6 Best Sights in North Iceland, Iceland

Europe’s most powerful waterfall dispatches an average flow of 193 meters cubed per second with a breathtaking force that makes the earth vibrate beneath your feet. The immense column of white-foaming water thunders over a 45-meter (147 feet) drop creating a magnificent and formidable vision of the sheer force of nature. Expect to see terrific rainbows when the sun is shining. From the parking lot off Route 862, there’s a 15-minute trail through otherworldly rocky plains. Dettifoss can also be viewed from the east side of the falls off Route 864 as well but this road can often be hazardous in winter so it's vital to check road conditions before setting out. 

North Iceland’s landmark waterfall dazzles with its symmetrical torrents, cascading thunderously into an impressive canyon cut through a 7,000-year-old lava field. Conveniently located just off the main road, Goðafoss (Waterfall of the Gods) is renowned not only for its beauty, but also for the Saga Age legend that gave it its name. As the story goes, in 1000 AD, Þorgeir of Ljósavatn decided that Iceland would peacefully adopt Christianity and cast the pagan idols into the falls.

A waterfall in a forest is a rare treat in Iceland, and while it might be only a few meters tall, the lovely Leyningsfoss is nonetheless impressive. A short walk on one of the delightful forest trails leads to this enchanting spot, where you can sit down on one of the wooden benches and enjoy a few moments of pure bliss.

If you still have a thirst for photogenic waterfalls, head north from Dettifoss on Route 864 on the eastern side of the river (Jökulsá á Fjöllum) to Hafragilsfoss, the sister waterfall to Dettifoss, which plunges dramatically off an 18-meter (59-foot) drop.

A short trail off Route 752 leads to this enchanting little waterfall, one of the lesser-photographed spots in Iceland. It is not only lovely to look at, but it also provides a relaxing natural soundtrack to those taking a dip in the nearby Fosslaug natural pool.

Plenty of people stop to see the famed Dettifoss waterfall, but most sleep on its sister, Selfoss, which is located just slightly upstream and a short hike away from the Dettifoss parking area. A panoramic spot filled with small tumbling cascades of glacial water, it's surrounded by some spectacular basalt cliffs to awaken your inner geologist.