7 Forgotten Waterfalls in Iceland

Every year people travel from all over the world to experience the incredible natural wonders of the Icelandic waterfalls. Falls such as Gullfoss, Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss have long been the most popular but I have a small secret to share with you: The most beautiful waterfalls are not always the tallest or the widest but the ones that hold the power to captivate you in the moment and to remain with you as you return back to everyday life. I know, I might be a tad bit dramatic, but someone has to be the spokesperson for the 7 forgotten waterfalls of Iceland!

So here are 7 waterfalls I think you should consider visiting when you travel around Iceland:

Systrafoss Waterfall

Systrafoss Waterfall

Systrafoss in Kirkjubæjarklaustur is a waterfall where the river Fossá falls from the lake Systravatn into the gorge Fossárgil. To visit the waterfall drive along road number 205 through the town of Kirkjubæjarklaustur and you’ll find the waterfall on your right hand side. The picture above is taken up-close but normally you’ll find pictures of the falls stretching far up into the hillside.

Hengifoss Waterfall

Hengifoss Waterfall | Photo by Visit East Iceland

Located in Fljótsdalsherað in east Iceland this beautiful waterfall is perfect for travellers driving the ring road of Iceland. There is a walking path from the parking lot but it’s a small hike so you might want to pack a picnic to enjoy along the way.

Háifoss Waterfall

This one is for the fit ones! A hike from the historical farm Stöng in Þjórsárdalur, along the Fossá river will take you to the mighty waterfall Haifoss. The beautiful hike is around 5-6 hours in total so be sure to be wearing the right gear and to have packed snacks. Above the waterfall, there is also a parking lot, so there is the possibility to cut the hike to 800 meters from the other direction.

Aldeyjarfoss Waterfall

Aldeyjarfoss | Photo by Mapio

Black basalt columns meet the white waters of Skjálfandafljót in Aldeyjarfoss waterfall. This waterfall is located in the highlands so you will need to be driving the right type of rental car.

Hraunfossar Waterfalls

Hraunfossar Waterfalls | Photo by Visit West Iceland

Hraunfossar or Lava Falls is an intriguing series of springs coming out of the Hallmundarhraun lava field appearing like a long 900m strand of cascades laced within the rough grooves of the lava. As you can see, the falls make a perfect setting for a great Northern Lights photo.

Glanni Waterfall

Glanni, or Madcap, is located in Norðurá river in west Iceland. This rough waterfall has multiple tiers and at least three side-by-side drops. Surrounded by Grábrókarhraun lava fields the waterfall is also said to the home to elves and trolls! So be sure to be on the lookout when you make a stop driving from south to north Iceland or vise versa.

Hjálparfoss Waterfall

Hjálparfoss in Thjorsardalur is one of several waterfalls in south Iceland situated in the lava fields north of the stratovolcano Hekla near the point where the rivers Fossá and Þjórsá join.