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15 Tallest Waterfalls in Iceland

TALLEST WATERFALLS IN ICELAND

The tallest waterfall in Iceland is Morsárfoss, but Glymur is widely believed to be the tallest. But what are the tallest waterfalls in Iceland? Well, a list of Iceland’s tallest waterfalls is hard to come by, or at least an accurate one. Iceland is believed to have over 10,000+ waterfalls, and that number can be ever-changing. Moving and melting glaciers reveal and create new waterfalls over time. Most of Iceland’s iconic waterfalls did not make that top fifteen on our list. Only a couple of waterfalls on this list are well-known to travelers. Iceland has so much more to offer than what’s commonly known.

We believe overall height is what should be ranked. Some of these waterfalls contain multiple drops or falls, as long as they are considered a single unit.

Here is a list of the top 15 tallest waterfalls in Iceland!

1. Morsárfoss

Morsárfoss - Tallest Waterfall in Iceland

Height: 787 ft (240 m)

The tallest waterfall in Iceland is Morsárfoss. It is a relatively new waterfall revealed due to melting ice and officially claimed the title of “tallest waterfall” in 2011. You may find varying measurements about its height, but all the measurements still point to it being the tallest. The size we listed is the largest measurement recorded and includes part of the waterfall hidden by ice.

Morsárfoss is viewable at a distance from a few hiking trails, but direct access to the waterfall is quite tricky and dangerous to its remote nature. You can find Morsárfoss in the Skaftafell Nature Preserve.

2. Glymur

Glymur Waterfall

Height: 650 ft (198 m)

Glymur is the second tallest waterfall in Iceland. Glymur is often hailed as the tallest, which was true for a time. Morsárfoss beat out Glymur in 2011. While it is in second place, Glymur may be the most impressive on this list. Plus, you can hike right up to its peak! The trail is a steep climb but worth the ravine and valley below views. The canyon is filled with lush green moss, and you can often see nesting birds on the cliffsides.

Glymur is on the western side of Iceland, but not as far as the Westforjds. Finding the waterfall is easy, but it does require a hike to view it.

3. Strútsfoss

21387688770 ba1f4653bb c
Source: Jennifer Boyer

Height: 575 ft (175 m)

In third place, we have Strútsfoss. This waterfall has the distinct layering of volcanic rock, mud, and ash, but it’s often overlooked by its smaller cousin Hengifoss. Most resources claim it’s 390 ft, including the information board in the trailhead’s parking lot, but the National Land Survey of Iceland list Strútsfoss as 575 ft in height. Regardless of its accurate measurement, it is still one of Iceland’s tallest and most impressive waterfalls.

To see the waterfall would require a long drive to the eastern side of Iceland, followed up by an hour-long hike. Even then, it’s hard to get close to the waterfall with serious risk.

4. PrestagilFOSS

Prestagilfoss

Height: 525 ft (160 m)

There is little to no information on Iceland’s fourth-tallest waterfall, Prestagilfoss. This area is mainly known for Klifbrekkufossar but houses several smaller waterfalls that aren’t well documented. 

The National Land Survey of Iceland estimates that this waterfall drops over 500 ft into the ravine below, which could be well above the estimated 525 ft.

There are many hidden waterfalls within Iceland, and they are often forgotten about due to their low volume, seasonal appearance, and remote location. Prestagil Waterfall represents Iceland’s hidden waterfalls.

 

5. Stigafoss

Stigárfoss

Height: 450 ft (137 m)

Stigafoss, also called Stigárfoss, is passed by every day but ranks as number five on our list. Despite being in plain sight, it’s hardly ever considered for any list involving Iceland’s tallest waterfalls, and this is due to its obscure nature. While visible, no apparent roads or trails are leading the waterfall. 

Those who know about the waterfall often claim it as Iceland’s third tallest waterfall, when in actuality, it’s closer to our ranking of fifth. You can find Stigafoss on the eastern side of Iceland, between Skaftafell and the Glacial lagoon.

6. Hengifoss

Hengifoss

Height: 420 ft (128 m)

Iceland has many beautiful waterfalls, but Hengifoss is a unique gem. Hengifoss is impressive due to its sheer drop and the waterfall’s layering volcanic rocks. While Strútsfoss is geologically similar and is much more prominent in height, Hengifoss gets most of the attention from photographers and tourists.

Hengifoss is often reported at 387 ft, but newer measurements put it at 420 ft. Even without the new measurements,  Hengifoss is frequently ranked third or fourth tallest waterfall in Iceland. However, we rank the waterfall sixth on our list in our list. While others may exaggerate its ranking, it’s still of Iceland’s best waterfalls to see! You can find Hengifoss on the eastern side of Iceland.

7. Granni

Granni Waterfall Iceland

Height: 417 ft (127 m)

Granni, which means “neighbor” in Icelandic, sits right next door to Háifoss. Both share the same river source, but they don’t share the same spotlight. Granni is often overlooked and is usually considered the smaller waterfall at 331 ft. However, Granni does have an upper section of 86 ft that is often not accounted for. Therefore, we rank Granni at number six, beating its more famous sister.

While Háifoss’s sheer drop seems more impressive, Granni is still a beautiful waterfall. Luckily it’s hard to miss if you’re visiting Háifoss. The two can be captured in a single photo!

