Iceland waterfalls name. Fabulously beautiful waterfalls in Iceland (33 photos)

Volcanic activity is the main architect of Iceland's spectacular landscapes. Volcanic eruptions thousands of years ago have created amazing rock formations that provide a picturesque natural setting for the country's many spectacular waterfalls. It is they - the waterfalls of Iceland - that are the topic of an interesting article.

Picturesque cascades are formed when water flows cross channels and canyons along which hot lava once flowed. For many tourists Iceland waterfalls- the most attractive natural attractions for which it is worth planning a trip to this country.

Close to Reykjavik

Iceland waterfalls- one of the main attractions of this country. Many of them can be reached on day trips from Reykjavik.

Trollafoss is closest to the capital - not big waterfall, the top of which can be reached by walking from the highway along a short walking path. It's a little more difficult to get down, because you have to overcome a steep path leading to the base of the hill. Signs will help you find the most successful descent option.

The further route to the waterfalls of Iceland should be taken along the Thingvallavegur road, which allows you to get to Thingvellir, where the Ehsaraurfoss waterfall is located.

The park also has plenty of other natural attractions that are worth admiring. This part of Iceland lies on a fault between the European and North American tectonic plates. Therefore, here you can admire the impressive landscapes that are the result of volcanic activity and the displacement and breaking of rocks during earthquakes.

To the north-west of Thingvellir Park there is a route to Glymur Waterfall. With a height of 196 m, it is the second highest waterfall in Iceland. The path to it is quite difficult.

Glymoor Waterfall

From the south (the path on the right after parking) you can admire the most scenic views of Glymoor, but this route is more difficult than from the north. The northern path is interesting due to the passage of a huge arch, which is like a through cave. You can only get down the waterfall along the Botns River, but this is a dangerous, prohibited route.

Moving west, you can admire the Hrounfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls. Hraunfossar is a series of small waterfalls that form cascading streams that flow down the Haldmundarrhein lava field.

Continuing along the path you can reach Barnafoss. This is a series of waterfalls that are formed by the waters of the Khvitau River cascading down through a narrow rocky gorge. Fans of caving can visit a cave with lava pillars near the Barnafoss waterfall.

Journey to the East

Traveling east from Reykjavik, you can visit one of Iceland's most popular waterfalls, Gullfoss. The water flows of the Khvitau River fall along two steps 11 and 21 m high, which are located at an angle of 90° to each other.

The best views of Gullfoss can be admired just after a couple of minutes walk from either of the two parking lots. This Iceland waterfall is one of the popular tourist route“Golden Ring”, so it’s always crowded here. But Gullfoss's popularity has less to do with its impressive views and more to do with its ease of access.

Aegissufoss

Arbaejarfoss

In the nearby gorge next to it is the Granni waterfall. Against the backdrop of the lifeless landscape of the Icelandic plateau, water cascades flowing from the plain into deep gorge, look especially impressive.

Moving along the southern part of the ring road, you can visit several more beautiful waterfalls in Iceland. The first on the way will be Seljalandsfoss. This is a popular attraction in Iceland, tours to which are often offered to tourists.

The deep setback behind Seljalandsfoss waterfall allows tourists to freely admire this landmark from any angle.

From here you can continue your journey to Skaftafell National Park, where there are also many picturesque waterfalls. The most famous of them is Svartifoss.

Its rushing waters flow down lava channels of dark basalt rocks, giving rise to the name “Black Falls.” Continuing on the path, you can visit three more waterfalls and reach the edge of the Skaftafellsjökull glacier.

Waterfalls in the north and west of Iceland

There are many waterfalls in the northern part of the country. Among them, the most famous is Dettifoss, which is the most powerful waterfall in Europe.

The Jökulsau a Fjödlum River originates from the Vatnajökull glacier and forms several waterfalls along its path.

Dettifoss is the largest among them. Its width is about 100 m and its height is 44 m. This waterfall in Iceland ranks first in Europe in terms of the volume of flowing water.

In the west of Iceland there are also several waterfalls, between which you can create a convenient travel route. These include: Kirkjufellsfoss Waterfall

Bjarnafoss Waterfall

On the westernmost tip of Iceland there are several waterfalls, which are very difficult to get to from Reykjavik. Djupavikurfoss falls from a cliff straight into the sea.

