Whether they’re flanked by basalt columns, engulfed in steam, or thundering from towering heights, the waterfalls in east Iceland are uniquely spectacular.
Though traveling to east Iceland takes more time and effort, you’ll be rewarded with an abundance of stunning views and a very welcome lack of crowds.
If you’ve got an appetite for adventure and a tolerance for long car rides, I’ve got you covered with the six best Iceland waterfalls on the East Coast.
We hope you find this map of 6 Beautiful Waterfalls in East Iceland helpful when planning your adventure!
See The Map of 6 Beautiful Waterfalls in East Iceland Here!
6 Beautiful Waterfalls In East Iceland (+ Map!)
Hengifoss and Litlanesfoss
Hengifoss is one of the best waterfalls in East Iceland and the country as a whole. At roughly 120m high, it’s the 3rd tallest waterfall in Iceland.
A 2.5 km uphill climb takes you from the parking lot to the waterfall. Halfway through the hike, you’ll see the 30m tall Litlanesfoss, petite compared to Hengifoss, but beautiful all the same with architecturally striking basalt columns flanking the 2-step falls.
Upon reaching Hengifoss, you’ll find a lava rock wall striped with bands of red clay making an unusual backdrop for the towering waterfall.
You can choose to view the waterfall from afar or walk up to and behind the falls where there’s a shallow cave. Tackle the hike in the early morning for the best photos!
Klifbrekkufossar
Like a vision out of a fairytale, the 7 tiers of Klifbrekkufossar cascade between cliff walls. The crystal clear spring-fed water flanked by lush, mossy green is a sight to behold.
You’ll find Klifbrekkufossar in the remote town of Mjóifjörður, an area of limited inhabitants and an abundance of natural beauty.
Like most east Iceland waterfalls, Klifbrekkufossar’s remoteness adds to its allure. It also means however that it’s only accessible in a 4×4 vehicle in the summer when the gravel roads are open.
The good news is these beautiful falls can be viewed from the side of the road. In fact, there is no designated parking lot, so when you find the view you want, pull over to the side and enjoy!
Nykurhylsfoss (Sveinsstekksfoss)
If you’re looking for waterfalls near Hofn, a popular home base for those driving the Ring Road, Nykurhylsfoss is the closest on our list at roughly 1.5 hours away.
Despite its location just off the Ring Road, Nykurhylsfoss is not heavily trafficked. In fact, there’s a good chance you might have the falls to yourself.
There are two parking lots, however driving the steep road to the higher one that can accommodate only a handful of cars will lead you to the better viewpoint.
Nykurhylsfoss is one of many waterfalls in Fossárdalur valley. It plunges into the Fossá River and is the last of the falls before the river meets the ocean.
At only 15m tall it’s not the most powerful of the waterfalls in East Iceland but the mountainous backdrop and surrounding basalt make it a beautiful, worthwhile stop.
Gufufoss
Thanks to their distance from Reykjavik, east coast Iceland waterfalls offer a tranquility not often experienced at south coast waterfalls. Gufufoss is no exception.
The first thing I noticed was that Gufufoss strongly resembled the iconic Skogafoss waterfall in the south. Gufufoss is a bit smaller (27m) and a lot more peaceful, but it shares a similar structure to Skogafoss and plunges powerfully sending its spray in your direction.
Directly translating to “steam waterfall” Gufufoss often engulfs itself in a dreamy mist sometimes accompanied by a rainbow.
A morning visit in the summer will allow you to experience the waterfall at its best.
Stuðlafoss
Though not the most powerful, the 25m high Stuðlafoss is one of the more unique waterfalls on the east coast of Iceland.
Like the more southern Svartifoss, it’s surrounded by a remarkable backdrop of basalt columns. The waterfall itself is more of a gentle cascade than a plunge, but its surrounding landscape makes it a gem worth visiting.
Though it’s possible to view the waterfall from a north-side viewing platform, I highly recommend opting instead for the hike into the canyon for the most impressive view.
The roughly 4km round trip hike also leads you into the stunning Stuðlagil canyon with its basalt walls and vibrant blue water.
If you have a 4×4 vehicle more suited for rough roads you can drive closer to a newer parking lot that’ll allow you to skip most of the hike and experience the same spectacular view.
Map Of Best East Coast Waterfalls
For those looking for the remote adventure that comes with exploring waterfalls in eastern Iceland, I’ve mapped out a route between waterfalls so you have a better sense of where they’re all located.
Once you’ve made the effort to drive all the way east, it’s easy to hit up all these waterfalls in one East Coast trip!
I’m thrilled you’ve chosen to explore the more remote beauty of east coast Iceland waterfalls. They’re diverse, peaceful, and well worth the drive.
If you have questions as you plan out your road trip to visit the falls, feel free to ask me in the comments.
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