8. Hangandifoss

Height: 404 ft (123 m)

Hangandifoss, Iceland’s eighth-tallest waterfall, is tucked away in a Múlagljúfur canyon, but it is only viewable from a hike. Hangandifoss can be found on some top waterfall lists, but it is not widely known due to its hidden nature. There is no signage pointing to Hangandifoss, and any documentation on the waterfall is hard to come by. It is possible to hike to the bottom of the waterfall, but there is no distinct trail to follow.

9. Háifoss

HÁIFOSS Falls

Height: 397 ft (121 m)

Háifoss, which means “high waterfall,” was once considered Iceland’s tallest waterfall. Over the years, it got bumped down the second, then third, and continued downward until landing at ninth on our list. Don’t feel sorry about it! Háifoss is still one of Iceland’s most impressive with its volume and a sheer drop.

Háifoss is an iconic waterfall in Iceland, but it is less frequented due to its more remote location. Háifoss is located on the southern side of central Iceland. Finding the waterfall is easy but does require a hike.  There is a parking lot for the hiking trail.

Read more about Háifoss here.

10. Múlafoss (Múlagljúfur )

Mulafoss Mulagljufur f1

Height: 331 ft (101 m)

At number ten, we have Múlafoss, which sits in the back of Múlagljúfur canyon. It’s a perfect waterfall to see for those who want to experience something different than the normal tourist route. The hike is almost 3 miles, in and out, and has meager traffic. You can find Múlafoss on the southeastern side of Iceland.

Múlagljúfur is the same canyon where Hangandifoss is located. While Múlafoss is technically more popular than Hangandifoss, the difference is marginal. Both waterfalls are not well known and not as accessible as some on this list.

Note: Not to be confused with Mulafoss.

11. Dynjandi

DYNJANDI​

Height: 328 ft (100 m)

The eleventh spot on our list goes to Dynjandi. Dynjandi, also known as Fjallfoss. There is some confusion on whether Dynjandi is a single waterfall or a series of waterfalls, and the truth is that Dynjandi is a stand-alone waterfall. However, Dynjandi is the largest waterfall in a series of falls at a staggering 328 ft.  Below Dynjandi you can find seven smaller waterfalls, Bæjarfoss, Hundafoss, Hrísvaðsfoss, Göngumannafoss, Strompgljúfrafoss, Kvíslarfoss, and Hæstajallafoss. These seven waterfalls plus Dynjandi are described to look like a wedding veil. 

Dynjandi is one of Iceland’s staple waterfalls and attracts several tourists, despite being located in the remote Westfjords. Whether you consider Dynjandi one waterfall or multiple, it’s one of Iceland’s best views.

12. Rjúkandi (Rjúkandafoss)

Rjukandi01js

Height: 305 ft (93 m)

Rjúkandi ranks number twelfth on our list, but only beat another by a measly five feet. Rjúkandi is located on the northern side of Iceland and is one of the few prominent waterfalls seen from the Ring Road (Route 1).

Rjúkandi contains two major drops, with the upper measuring at 109 ft and the lower 196 ft. There is a bonus fall downstream measuring at 15 ft. The extra fall is not counted toward the total height due to being segmented.

13. Klifbrekkufossar

Klifbrekkufossar

Height: 300 ft (91 m)

Falling short of Rjúkandi, Klifbrekkufossar is ranked number thirteen on our list in total height. In Icelandic, “foss” means waterfall, and “fossar” is the word’s plural version. Klifbrekkufossar is a series of nine falls, and like Dynjandi, others may not include it as one of Iceland’s tallest waterfalls. Still, it is an impressive sight and beautiful “fossar” to visit.

Klifbrekkufossar is located in east Iceland and can be accessed during the summer months. It is considered one of Iceland’s most beautiful waterfalls but doesn’t get the attention it deserves due to its “out of the way” location. 

14. Foss á Síðu

Foss á Síðu
Source: Ron Kroetz

Height: 270 ft (82 m)

Foss á Síðu, ranking number fourteen, sits behind farmhouses off of Route 1 in south Iceland. The waterfall is often passed by and seen from the road. There is a hiking trail leading to the waterfall, but there is no official parking. There is plenty of room on the side of the road to park to either hike or snap a quick photo.

Foss á Síðu is often overlooked due to its small water flow. Yet, the waterfall’s daintiness and the lush Icelandic farmland surroundings make it a beautiful fall to visit.

15. Bjarnarfoss

BJARNARFOSS
Source: alh1

Height: 260 ft (79 m)

Last but not least we have Bjarnarfoss. This waterfall is often overlooked but ranks number fifteen on our list and is officially one of Iceland’s tallest waterfalls. Its located in west Iceland on the south side of the Snæfellsnes peninsula. There is not much else to do in this area, but the waterfall is worth the trip! Bjarnarfoss contains at least two prominent drops as it cascades over the cliffside, with the upper fall often creating a plume of mist on windy days.

Bjarnarfoss is easily accessible and viewable from the road. There is a hiking trail available for those who want a closer look.

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Hangandifoss Featured

Hangandifoss

Hangandifoss is one of the tallest waterfalls in Iceland. The most consistent measurement from online sources cites Hangandifoss being 123 m in height, and however, it ranges from 110 m to 130 m. The name Hangandifoss is similar to Hengifoss, which both names translate to “Hanging Waterfall.”

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