If you’re looking for the best waterfalls near Reykjavik you won’t have to travel far. One of my favorite things about Iceland is the ability to drive a short distance outside of the city and be right in the middle of nature.
A 1-2 hour drive through the vast landscapes of moss and lava rock brings you to a whole host of unique, impressive waterfalls.
Many of the waterfalls on this list lie on major tourist routes making them easily accessible. So hop in the car and enjoy a waterfall day trip from Reykjavik!
10 Best Waterfalls Near Reykjavik
Bruarfoss (1hr 30 min drive from Reykjavik)
Bruarfoss lands among the best waterfalls near Reykjavik thanks to its piercing blue color.
Though not very tall at 2-3m in height, the lacy waterfall cascades into a pool of Gatorade-esque blue and flows through a volcanic rock landscape, a beautiful contrast.
You have two options to reach the falls. The first is to pay to park at the Bruarfoss Parking Lot for the convenience of walking only 5 minutes to the falls.
The second option is to park for free at the Bruarfoss Trail Parking and hike 7km round trip passing the beautiful waterfalls Hlauptungufoss and Midfoss along the way.
Gullfoss (1hr 45 min drive from Reykjavik)
Gullfoss is one of the most popular Iceland waterfalls near Reykjavik. It’s one of the three major stops on the Golden Circle Route making it one of the country’s most iconic attractions.
The waterfall cascades in two different tiers (11m and 21m) ultimately plunging into the canyon below. If you visit on a sunny day you’ll likely see a rainbow arching over the falls.
To see its power up close and feel the waterfall’s spray, you can walk to a viewing platform that puts you level with the top of the waterfall. Another option is to take the upper-level path for a view from above.
Need a bite to eat, a souvenir, or the bathroom? The Gullfoss cafe and shop can be found on the upper level.
Þórufoss (40 min drive from Reykjavik)
A short 40-minute drive to see a beautiful waterfall…count me in! Þórufoss is a product of the Laxá í Kjós River dropping over a cliff and is one of the closest waterfalls to Reykjavik.
It is conveniently located on the Golden Circle Route and requires only a short walk from the parking lot to view.
Though Þórufoss is less popular than its fellow Golden Circle waterfalls, it is of particular interest to Game of Thrones fans who will recognize it as a shooting location from the series.
Hraunfossar and Barnafoss (1hr 45 min from Reykjavik)
Two of the best waterfalls near Reykjavik. One stop. Endless jaw-dropping views.
Hraunfossar and Barnafoss are two beautiful and wildly different waterfalls within walking distance of each other in Borgarfjörður.
Hraunfossar (lava falls) flows in a series of lacy cascades over lava rock into the turquoise stream of the Hvita River.
Because they originate from meltwater from Langjökull glacier rather than a river, the falls seem to magically appear with no obviously visible water source.
In contrast, Hraunfossar’s neighbor Barnafoss gushes through a narrow canyon bursting through a circular hole and appears more like a rapid than a waterfall.
Faxafoss (1hr 25 min drive from Reykjavik)
Faxafoss lies on the iconic Golden Circle tourist route, making it one of the closest waterfalls to Reykjavik.
At 7m high, Faxafoss is not particularly tall, but it spans a distance of roughly 80m, creating a wide, lacy curtain of water that flows into the Tungufljót River.
If you look to the left side you’ll find a salmon ladder (and in May you might see the salmon themselves) designed to assist the salmon in reaching their spawning grounds.
Hungry? Head just 5 minutes down the road to Friðheimar, a beautiful greenhouse restaurant where you can enjoy all-you-can-eat tomato soup and warm, homemade bread.
Glymur (1hr 5 min from Reykjavik)
Glymur is one of the best waterfalls in Iceland near Reykjavik if you’re an adventurous soul.
At 198m, Glymur is Iceland’s second-highest waterfall and is well worth the roughly 7km round trip hike to see this towering beauty dropping sharply into the mossy canyon.