Not far from it is the town of Djupavik, where you can find a cozy hotel for relaxation.

It is even more difficult to get to the Dynjandi and Fjallfoss waterfalls. You can visit these waterfalls in Iceland only as part of an organized group. excursion tours including a visit to the western part of the country.

You can get there on your own by ferry from Baldur. But even in this case, to get to the waterfalls themselves, you will have to travel a considerable distance by car along difficult roads.

Iceland is often called the land of waterfalls. In fact, there are literally hundreds of such natural beauties to be found in different places on this island. Situated between the North Atlantic and the Arctic Ocean, Iceland's climate is ultimately influenced by both of these powerful oceans. The warm climate in the North Atlantic brings frequent rain and snow, while the almost Arctic location produces large glaciers that, when they begin to melt in the summer, feed powerful and deep rivers. These streams of water fall from numerous ridges on this volcanic island, creating countless waterfalls. From the mighty Dettifoss to the majestic Svartifoss, they are the country's most recognizable landmarks.

Gullfoss.

Gullfoss, or Golden Falls, is the most popular tourist place in Iceland. The waterfall is located in the canyon of the Hvita River in southwest Iceland. About a kilometer above the waterfall, the Khvita River turns sharply to the right and flows down a wide, curved three-step “staircase”, and then plunges sharply in two stages into a crevice from a height of 32 meters.

Dettifoss.

Dettifoss, located in Vatnajaökull National Park in northeast Iceland, is considered the most powerful waterfall in Europe. It is also the largest waterfall in Europe in terms of water volume, having an average water flow of 193 cubic meters per second. The waterfall is so powerful that the earth even vibrates around it; the vibration can be felt by the hands of tourists. The waterfall is 100 meters wide and falls from a height of 45 meters.

Skógafoss.

Skogafoss is one of the largest waterfalls in Iceland with a width of 25 meters and a height of 60 meters. Due to the large amount of spray from the waterfall, beautiful rainbows can often be seen here. The waterfall is located on the Skoga River in the south of Iceland.

Godafoss.

Godafoss, or “waterfall of the gods,” is located in the region of Bárdardalur in Northern and Central Iceland. The waterfall is short and flat, falls from a height of 12 meters and is 30 meters wide. Being very close to the ring road, it is very popular among tourists.

Seljalandsfoss.

Seljalandsfoss is one of the most photographed waterfalls in Iceland. This waterfall is located on the Seljalandsa River and falls from the former cliff coastline from a height of 60 meters.

Hroynfossar

Hraunfossar, or "falling lava", is a series of waterfalls formed by flowing lava streams about 900 meters from Hallmundarhraun - a field of lava that flowed from one of the volcanoes located under the Langjökull glacier

Dunyandi.

Dunjandi, also known as Fjallfoss or “Mountain Falls,” is a series of waterfalls with a combined height of 100 meters. The topmost one tends to be the most photographed due to its unusual trapezoidal shape.

Hengifoss.

Hengifoss in Fljotsdalsreppur, East Iceland, looks very beautiful because the surrounding rocks have basalt layers separated by thin layers of red clay. Hengifoss is the third highest waterfall in Iceland with a height of 128 meters.

Bruarfoss.

Bruarfoss or “waterfall bridge” is the best kept secret in Iceland. Many people, including Icelanders themselves, have never heard of this place. The waterfall is not visible from the road, and there are no signs indicating its existence. Bruarfoss takes its name from the natural arch that connected the two banks of the river like a bridge in earlier times. Legend has it that in the 16th century, a butler in Skalholt ordered the arch to be destroyed so that beggars and homeless people would not enter the lands of Skalholt's domain. However, later justice was served and the butler drowned in the Bruara River shortly after.

Svartifoss

Svartifoss or “the black fall” is located in Vatnajokull National Park in Iceland, surrounded by picturesque hexagonal basalt columns. These basalt columns are the defining feature of the waterfall. Some even say that it was from this waterfall that Icelandic architects drew inspiration when creating the Hallgrimskirkja church in Reykjavik.

Aldejarfoss.

Aldejarfoss waterfall is located in the north of Iceland at the northern end of the Highland Road. One of the most interesting features The waterfall is contrasted between black basalt columns, and powdery white water, indicating its glacial origin.

