Iceland's Hidden Waterfalls: Beyond the Tourist Trails

Iceland’s Ring Road is lined with world-famous waterfalls, each drawing crowds with its spectacular beauty. While Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss are undeniably magnificent, a different kind of magic awaits those willing to venture just a little further from the main route. Hidden in remote canyons, tucked away in secluded valleys, and cascading off dramatic highland cliffs are waterfalls that offer a more intimate and adventurous experience.

A self-drive tour is the key to unlocking these lesser-known gems. The freedom of having your own vehicle allows you to explore at your own pace, trading crowded viewing platforms for the profound solitude of Iceland’s wilder corners. This guide is designed to take you beyond the tourist trails, introducing you to some of Iceland’s most captivating hidden waterfalls. We provide detailed information on how to find them, what vehicle you will need, and how Höldur Car Rental provides the reliable transport and nationwide support for your adventure.

Why a Self-Drive Tour is Essential for Waterfall Hunting

Discovering Iceland's hidden treasures requires flexibility. Public transport routes are limited, and organized tours stick to a rigid schedule and a well-trodden path. When you rent a car in Iceland, you gain complete control over your itinerary. You can linger at a spot that captures your imagination, chase the perfect light for photography, or make a spontaneous detour down a promising gravel road.

For many of the waterfalls on this list, a capable vehicle is not just a convenience—it is a necessity. Roads leading to these locations can be unpaved, rough, and require a vehicle with higher ground clearance. Höldur Car Rental makes it easy to find the perfect car for your journey, with a diverse fleet and premium service locations, including our convenient office in the arrivals hall at Keflavik International Airport and in Central Reykjavik.

Choosing Your Waterfall-Hunting Vehicle

• 2WD Vehicle: Sufficient for waterfalls accessible via paved roads or well-maintained gravel tracks. Ideal for summer trips focused on areas near the Ring Road.
• 4x4 SUV: Highly recommended for reaching most of the hidden waterfalls in this guide. Models like the Dacia Duster provide the necessary ground clearance, stability, and traction for navigating rougher gravel roads and Highland tracks safely. A 4x4 rental in Iceland is the best choice for any serious exploration off the main path.

1. Brúarfoss: The Bluest Waterfall

Often called "Iceland's bluest waterfall," Brúarfoss is a mesmerizing network of countless small, bright blue cascades that flow into a deep, central chasm. The glacial water of the Brúará river, filtered through volcanic rock, creates a unique and intensely vivid color that seems almost unreal. It is not a single, powerful plunge, but rather an intricate and wide collection of rapids and falls.

Getting There

Located near the Golden Circle, Brúarfoss was once a well-kept secret. While more people know of it today, it still requires more effort to reach than its famous neighbors, Gullfoss and Geysir, which helps preserve its peaceful atmosphere.

• Location: West Iceland, a short drive from Laugarvatn.
• The Route: There is a designated parking area for Brúarfoss off Route 37. From this lot, a relatively flat hiking trail of approximately 3.5 kilometers (each way) follows the riverbank. The walk itself is beautiful, offering glimpses of the brilliant blue water along the way.
• Vehicle: The parking area is accessible with a standard 2WD car. The challenge is not the drive, but the walk.

Practical Information

• Best Time to Visit: Year-round, but the trail can be icy and slippery in winter. Summer and autumn offer the best hiking conditions.
• Nearby Attractions: Combine your visit with the main Golden Circle sights—Þingvellir National Park, Gullfoss, and the Geysir geothermal area.

2. Aldeyjarfoss: Basalt Columns and Highland Power

Aldeyjarfoss is a spectacle of geological contrast. Here, the powerful Skjálfandafljót river plunges 20 meters into a circular basin framed by an amphitheater of perfectly formed, dark basalt columns. The stark symmetry of the hexagonal columns against the churning white water creates a scene of raw, dramatic beauty that feels ancient and otherworldly.

Getting There

Located in the Bárðardalur valley at the northern edge of the Sprengisandur Highland road, reaching Aldeyjarfoss is an adventure in itself.

• Location: North Iceland, south of Goðafoss waterfall.
• The Route: From the Ring Road, take Road 842 south for about 40 kilometers. This road is mostly gravel. The final few kilometers are on F-road F-26, which leads to the parking area.
• Vehicle: A 4x4 vehicle is mandatory for this journey, as it involves driving on a designated F-road. The road can be rough and is impassable for 2WD cars. Attempting to drive an F-road without a 4x4 is illegal and voids all rental insurance.

Practical Information

• Best Time to Visit: Summer only (late June to early September), when the F-road is open. Always check umferdin.is for current conditions.
• Nearby Attractions: Visit Goðafoss, the "Waterfall of the Gods," on your way. For those with a robust 4x4 and more time, Hrafnabjargafoss is another stunning waterfall further up the same F-road.

3. Sigöldugljúfur: The Valley of Tears

Sigöldugljúfur is not a single waterfall but a breathtaking canyon filled with dozens of them. For a few hundred meters, numerous small springs and streams cascade down moss-covered cliffs into the bright turquoise river below, creating a scene so magical it has been nicknamed the "Valley of Tears." It is one of Iceland’s most photogenic and surreal landscapes.