You’ll have two options when hiking. The first is to hike up the east side of the Botnsa River and return the same way. The second is to wade through the river at the top of the waterfall and return along the west side (I suggest this route if you don’t mind getting wet).
If you choose the loop, you’ll cross the river twice. Once at the bottom where there is a log and rope (from late spring to early autumn only, when weather permits), and once at the top (you’ll want water shoes or waterproof hiking boots for this part).
Overall the hike is moderately difficult, with the hardest part being the steady climb after crossing the initial log over the river.
Seljalandsfoss (1hr 45 min drive from Reykjavik)
As you drive the Ring Road along the south coast you’ll spot the 60m Seljalandsfoss cascading down a cliff well before you reach the parking lot.
Thanks to its impressive natural beauty and accessibility, Seljalandsfoss is a tourist hotspot and is easily one of the most popular Iceland waterfalls near Reykjavik.
Part of the waterfall’s unique appeal is the walking path that allows you to walk behind and around it, capturing its beauty from all angles.
I highly suggest bringing a raincoat and waterproof boots if you want to avoid getting soaked by the waterfall’s spray.
Note that in winter the pathway might be closed if it becomes icy and dangerous.
Gljúfrabúi (1hr 45 min drive from Reykjavik)
Gljúfrabúi is a gorgeous 40m waterfall hidden in a gorge that is conveniently located along the Ring Road next to the more famous Seljalandsfoss waterfall.
A quick few-minute walk from Seljalandsfoss takes you to the opening of the gorge where you’ll have to stone hop or wade through a stream. Waterproof boots will be your friend.
You’ll soon see the view that makes Gljufrabui one of the best waterfalls near Reykjavik in Iceland.
The waterfall streams through a natural skylight surrounded by mossy green cliff walls. Climb on the boulder in front of the waterfall for a classic photo op, but bring a rain jacket to combat the waterfall’s spray.
Skogafoss (2hr 5min drive from Reykjavik)
Skogafoss is the farthest waterfall on this list of the best waterfalls close to Reykjavik, but its majestic beauty makes it well worth the 2-hour drive.
The waterfall plunges 60m down and stretches 25m wide. As you walk closer to its base and get hit with the waterfall’s spray, you get a sense of its true power.
If you’re up for a real quad burner, roughly 500 steps will take you up to a viewing platform level with the top of the waterfall. It’s a spectacular view with the waterfall below and the vast south coast landscape out beyond.
The waterfall is easily accessible as it lies just off the Ring Road. Approaching the waterfall from the main road is particularly beautiful in the summer with fields of lupine flowers blooming in the foreground.
Öxarárfoss (50 min drive from Reykjavik)
Öxarárfoss is located on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge in Þingvellir National Park, one of the three major stops on the Golden Circle tourist route.
Despite only dropping 13m over the cliffs of the Almannagjá Gorge, it remains one of the most popular Iceland waterfalls near Reykjavik thanks to its historically significant location in the park.
Öxarárfoss is actually a man-made waterfall as the Öxará River was believed to be rerouted to provide water to the members of Iceland’s first parliament (Alþingi).
The waterfall can be accessed all year round, though it’s a very different view in the winter when the entirety of the falls is frozen over.
Map Of Best Waterfalls Near Reykjavik
I’ve mapped out the best waterfalls near Reykjavik so you have a better sense of where they’re all located.
As you can see, many are located within close driving distance of each other making it easy to spend a day trip visiting a whole collection of waterfalls.
Click Here For Map Of The Best Waterfalls Near Reykjavik
We’re thrilled you’ve chosen to explore the best waterfalls near Reykjavik in Iceland. You’re certainly spoiled for choice with an impressive array of unique waterfalls. From plunging behemoths to lacy cascades, southwest Iceland has it all.
If you have any questions as you go about planning your waterfall viewing itinerary, please let me know in the comments.
12 Beautiful Waterfalls In South Iceland (+ Map!)