Hjaulparfoss

Hjaulparfoss or "helping" waterfall is a unique double waterfall. Hjaulparfoss is located about 30 km east of the village of Fludir, among the lava fields north of the Hekla stratovolcano.

What comes to mind when you think of Iceland? Personally, I like the singer Björk with her strange iridescent melodies. You can also imagine snow-covered cliffs and plains, geysers and volcanoes, glaciers and lakes, in a word - wild northern nature untouched by civilization. Iceland is a small island country washed by four oceans: the Atlantic Ocean, the Greenland and Norwegian Seas and the Denmark Strait. Accordingly, the nature here is very diverse and unusual, and the sights are stunning. Today I will tell you about the rebellious element - waterfalls. Let's make a small rating of the most famous.

Rainbow in a stream of clear water

Because Iceland is mountainous country with large differences in landscape heights, on its territory you can admire countless waterfalls, which are considered the most beautiful in the world.

Skógafoss

Skógafoss can be safely placed at the top of the ranking of the most beautiful Icelandic waterfalls. It falls from a huge height (more than 60 m) in the south of the country. The name of this masterpiece of nature was given by the nearby village of Skoudar. Weight fresh water originates upstream of the Skou River, namely from the glacier. The width of the waterfall is 25 m. This waterfall is also famous for the fact that numerous splashes of water falling from a great height create several beautiful rainbows at once. Tourists love this place.

It is not one of the highest, but without a doubt, it is a very picturesque and long waterfall, which can rather be called a cascade. It falls to the ground in the central part of the country, flowing between layers of tectonic plates. Previously, there was a natural basalt bridge over the waterfall, which made the natural element even more picturesque, but during the flood in 1992, the bridge was demolished by water. And yet, the crystal clear water running over the mossy stones is very attractive to tourists.

This is the most powerful waterfall in European territory. See the magnificent water layers of the glacial wild falls. It falls on a river with the unpronounceable name Jokulsau au Fjodlum, in the northeast of the country. The height of the waterfall is 44 m, width is 100 m, and the volume of falling water is 500 cubic meters per second. Impressive?

The water of Dettifoss is colored white (milky), this is due to the fact that the glacier from which the raging monster originates has a chalky composition.

It is famous for its walls made of black basalt, from which it got its name, which translates as “fall of darkness.” The height of the waterfall is 20 meters.

A two-level waterfall flows across the entire width of the Khvitau River. There is constant thick fog and twilight above and around him. This full-scale natural phenomenon is included in all excursion programs in Iceland.

You can see it in the southwest of the country without even leaving the highway, because the height of this monster is 60 meters! Streams of water fall to the ground with a deafening roar, forming bright rainbows.

One hundred meters wide but not very high (only 11 meters), Selfoss is located on the Jökulsau au Fjodlum River in close proximity to another waterfall, Dettifoss, which is two hundred meters downstream. A thick, beautiful fog rises from the bottom of the waterfall; tourists love to take pictures in these places.

Double waterfall flowing from the Hekla River. In addition to its unusual shape, it is also famous for its healing, tasty water, which you can scoop directly from the resulting bowl and drink.

One of the highest waterfalls - 122 meters high! The surroundings around the cascading streams of water are very dramatic - black basalt rocks, which is why the water below also appears black. 3-4 rainbows constantly “live” in the water shroud above the waterfall.

And finally - the highest waterfall. This is Glymur (“Shimmering”), it is higher than the Cheops pyramid - its height is 196 meters! This is a two-level waterfall, overcoming various grottoes, gorges and huge boulders on its way. There are many caves around the waterfall; excursions are available there.

Our rating is completed by the famous Icelandic waterfalls Dinjandi. Look at the photo - its shape forms a perfect trapezoid. Streams of water cascade down, and it is a magical sight. At the top the trapezoid is 30 meters wide, while at the bottom it is already 60. In fact, there are seven small waterfalls totaling 100 meters in height. You can go up and down along the stream; for this purpose, stairs are built on the slopes.

It’s impossible to list everything in a short article. unique waterfalls, because there are dozens of them, and they all have their own flavor. Special “waterfall” tours are carried to Iceland so that tourists can cover as many of these amazing natural creatures as possible in one trip and not be distracted by other attractions.

