There are a staggering number of waterfalls in Iceland. Estimates put the total at around 10,000. Some are seasonal; many are tucked away in the far reaches of the country’s Highland wilderness. That may go some way to explaining why visitors cluster around a handful of the most significant. But with at least 200 to 300 waterfalls in the country deemed worthy of a name, there are plenty of alternatives. From Aldeyjarfoss in the north to Urriðafoss in the south, if you are hoping to find some less crowded waterfalls in Iceland worth seeing, why not check out these suggestions?
Aldeyjarfoss
This stunning waterfall is located just far enough into the Highland region to keep the number of visitors down. It’s a 25 mile, 45 minute drive south of the main ring road in North Iceland. You’ll access it via the 842, the road which turns into the F26 as you travel further along the Bárðardalur valley. Ideally, you’ll need a 4x4 as you tackle the last stretch.
Aldeyjarfoss is known for the striking color of its water, a vivid blue that pops against the surrounding landscape as it pours over the edge of the Bárðadalshraun lava field. Try to see it from both banks: the twisted and quite remarkable basalt columns shine from the north bank, while from the south bank you see the panoramic view of the entire basin.
Mongufoss
Reaching Mongufoss, a beautiful waterfall in Iceland’s Westfjords, takes a lot of effort. But once you arrive, you’ll stand in front of a 197 feet high waterfall that’s absolutely worth it. Mongufoss is fed by meltwater from the mountains upstream, which ensures the Innri Skarðsá River keeps flowing.
Perhaps the best way to see this jaw-dropping spot for yourself is on a tour of the Westfjords’ Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, where you can camp, hike and kayak to hard-to-reach spots like Mongufoss. If you’re looking for a remote waterfall where you’re hardly likely to meet a soul, then this is a strong contender.
Skútafoss
Located in East Iceland, Skútafoss is only a twenty minute drive yet welcomes relatively few visitors. You see, although this waterfall is situated close to the country’s ring road it’s tucked away out of sight until you approach it on foot. You’ll need to navigate a short stretch of bumpy gravel once you leave Route 1.
The waterfall’s name, like so many in Iceland, describes what’s in front of you: in this case, small cave waterfall. It’s not a massively tall waterfall, perhaps 20 feet or so high, but the cave means you can stand behind the waterfall and look out onto the surrounding countryside, just as you can at the much busier Seljalandsfoss further west.
Gluggafoss
Another descriptive name provides a clue to what you’ll encounter at Gluggafoss: Window Falls. Here, the river cascades as a series of drops, known collectively as Merkjárfoss. But the soft bedrock is vulnerable to erosion which has allowed the water to wear it away, leaving countless ledges, nooks and the gaps that have become its signature style.
If you can, try to time your visit for when there has been plenty of rain in the days and weeks beforehand as the higher water levels make it far more impressive. Just 15 minutes east of Hvolsvollur, you’ll barely have to detour off Route 1 to reach it, but in doing so you’ll need to access it via a bumpy gravel road. Why not double it up with Þórðarfoss, just a short stroll away?
Stigafoss
If you have time on your hands after visiting Seljalandsfoss and its neighbor Gljúfrabúi, consider continuing inland for half an hour following Þórsmerkurvegur to reach Stigafoss. However note that as this is one of Iceland’s F-roads. Take a super jeep tour or, if self-driving, you’ll need to be prepared to ford water and need a high-clearance 4x4 to do so safely.
This explains why the waterfall receives a fraction of the tourists that show up to Seljalandsfoss each day. You’ll appreciate, as soon as you set eyes on it, that this overlooked gem is absolutely as breathtaking and were it not for the trickier access, most likely just as busy. A powerful single drop waterfall cascades from a verdant cliff, puddling below into a plunge pool surrounded by moss-covered rocks.
Hangandifoss
Peaceful Múlagljúfur Canyon remains relatively overlooked compared to other busier sites such as Fjadrárgljúfur. Nevertheless, it remains one of South Iceland’s most remarkable hikes and that’s in no small part because of the waterfall that adorns it: Hangandifoss. It tumbles more than 400 feet down to the valley below and is an extraordinary sight even for those that have already ticked off the likes of Skógafoss and Svartifoss.
Hangandifosslækur stream feeds Hangandifoss with water, which primarily originates at the Öræfajökull glacier. It’s an astonishing sight in late spring and early summer when meltwater is at its peak. The trailhead is only a short drive from Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and although it’s not the easiest hike, the views are ample reward.
Urriðafoss
You’ll have seen a bit of a pattern emerge as we’ve described some of the less crowded waterfalls in Iceland: getting there. Many such spots involve a long hike or a drive over poorly maintained gravel roads before you can admire the falls. But what if we tell you that there’s a waterfall barely off the ring road with proper paths and a decent parking lot?
That spot is Urriðafoss. Despite its convenient location, it’s still not on the radar of many tourists, who whizz past in their haste to be somewhere else. But Urriðafoss is delightful: a powerful, broad cascade that in fact, has one of the highest flow rates in the country. Unspoilt and uncrowded, you might just conclude that it was your favorite waterfall in Iceland. But don’t take our word for it: come see for yourself!
