Iceland has thousands of named waterfalls. The reliable headliners are Skógafoss, Seljalandsfoss, Dettifoss, Goðafoss, Gullfoss, and Dynjandi — each accessible with a normal rental car. The off-the-tourist-trail ones (Glymur, Aldeyjarfoss, Háifoss, Hengifoss) reward longer drives or short hikes. Plan around midday rainbows in summer and ice formations in mid-winter.
With over 10,000 waterfalls, Iceland is a waterfall photographer's paradise. From the iconic curtain of Seljalandsfoss — which you can walk behind — to the thundering power of Skogafoss and countless hidden cascades only reachable on foot, there is always a new waterfall to discover. Use our waterfall GPS maps to find both the famous and the secret spots.
A weather-sealed body, a 16–35mm wide and a 24–70mm mid-range, a sturdy tripod, a 3–6 stop ND filter, a polarizer, and at least two lens cloths. Spray reaches further than you'd expect at the bigger falls.
Yes — ice formations and partial freezing make winter one of the best windows. Watch your footing on iced-over rocks at the base of falls like Skógafoss and Goðafoss, and check road status before driving inland.
Skógafoss produces the most reliable double rainbow on clear summer days between roughly 11:00 and 13:00, with the sun behind you at the base. Seljalandsfoss can produce a rainbow from behind the curtain in similar conditions.