Some of them are located in hard-to-reach and remote areas, but true connoisseurs of water flows still get to them and take stunning photographs of this formidable, but such a beautiful element.

Iceland is not like that big island. The maximum length from north to south is only 310 kilometers, and from east to west - 500. There is no place for such long and large rivers as the mainland Danube, Rhine or Dnieper. But the entire map of Iceland is covered with blue veins. Thanks to the humid North Atlantic climate, the island has a lot of rainfall, and its proximity to the Arctic Circle has caused the appearance of huge glaciers covering a tenth of the country's territory. It is these two factors that contribute a large number full-flowing rivers, and mountainous terrain does not allow them to flow calmly, now and then forming turbulent rapids and high waterfalls. All of them are diverse and beautiful, attracting hundreds and thousands of tourists every year. In this article we will introduce you to the most interesting and unusual waterfalls in Iceland.

Dettifoss - the most powerful waterfall in Europe

Since Iceland has the best of everything, it is not surprising that the most powerful waterfall in Europe is also located here.

Dettifoss (from Icelandic - “falling waterfall”) is located in the northeast of the island and is the middle link in a chain of three largest waterfalls on the river Jökulsau au Fjödlum (“glacial river in the mountains”). Its dimensions are truly impressive: the width is about 100 meters, the height is 45. The route to Dettifoss is usually laid from the port city of Husavik in the north (this is where people come to watch whales) through the unique Ásbyrgi canyon.

Gullfoss - Iceland's most popular waterfall

In the southern part of the island, not far from the capital, the Khvitau River flows. It is notable for its most popular and beloved waterfall by tourists - Gullfoss (“golden waterfall”).

This attraction, together with Thingvelir National Park and nearby geysers, form the Golden Circle of Iceland. The waterfall is interesting because it consists of two steps (11m and 21m high), located at right angles to each other, after which the river falls into a deep gorge.

Gullfoss still exists today thanks to Sigriudur Thomasdottir, the daughter of a local farmer. In the 20s, the waterfall was almost sold for the construction of a power plant. Sigriudur actively fought for the preservation of Gullfoss and even threatened to throw herself into the waterfall. The authorities realized that the girl was not joking, after which he again went over to the state and was taken under protection. A memorial stone near the waterfall reminds of this history.

Skógafoss is the calling card of the country

The Skoga River originates in the south of Iceland, between the Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers, and flows into the Atlantic Ocean. On it, near the town of Skógar, is located the Skógafoss waterfall - one of the most famous in Iceland. This is where the popular tourist route Laugavegur ends.

A 25-meter-wide waterfall falls from a 60-meter cliff, scattering into thousands of splashes, which, hanging in the air, shimmer in the sun with all the colors of the rainbow.

Legend has it that the first Viking to settle in this area hid treasure in a cave behind a waterfall. Years later, the chest was found by an Icelandic youth. But as soon as he managed to grab the ring at the end of the chest, it disappeared. The ring remained in hand, was given to a local church and was used as a door ring. Don't believe me? It can be seen in the Skógar Museum.

But the Skoga River boasts more than just the splendor of Skogafoss. The mentioned waterfall is the last one on its way to the ocean, and upstream there are more than 20 more not so high, but no less beautiful.

We will see all of them on our trip to Iceland - Landing on Mars. Not only waterfalls, but also a beautiful rocky canyon, decorated with green moss, will accompany us all the way.

Morsaurfoss is the highest waterfall in Iceland

Few people know about this (even Russian-language Google didn’t know about it before us)! In fact, Iceland's tallest waterfall is located in Vatnajökull National Park in the southeast of the island and was only discovered in 2007 and measured in 2011. It is located at the point where the Morsárjökull glacial tongue branches off from the Vatnajökull ice cap. There is a sheer cliff there, originally hidden under the glacier. But, due to global warming, Morsauryökull melted so much that it “teared off” from the ice cap and the rock wall was exposed. From its 227-meter height, the melt waters of Vatnajökull flow down, forming several waterfall ribbons. The river formed by the meltwater of the glacial tongue is called Morsau. In her honor, by free vote, the waterfall was named Morsaurfoss. One of the few photos of this waterfall.

More famous is the second highest waterfall in Iceland - Glymur, which until 2011 was considered the highest. Its height is 196 meters.

Svartifoss - black waterfall

A very beautiful, unusual and popular waterfall. What could be so unusual about a waterfall? In particular, the color and shape of the rock from which it falls.

The hexagonal black basalt columns were created within a lava flow that cooled very, very slowly. The rock crystallized and acquired such an unusual shape. The pressure on the upper pillars is very high and often they cannot withstand and break. The bottom of the waterfall is strewn with their debris. The Black Waterfall is undoubtedly one of the most amazing and unusual in Iceland.

Seljalandsfoss - the most beautiful waterfall in Iceland

Seljalandsfoss can be called the most beautiful and picturesque waterfall in Iceland.

It has one feature that turns it from an ordinary Icelandic waterfall into a very unusual and beautiful one. You can calmly walk around the stream of water, observing it from the inside.

The setting sun plays especially beautifully in the running streams.

The waterfall is located on the Seljalandsau River, height - 60 m. We will be able to walk behind the waterfall when we return from the Glacier Lagoon to Reykjavik. The waterfall is located almost right next to the highway and the bus stops here for half an hour.

Godafoss - waterfall of the gods

Another popular one among tourists is the Godafoss waterfall (“waterfall of the gods”).

It is located on the Skjaulfandaflout River, fifty kilometers from the city of Akureri - the largest in the northern part of the country and beloved by tourists. A water stream 30 meters wide falls from a height of 9-17 meters. Not high, but very beautiful waterfall with turquoise water, no less attractive in winter than in summer.

According to legend, around the year 1000, when the state recognized Christianity, pagan idol gods were thrown into the stormy waters of Godafoss, hence the name. One of the stained glass windows of the Akyureri Cathedral depicts this story.

Dunyandi - rumbling

Dynjandi (“raging, rumbling”) or Fjallfoss (“ mountain waterfall") is not only the largest on the Westfjords peninsula ("Western Fjords"), but also a very beautiful waterfall on the small Dynjandisau river.

It does not fall like a wall, but spills over lava steps, the total height of which is 100 meters; The lava here is about 13 million years old. The width of the waterfall in the upper part is 30 meters, in the lower part it reaches 60.

Hroenfossar - lava falls

The Khvitau River originates in a lava field in the western part of the island. It is fed by both springs and a glacier, the flow is powerful and rapid. But only until porous rocks are encountered along its path. The waters of Khvitau seep into them one kilometer deep! Then they gradually return outward in the form of numerous (more than 100) small waterfalls flowing directly from the lava and flow into the Borgarfjörður river.

The foaming streams of Hraunfossar (“lava falls”) stretch over 900 meters and are a delight to the eye and ear.

Selfoss and Hafragilsfoss

A kilometer upstream from Dettifoss is Selfoss, which is only 10 meters high.

This makes the waterfall no less impressive: the river, 100 meters wide, breaks here from a flat basalt slab and, bypassing Dettifoss, continues to move to Hafragilsfoss - the third of the largest waterfalls on the river, 91 meters wide, 27 meters high.

Here the riverbed enters the Khafragil gorge, whose name the waterfall bears. The banks around the gorge are decorated with greenery and seem to be protected by rocks on both sides. There are four more smaller waterfalls downstream.

In conclusion

This is just a small part of the amazing and unique waterfalls in Iceland. Many of them don’t even have names, but they amaze with their beauty. Due to the mountainous terrain and the predominance of volcanic rocks, no matter which river your

Iceland, located in the North Atlantic Ocean, is called the “ice country”. Along with geysers, fjords and volcanoes, waterfalls are the main attractions of this island state. Frequent rains, large glaciers, mountainous terrain and other landscape features give ideal conditions to create some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world in Iceland.

Gullfoss - "golden waterfall"
Gullfoss waterfall is a “golden waterfall” (gull - gold; foss - waterfall). Although, looking at this HDR photo, he looks rather frozen.

The waterfall is located on the Hvitau River, in the Haukadalur Valley, in the south of Iceland.

The depth to the point where the water falls in the valley is about 70 meters. Gullfoss itself consists of two steps - 21 meters and 11 meters high, turned to each other at an angle of 90°.

In 1920 and in 1977, attempts were made to build a hydroelectric power station on the site of the falls, which would have led to the destruction of the falls. However, the waterfall is still under reliable protection and is considered one of the most beautiful places Iceland.

Dignandi
Dignandi Waterfall is also known as Fjallfoss. In reality, Dignandi is the river of which the waterfall is a part.

The shape of the Dignandi waterfall resembles a step pyramid and evokes associations with the structures of South American Indians. It falls from a height of almost 100 meters and is divided below into five smaller waterfalls, eventually reaching the ocean.

"Bubbling Waterfall" Dettifoss
This waterfall is not only the largest waterfall in Iceland, but also the most powerful in all of Europe!

This waterfall could be seen in Ridley Scott's film "Prometheus", where it was shown as one of the landscapes of prehistoric Earth; it was here that life began to emerge on the planet according to the film version.

Hraunfossar Lava Falls
The Hroynfossar lava waterfall is one of the most unusual, you won’t see anything like it anywhere in Europe. This is a whole series of small waterfalls, formed from numerous streams (more than 100) with a length of about 900 meters.

The Hviutau River, originating in the Langjökull glacier, carved its own channel along the border of the Grauhröin lava flow that stopped there. Since lava rock is porous, the river easily seeped into it and went underground. Under the ground, for one kilometer, the river emerges, thereby forming numerous waterfalls. This is where the name of the waterfall comes from: “hraun” comes from the Icelandic word meaning “lava”.

Hauifoss
We continue to get acquainted with the waterfalls of Iceland. This waterfall is located in the south of Iceland on the Fossau River, located near the Hekla volcano.

It falls a height of 122 meters and is the second largest waterfall in Iceland.

Selfoss waterfall
Selfoss Waterfall on the Jökulsau à Fjödlum River in Iceland, located approximately 30 km above the river's mouth and several hundred meters upstream from Dettifoss Falls, the most powerful waterfall in Europe. Selfoss is 11 meters high and 100 meters wide.

The Jökulsau a Fjödlum River has its source in the Vatnajökull glacier, and therefore the water level in the river varies depending on the season, weather and volcanic activity

Faxi Falls
12 kilometers from Gullfoss waterfall (the first in this review) is the picturesque Faksi waterfall. Both waterfalls are located on the same river, so the landscapes of the banks are similar

Hjaulparfoss waterfall
This is one of several waterfalls in southern Iceland, located in the lava fields north of the Hekla stratovolcano, where the Fossau and Tjoursau rivers join.

The name of the waterfall, literally translated as “waterfall of help,” comes from the name of this area. The area received this name due to the fact that here travelers found food and feed for horses after a difficult and dangerous journey along the Sprengisandur route.

Black waterfall Svartifoss
Svartifoss waterfall is located in the area national park Skaftafell in Iceland, which is one of the most popular local attractions.

Black waterfall. surrounded by unusual hexagonal columns of black lava, hence its name. These columns were created inside a lava flow that cooled very slowly, causing it to crystallize.

The base of this waterfall deserves attention because of the spiky stones, since the hexagonal columns at the very beginning of the waterfall wear down faster under the powerful flow of water. These basalt columns have inspired many Icelandic architects to create magnificent masterpieces of classical architecture, most notably the Hallgrímur Church in Reykjavík and the National Theater.

Tjoufafoss
The waterfall is located on the Tjoursau River in the eastern lava region of Mercurhraun.

Gudafoss waterfall
This is one of the most famous waterfalls in Iceland, located in the north of the island near Akureyri. The waterfall is not the highest (12 meters), but one of the most visited waterfalls in Iceland by tourists. Its width is about 30 m

The waterfall is also known for the fact that in 999-1000. When the inhabitants adopted Christianity, pagan idols were thrown into the waterfall. Hence the name of the waterfall from Il. Goð - "God"

Ofairufoss waterfall
This two-stage waterfall is located in the volcanic Eldjau Canyon in central Iceland. Until the beginning of 1990, a natural stone bridge made of basalt crossed the waterfall, but it was destroyed due to snowmelt in 1992-1993.

Skógafoss waterfall
It is on the Skogau River, in southern Iceland, nestled in the cliffs of the coastline just below the Eyjafjallajökull glacier.