastern region of Iceland, the power of Aldeyjarfoss sculpts the basalt landscape. Perhaps one of the least accessible in a short term trip, but definitely worth visiting.
3. Dettifoss
Dettifoss is considered the second most powerful waterfall in Europe, after the Rhine falls. Also in a basaltic frame, it is impossible not to be moved by the energy flowing from its 100 metres wide and 44 metres height.
4. Rjúkandifoss
Just by the Ring Road 1 in Eastern Iceland, Rjúkandifoss is a mandatory stop. A five minutes walk leads to the main viewpoint of the falls.
5. Stuðlafoss
Right at the beginning of the hike to the Southern side of the Stuðlagil Canyon lies the beautiful basalt wall of the Stuðlafoss.
6. Hengifoss
Hengifoss is hidden in the canyon after a 30 minutes uphill hike. With 128 meters, the water seems to fall directly from the clouds on a foggy day.
7. Folaldafoss
A pleasant surprise in one of the ways to the highlands, Folaldafoss is the least one in Eastern Iceland. Visible from the gravy road and easily accessible in the summer, this waterfall is usually less visited because of its location, despite However, close to the Ring Road 1.
8. Svartifoss
Placed in the Skaftafell National Park, Svartifoss means black waterfall and is named after the basaltic wall. It is one of the main attractions of the park, along with the glaciers.
9. Kvernufoss
Very close to the famous Skógafoss, Kvernufoss is perhaps one of the least visited amongst the iconic waterfalls in Southern Iceland - making it a perfect place to enjoy the beauty and peace, where the silence is only broken by the sound of the falling water.
10. Skógafoss
In contrast to its neighbor Kvernufoss, Skógafoss along with Seljalandsfoss, is one of the most visited waterfalls, not only in Southern Iceland, but in the whole country. Falling 60 meters over black rocks, the power and sound of the water are impressive.
11. Seljalandsfoss
Definitely one of the most beautiful sunset in Iceland is behind the waters of Seljalandsfoss.
12. Gluggafoss
On the way to the Highland, by the F-261 road, Gluggafoss is also a calm and peaceful sequence of smaller waterfalls worth visiting.
13. Sigöldugljúfur
Sigöldugljúfur is a small canyon with several waterfalls on the way to Landmannalaugar, in the Highland. This canyon is a sharp contrast with the desert landscapes in the surroundings.
14. Háifoss
Close to the Hekla volcano, Háifoss is also on the way to the Highland. The 122 meters fall in the deep canyon is surrounded by beautiful views of the valley and the volcano.
15. Bruarfoss
Bruarfoss is the closest waterfall to Reykjavik, amongst the most iconic ones. It is hard to believe how blue the river is. Definitely a must-see spot in Iceland.
Bonus tip: photographing the details
Taking a telephoto lens along with a wide angle expands the compositional possibilities when also photographing the details, textures and shapes of the surroundings, revealing unique perspectives - either abstract or not.
Grundarfoss
Close to Kirkjufellsfoss, Grundarfoss can be seen from the main road and its 70m height is worth the 20 minutes walk from the parking lot.
Gullfoss
Gullfoss's textures.
Bruarfoss
A detail of the Bruarfoss river
Recommended lenses for exploring the details in landscape photography: