7 Southern Iceland Waterfalls That Look Straight Out of a Movie

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Southern Iceland waterfalls are some of the most breathtaking places you can visit in the entire country. This part of Iceland is filled with dramatic landscapes, beautiful cliffs, and cascades that look like they came straight out of a fantasy movie.

What makes them even better is that each one has its own unique personality and story. Some are famous and easy to reach, while others feel like hidden gems tucked away in off-the-beaten-path areas.

Before we jump in, here’s a quick note. Yes, there are countless waterfalls in Iceland scattered all around the country, but the ones on the south coast really do stand out.

And the best way to explore them is with plenty of time, warm clothes, and maybe a little patience because the weather likes to keep things interesting here.

Some of the more remote waterfalls from this list are off-road, so I highly recommend renting a 4×4 to make sure you don’t miss them.

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Know Before You Go

Southern Iceland Waterfalls Map

Check out this southern Iceland waterfalls map and be sure to save it for your trip. It shows all the main waterfalls so you can plan your route easily.

Best Southern Iceland Waterfalls To Add to Your Iceland Itinerary

If you’re planning a trip to Iceland, you won’t want to miss this incredible southern Iceland waterfalls. From famous waterfalls to hidden gems with almost no crowds, each waterfall looks absolutely amazing.

So, here are some of the best southern Iceland waterfalls to add to your itinerary.

Seljalandsfoss

If you were wondering what famous waterfall in Iceland you can walk behind, it’s Seljalandsfoss.

Seljalandsfoss means “the waterfall of the Seljalands River” in Icelandic. It’s one of the most photographed waterfalls in the country, and for good reason.

However in winter, the path behind the waterfall gets dangerously slippery. You can see on this photo that the rope is covered in icicles, which looks magical but definitely calls for caution.

In summer, walking behind Seljalandsfoss is an absolute must. The path is open, and the view from behind is something you’ll remember long after your trip.

Many people stop here first on their trip down the south coast, as Seljalandsfoss is definitely one of the best waterfalls in southern Iceland to visit. The parking lot is right next to the waterfall, so it’s one of the easiest stops you can make.

Want to learn some fun southern Iceland waterfalls facts? Seljalandsfoss drops about 60 meters and is powered by the Seljalands River, which starts at the Eyjafjallajökull glacier.

It’s wild to think this river comes straight from a glacier volcano!

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Svartifoss

Svartifoss, also called the “Black Waterfall,” is one of the most unique waterfalls in southern Iceland you’ll ever see. It is located inside Skaftafell, a nature reserve and visitor center within Vatnajökull National Park.

Instead of just tumbling over cliffs, this waterfall is framed by dark basalt columns that look like something straight out of a movie. These basalt columns are volcanic rock formations, shaped when lava cooled down slowly and cracked into those amazing hexagon patterns thousands of years ago.

The contrast of the black rock and the water makes it really unique, and it’s easy to see why it’s often as one of the top 5 waterfalls in Iceland.

What makes Svartifoss a bit different from some other popular south Iceland waterfalls is the hike to get there. It’s about a 30 to 40 minute walk from the visitor center in Skaftafell, and the trail takes you past a few smaller waterfalls along the way.

If you’re curious about southern Iceland waterfalls facts, here’s a good one: Svartifoss was the inspiration behind the design of Iceland’s National Theatre in Reykjavík. Pretty cool, right?

Out of all the south Iceland waterfalls, this one definitely has a special kind of look.

After exploring Svartifoss in Vatnajökull National Park, you can head out to Diamond Beach, which is by far one of the most beautiful places in Iceland.

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Skógafoss

Skógafoss means “Forest Waterfall” in Icelandic, even though you won’t find a forest right next to it. This powerful waterfall in Iceland is 60 meters (about 200 feet) tall, and you can feel its strength as soon as you get close.

On sunny days, rainbows often appear in the mist (which looks incredible in photos!), making it one of the most popular spots for visitors.

There’s also a staircase that leads up to the top of Skógafoss, where you can get a completely different view of the river flowing out across the land. It’s a bit of a climb, but worth it if you want to see the waterfall from above.

This is one of the south Iceland waterfalls that is easy to access right off the Ring Road, so it’s usually busy with visitors. Still, the size of it makes it feel like there’s enough space for everyone.

Skógafoss also often makes it on lists of the top 5 waterfalls in Iceland because of its accessibility and amazing photos you can take.

According to local legend, there’s a chest of gold tucked away behind Skógafoss waterfall. The story goes back to the 10th century, when the first Viking settler in the area, Þrasi Þórólfsson, decided this was the perfect hiding spot.

Years later, local boy reached for the chest, but the treasure disappeared in front of him. All that was left was the metal handle, which you can still see today at Skógar’s museum.

Today, you can still stand behind the waterfall and imagine the Vikings hiding their gold, adding a little extra magic to this already epic spot.

Gluggafoss

Gluggafoss, or “Window Falls,” is one of the more unusual southern Iceland waterfalls. It gets its name from the rock formations that create little windows in the cliff, allowing the water to peek through as it tumbles down.

This layered effect makes it look completely different from the big, single-drop falls like Skógafoss.

What I love about Gluggafoss is that it feels much quieter than the more famous spots. You won’t usually find crowds here, which gives you a chance to enjoy the sound of water and the views in peace.

It’s also a great reminder that not all waterfalls in southern Iceland are the same. Each has its own unique look, and Gluggafoss is a perfect example of that.

Kvernufoss

Kvernufoss means “Watermill waterfall” in Icelandic, and it’s often called the little sister of Skógafoss.

The best part is that not as many travelers know about it. You’ll find it tucked away in a narrow canyon just a short walk from the Skógar Museum. The hike to Kvernufoss is relatively easy and takes only about 20 minutes.

You can even walk behind Kvernufoss in summer, which makes it one of the best southern Iceland waterfalls to take epic photos. Just be prepared to get a little wet, especially if the wind is blowing the spray your way. And don’t forget a rain jacket!

It’s usually much quieter, so you might even have the place to yourself if you’re lucky.

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Gljúfrabúi

Gljúfrabúi means “Canyon dweller,” and the name couldn’t be more fitting. This hidden waterfall is just a short walk from Seljalandsfoss, but many visitors miss it because it’s tucked behind a narrow canyon.

To reach it, you have to walk through a stream at the canyon entrance, which is pretty cool. Once inside, a powerful waterfall crashes down right in front of you. It truly feels like a hidden gem.

Make sure to wear waterproof shoes and be ready to get a little wet, because the spray fills the whole canyon.

If you’re checking a southern Iceland waterfalls map, you’ll notice Gljúfrabúi is marked right next to Seljalandsfoss, so you can easily see both in one stop.

It’s no wonder many consider this one of the best waterfalls in southern Iceland for photographers looking for unique shots.

Háifoss

Háifoss translates to “High Waterfall,” and it lives up to the name. At 122 meters, it’s one of the tallest waterfalls in Iceland. The waterfall is located inside a beautiful canyon with another waterfall, Granni (which means “Neighbor”), nearby. Together they create one of the most stunning views in the whole region.

Getting to Háifoss requires a bit of effort, since it’s not right off the main road. The drive involves gravel roads, and sometimes it’s tricky in bad weather, but the view is more than worth it.

If you’re planning to drive the road to Háifoss, I highly recommend that you rent a 4×4 vehicle that’s allowed off-road by your rental company.

Standing at the edge of the canyon looking down at Háifoss is the kind of moment that sticks with you. This one definitely belongs on the list of the top 5 waterfalls in Iceland, and not just in the southern region.

If you’re looking for a waterfall in southern Iceland that’s impressive but doesn’t come with tons of tourists, Háifoss is the perfect place.

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Practical Tips for Visiting Southern Iceland Waterfalls

One of the most common questions travelers ask is: are waterfalls in Iceland free? The good news is yes, almost all of them are.

Parking fees apply in some areas, but the waterfalls themselves won’t cost you a thing. That makes it easy to plan a trip without worrying about extra costs at every stop.

When visiting south Iceland waterfalls, dress in layers because the weather can change fast. A waterproof rain jacket and waterproof shoes are a must, especially if you plan to get close to the falls or walk behind them. Don’t forget a hat and gloves in colder months, and be ready to get a little wet from the spray.

If you’re wondering when to see waterfalls in Iceland, the answer depends on what kind of experience you want. Summer gives you access to trails behind waterfalls like Seljalandsfoss and Kvernufoss.

Winter, on the other hand, is just as incredible because you’ll get to see stunning frozen waterfalls. It feels like nature hit pause on the water mid-air.

Both summer and winter are worth it in their own way, so it really comes down to the kind of trip you want. And since the weather here loves to surprise travelers, having the right gear makes all the difference, so make sure to check out my Ultimate Iceland packing list before you go.

Final Thoughts On Waterfalls in Southern Iceland

Exploring waterfalls in southern Iceland is easily one of the best adventures you can have while traveling through the country. Each waterfall has its own personality and together they show just how wild the Iceland landscape can be.

Whether you’re chasing the famous waterfalls or tracking down hidden gems, this part of Iceland will not disappoint you.

When you plan your route, make sure to save the southern Iceland waterfalls map in this blog post so you don’t miss any must-see stops. Leave a little extra time for random discoveries along the way because in Iceland, the journey can be just as amazing as the destination.

If you love finding secret spots, you should also check out my post on 13 Iceland Hidden Gems You Have to See to Believe, as some of these places are seriously mind-blowing.

I’d love to hear from you too. Which waterfall would you visit first or have you already been to one that completely blew you away? Let me know in the comments below.

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