Getting There

This hidden canyon is located in the Highlands, and its accessibility has changed in recent years to protect its fragile environment.

• Location: Southern Highlands, near the Fjallabak Nature Reserve.
• The Route: You need to take the F-road F-208 (Fjallabaksleið Nyrðri) from the north. The access track that once led directly to the canyon rim is now permanently closed to all vehicle traffic. You must now park at the designated area near the Sigalda power station and walk approximately 30-45 minutes to the viewpoint.
• Vehicle: A 4x4 is absolutely essential as this entire area is only accessible via F-roads.

Practical Information

• Best Time to Visit: Summer only (late June to early September), when F-208 is open.
• Nearby Attractions: Sigöldugljúfur is the gateway to the stunning Landmannalaugar region, famous for its colorful rhyolite mountains and geothermal hot springs.

4. Kvernufoss: The Secret Neighbor of Skógafoss

Just a short walk from the bustling crowds at Skógafoss lies Kvernufoss, a beautiful 30-meter waterfall hidden away in a secluded gorge. What makes Kvernufoss particularly special is that, like its famous South Coast counterpart Seljalandsfoss, you can walk behind its cascading curtain of water. The cave behind the falls offers a unique perspective and a sense of being enveloped by nature.

Getting There

Despite its proximity to a major tourist attraction, Kvernufoss remains surprisingly uncrowded.

• Location: South Iceland, just east of the village of Skógar.
• The Route: Park at the Skógar Museum. From the parking lot, walk east behind the museum buildings, where you will find a stile to climb over a fence. A clear path of about 15-20 minutes leads you along the Kverná river and into the stunning, mossy gorge where the waterfall is hidden.
• Vehicle: The Skógar Museum is right off the Ring Road, making it easily accessible with any rental car in Iceland, including 2WD models.

Practical Information

• Best Time to Visit: Accessible year-round. In winter, the path can be very icy, and microspikes are highly recommended for safety. The cave behind the falls can also be treacherous with ice.
• Nearby Attractions: Skógafoss waterfall is a must-see. The Skógar Museum itself is also an excellent cultural stop.

5. Dynjandi: The Jewel of the Westfjords

While Dynjandi is the most famous waterfall in the Westfjords, the region's remoteness means it is far from crowded. Dynjandi is not just one waterfall but a series of seven, with the main, thunderous cascade at the top fanning out in a trapezoidal shape that resembles a bridal veil. It is over 100 meters tall, and the cumulative effect of the waterfalls below it is truly breathtaking.

Getting There

The journey to Dynjandi is as spectacular as the destination, involving a drive through the dramatic mountains and fjords of the Westfjords.

• Location: Westfjords, on the coast of Arnarfjörður fjord.
• The Route: Dynjandi is located on Road 60. Reaching it involves driving over mountain passes that can be steep and are often gravel in sections.
• Vehicle: While it may be possible to reach Dynjandi in a 2WD during peak summer, a 4x4 rental is highly recommended for any extensive tour of the Westfjords. The stability and higher clearance provide a much safer and more comfortable driving experience on the region's challenging roads.

Practical Information

• Best Time to Visit: Summer (June to September). The mountain passes in the Westfjords are often closed during winter due to heavy snow.
• Nearby Attractions: The entire Westfjords peninsula is an attraction in itself. Don't miss the Látrabjarg bird cliffs (the westernmost point of Europe) and the stunning Rauðasandur red sand beach.

FAQs for Your Hidden Waterfall Adventure

Do I really need a 4x4 for these waterfalls?

For Aldeyjarfoss and Sigöldugljúfur, a 4x4 is a legal requirement as they are on F-roads. For Dynjandi and other remote locations with gravel roads, it is strongly recommended for safety and comfort. For Brúarfoss and Kvernufoss, a 2WD is sufficient.

Is it safe to drive on Iceland’s gravel roads and F-roads?

Yes, provided you have the correct vehicle and drive cautiously. Reduce your speed, keep a safe distance from other cars, and be aware of potential hazards like potholes or wandering sheep. Always check road conditions on road.is before you start your journey, especially when heading into the Highlands. Höldur Car Rental ensures all our vehicles are well-maintained for Iceland's conditions, but responsible driving is key.

What should I pack for a day of chasing hidden waterfalls?

Waterproof clothing (jacket and pants) is essential, as is sturdy, waterproof footwear. Dress in layers, as the weather can change quickly. Bring water, snacks, a fully charged phone, and a camera. For winter hikes, microspikes for your shoes are a crucial safety item.

 

How does Höldur support travel to remote areas?

With our extensive service network across Iceland, help is never far away. We provide 24/7 roadside assistance, and all our vehicles are equipped for Icelandic conditions, giving you peace of mind as you explore beyond the main tourist routes.

Exploring Iceland’s hidden waterfalls is a journey into the heart of the country’s untamed beauty. It requires a spirit of adventure, a little extra planning, and the right vehicle for the job. By venturing beyond the beaten path, you are rewarded with moments of quiet awe and an unforgettable connection to the Icelandic landscape.

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