Iceland has over 10,000 waterfalls. That statistic sounds impressive until you realise that means you’ll pass one every few kilometres on a good stretch of the South Coast — and that somehow, they never get old. Each one is different. Each one earns a stop.

Skógafoss

Let’s start with the showstopper. Skógafoss is one of Iceland’s largest and most dramatic waterfalls, dropping 60 metres in a single, thundering curtain of white water. Stand at the base and the mist will soak you within seconds — in good light, you’ll be standing inside a rainbow. Climb the 527 steps to the viewing platform at the top, and you’ll be rewarded with a view across the South Coast all the way to the sea.

According to local legend, the first Viking settler in the area hid a chest of gold behind the waterfall. A local boy once grabbed the handle of the chest, but it broke off — the ring is supposedly now on display in the nearby Skógar Folk Museum. We make no promises about the gold, but the view from the top is treasure enough.

Seljalandsfoss

Twenty kilometres west of Skógafoss, Seljalandsfoss is smaller but arguably more magical — because you can walk behind it. A narrow path curves around the back of the waterfall, tucking you in behind the curtain of water with the light filtering through in ribbons. It’s wet, it’s slippery, and it’s completely worth it. Wear waterproofs and watch your step on the rocks.

Just around the corner from Seljalandsfoss, a short walk leads to Gljúfrabúi — a hidden waterfall tucked inside a gorge. You’ll need to wade through a shallow stream to get inside. Most visitors don’t bother. That means you’ll often have it almost entirely to yourself.

Svartifoss

Further east in Skaftafell, part of Vatnajökull National Park, Svartifoss (“Black Falls”) is a waterfall unlike any other. It drops over a curtain of hexagonal basalt columns — the same geometric rock formations you’ll see at the Giant’s Causeway in Ireland, formed by ancient lava cooling slowly under pressure. The hike to Svartifoss takes about 45 minutes each way and passes through some beautifully varied terrain. Absolutely worth the detour.

Öxará River Falls at Þingvellir

Not strictly on the South Coast, but Þingvellir National Park — about 45 minutes from Reykjavík — has its own quiet, beautiful cascade along the Öxará River. Þingvellir is also where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates pull apart at the surface, and where Iceland’s ancient parliament first met in 930 AD. Waterfalls and continental drift in the same afternoon.

Visiting Tips

• Go early or late. The most visited falls (Skógafoss, Seljalandsfoss) are busiest mid-morning to early afternoon. Arrive at 8am or after 7pm in summer for breathing room.
• Wear waterproofs. The mist from large falls soaks everything in a 50-metre radius. Your camera lens too.
• Ice can make paths treacherous in winter. Seljalandsfoss can be partially closed in icy conditions — check locally before you visit.
• The South Coast is a long day-trip from Reykjavík — roughly 180 km one way. Many travellers prefer to stay overnight in Vík or Selfoss and take two days.

Whether you’re stopping at one waterfall or chasing them all the way to Jökulsárlón, the South Coast is one of the world’s great drives. Esja Car Rental will make sure you have a reliable car under you for every kilometre of it.

Exploring Iceland’s South Coast waterfalls? Start your journey with a reliable car from Esja Car Rental in downtown Reykjavík. Browse our fleet →