Waterfall Chasing: A Guide to the Best Lesser-Known Waterfalls in South Iceland

Iceland is known for its waterfalls; there are thought to be upwards of 10,000 of them across the entire country. While some are small or seasonal, two hundred or thereabouts are considered significant enough to be given a name. The southern region is especially associated with waterfalls. Nowhere is that more true than at the perennially popular Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, which both welcome coachloads of visitors on a daily basis. Meanwhile other splendid falls such as Svartifoss are also common destinations for tourists.

As you drop down from the Hellisheiði lava plateau and travel east along the south coast, the scenery changes. Towering cliffs dominate the landscape, especially as you face inland, and many waterfalls cascade down over them. Some of these magnificent falls are large or close enough to be visible from the road, while others are tucked away out of sight in narrow canyons. They form the focus of some of the region’s most scenic hikes and if you have the time, you won’t regret adding them to your itinerary.

In this guide, we’ll shine a spotlight on those waterfalls that are overlooked. Let’s take a look at some of the best lesser-known waterfalls in South Iceland and why you should incorporate them into your itinerary.

Gljúfrabúi

Whether you consider Gljúfrabúi to be a hidden gem or not really depends on how you define the term. Its proximity to Seljalandsfoss means that it sees a steady stream of visitors. But it’s literally tucked out of sight behind in a cleft in the rock. You can choose to peer through the narrow gap or wade in to stand right beside it and be drenched by the spray. Either way, if you’re on a Gray Line tour of the south coast, then it’s a good opportunity to stroll over to take a look.

Kvernufoss

Like Gljúfrabúi, Kvernufoss is overshadowed by a more famous neighbour, in this case mighty Skógafoss. It is situated within the Kvernugil Gorge and has a drop of about 40 metres. Framed by rocky interlocking spurs and verdant with vegetation, this waterfall occupies a delightful setting. Like the much more famous Seljalandsfoss, you can also walk behind it. The trailhead is located close to the Skógar Museum and the path is a short one, barely a mile round trip.

Hestavaðsfoss, Fosstorfufoss and Steinbogafoss

One of the most popular activities for tourists visiting Skógafoss is to climb the metal steps up beside the falls. There’s a fabulous panoramic view of the coast from the top, and it’s also interesting to see the waterfall from a different perspective. But there’s another reason to come here: this is the starting point for the Fimmvörduháls hike, a long distance trail that eventually leads to verdant Þórsmörk. Along the way you’ll pass many other waterfalls, among them Hestavaðsfoss, Fosstorfufoss and Steinbogafoss. None are as large as Skógafoss, of course, but they are each lovely in their own right.

The waterfalls of the Þjórsárdalur valley

A cluster of waterfalls can be visited within the breathtaking Þjórsárdalur valley. The largest is Háifoss; dropping from a height of 122 metres it is Iceland’s third tallest waterfall. Its shorter neighbour is Granni and together, the pair make a pretty picture. Nearby, at the confluence of the rivers Þórsa and Fossa, you’ll encounter Hjálparfoss. Because it’s fed by a couple of separate streams, the waterfall is split into two which is relatively unusual though not unique.

Foss á Síðu

A few miles east of the village of Kirkjubæjarklaustur, this farm can trace its history right back to the earliest days of Iceland’s settled history. Folklore and myths surrounding the place add an unusual element to the place; in the past those who lived here were placed under a curse and the area’s said to be haunted by a ghostly dog who can be quite menacing.  By day, there’s nothing sinister about the place, which boasts a charming waterfall that’s flanked by moss-covered rocks.

Urriðafoss

Located close to the ring road midway between Selfoss and Hella, Urriðafoss sits on the Þjórsá River. A huge volume of water cascades over the rock here, averaging around 360 cubic metres per second. However, the drop is a mere 4 metres so the waterfall receives a fraction of the visitors seen by others. Nevertheless this tranquil place is worth a stop, not least to admire the Þjórsárhraun lava field. There are suggestions that plans for a power plant upstream could significantly reduce the flow of water so if you are keen to see it, visit soon just in case.

Gluggafoss (Merkjárfoss)

Reached on a gravel road from Hvolsvöllur in about 15 minutes, this waterfall is situated on the Merkjá river. Its name translates as Window Falls as the water appears behind cut outs in the palagonite rock as if you are looking at the water behind a window frame. It’s a two-step falls, with a total height of about 53 metres. The first drop is the largest, measuring about 45 metres from top to bottom. It flows over a ledge of tuff displaying layers of ash, sand and stones. The water then spreads out to produce the second shorter section.       

Þórðarfoss

Located close to Gluggafoss, this waterfall sits on the river Þórðara and is fed by meltwater from the Tindfjallajökull glacier. It’s tall, about 80 metres in height, and cascades down a cliff created by volcanic lava flows in a past eruption. The place also has cultural significance as it’s thought that Gunnar Hlíðarendi, who features in Njáll’s saga, is buried around here. Due to its proximity to Gluggafoss, you’ll be able to see it from the car park if you visit its neighbour.

Íráfoss

Also known as Árjánurfoss, this 40 metre high waterfall is often overlooked by visitors to the south coast yet lies within easy reach of the main ring road. The narrow drop of water flares out at the bottom and the basalt rock that surrounds it adds to the overall beauty of the scene. As with many similar falls in the area, it’s reached after a short hike alongside a boulder-strewn river; the moss-covered rock and lack of visitors makes this a place for contemplation amid nature.

Ægissíðufoss

This broad but short waterfall is the focus of a hike from Hella. It’s about 58 metres wide and a little under 4 metres tall. To reach it, follow the course of the Ytri-Rangá River. The waterfall is fed by a spring, meaning that its flow is similar throughout the year. However at the start of the summer, melting snow from the area around it can give it a bit more power. Locals come here to fish; there’s a salmon ladder close by.

If you have booked a South Iceland tour with Gray Line you will be glad you’ve handed over the wheel to our driver, as this means that you can give your full attention to the driver. And while popular tourist stops such as Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss will undoubtedly be a major reason for signing up, the other waterfalls you pass along the way are an unexpected bonus. That sums up this part of Iceland; you could visit many times and still have new places to discover. So don’t get caught napping and keep your camera handy, ready to appreciate what you see out of the window.