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The impressive waterfalls of Iceland are undoubtedly one of the country’s biggest tourist attractions. If you’re thinking of visiting Iceland, your list of activities should include the Sólheimajökull glacier trek (to the Seljalandsfoss waterfall) and the visit to the Golden Circle, to see its “golden waterfall”.
Before you dive into this post we offer you a little Icelandic vocabulary lesson. Did you know what the word foss means, in Icelandic it means waterfall. Almost all the names of waterfalls are compound, and they usually tell the story of the waterfall.
In this post we show you some of the most impressive waterfalls in the country of ice and fire. Do you dare to immerse yourself in this “aquatic” adventure? 💦
Gullfoss
Its name literally means “golden waterfall”, it is said to be so named because of the golden light reflected by its waters when the sun goes down. Although you should take into account daylight hours in Iceland if you want to enjoy this phenomenon.
It gives its name to the “golden circle” and is a double waterfall. It has a waterfall located at the highest part (with 11 meters of jump) and a lower one (with 20 meters of jump).
Seljalandsfoss
Located in southern Iceland, this waterfall is known as the “liquid river”. Its length of more than 60 meters will impress you with its brutal drop.
You can walk behind its huge column of water through a path located in a hollow of the cliff. Would you dare to do it? 😱
Gljufrafoss
It is one of Iceland’s most mysterious waterfalls. It is “hidden”, and can only be reached through a crevice of the cliff near Seljalandsfoss.
To visit it you’ll have to get your feet a little wet, as to get the best views you have to cross one of the nearby rivers. But don’t worry, you’ll be able to walk over the rocks!
Dettifoss
Did you know that this waterfall is the most powerful in Europe. Not to be outdone, it boasts a drop of 44 meters and stretches across the width of 100 meters.
It is quite well known for appearing in the opening scene of the movie Prometheus (2012). It is impressive the flow it can reach in times of thaw.
Svartifoss
In Iceland this waterfall is popularly known as the “black waterfall”. This is because its shape is marked by columns of solidified lava, very dark in color.
It is undoubtedly one of the most impressive waterfalls in Iceland. These black columns are one of the main tourist attractions in the area.
Hraunfossar
Icelandic for lava waterfall. This is because its water comes straight out from the bottom of the earth, from the “lava fields”. 🌋
This waterfall stands out more for its width than for the length of its fall. Its fall is distributed leaving an incredible visual spectacle.
Godafoss
This waterfall is known as the waterfall of the gods. Legend has it that statues of the Viking gods Thor and Odin were thrown into the depths of the waterfall.
It has a width of 30 meters and is divided into 2 waterfalls (with 12 meters of jump each). You will be surprised by its peculiar semicircular shape.
Do you already know how to pronounce the difficult names of these waterfalls in Iceland? Are you looking forward to visiting them? 😉