Rent self catering cabin Hamragil and explore the most spectacular waterfalls of North Iceland

Iceland is known for the distinct waterfalls and the waterfalls are legendary. In Iceland it is estimated about 10,000 waterfalls throughout the country. You will find many beautiful waterfalls in North Iceland; The most powerful waterfall in Europe, waterfall connected to Christianity in Iceland, waterfalls framed with basaltic columns and other stunning waterfalls. In this article I would like to introduce 6 of Iceland’s most beautiful waterfalls, all of which are accessible from our vacation home Hamragil located between town Akureyri and lake Myvatn in the north of Iceland.

Goðafoss (Godafoss) – Iceland’s most picturesque waterfall

Goðafoss is one of the most famous waterfalls in Iceland. Its name translates to “Waterfall of the Gods.” The waterfall is located in the Bárðardalur district in the river Skjálfandafljót, the fourth largest river in Iceland. According to legend, the Gode Þorgeir Ljósvetningagoði Þorkelsson threw the last remaining pagan images of gods into the Goðafoss around the year 1000 AD as a sign of the adoption of Christianity as a state religion. The waterfall is approximately 12 meters (39 feet) high and spans about 30 meters (98 feet) across. You can reach Goðafoss from our holiday home Hamragil by car in only 15 minutes driving time. The waterfall is located a little east of our vacation home Hamragil, near the beginning of the Sprengisandur highland road.

Aldeyjarfoss – basalt columns waterfall in the Icelandic highlands

Aldeyjarfoss waterfall in Skjálfandafljót river in North-Iceland is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in that river, and the waterfall is framed with long, natural basaltic columns. Its location at the northern end of the Sprengisandur Highland Route requires a few kilometers drive on a gravel road. As a rule, Aldeyjarfoss can also be easily reached by normal vehicles. From holiday home Hamragil take the same route as to Goðafoss. Along ring road number 1 to the east, then turn right onto Sprengisandur highland route. At the last farm in the valley, a couple of kilometers from the waterfall, the normal road ends and the highland trail takes over. In winter, access to the waterfall may not be possible and a short hike may be necessary.

Selfoss – one of the wonders of Diamond Circle tour

Selfoss waterfall is located in north Iceland and is fed by the Jökulsá á Fjöllum river. The waterfall is part of a series of cascading waterfalls known as the Dettifoss waterfall system. The height of this falls is at 36 feet tall (11 meters) and 330 feet wide (100 meters). Selfoss waterfall is a spectacular natural wonder and is worth seeing while traveling along the Jökulsárgljúfur canyon and in the Vatnajökull National Park. Selfoss is typically included on Diamond Circle excursions.

Dettifoss – most powerful waterfall in Europe

Dettifoss in the northeast of Iceland is considered to be the most powerful waterfall in Europe and is located in Vatnajökull National Park. Performance is defined by volume flow and drop. On average, the water masses of the Dettifoss generate an output of about 85 megawatts that puts it just before the Rhine Falls. Dettifoss is fed by the powerful glacier river Jökulsá á Fjöllum which flows from the largest glacier in Europe, Vatnajökull.
At Dettifoss, the water of the Jökulsá á Fjöllum river plunges down over 45 metres. About 1 km above Dettifoss, the Selfoss waterfall is worth a visit. 2 km below Dettifoss is another attractive waterfall, Hafragilsfoss.
Dettifoss is accessible from two sides. The west side of Dettifoss can be easily reached via an asphalted road (862 – Dettifossvegur) coming from the south. In winter the access from the west side is usually also possible. At the eastern side is a rugged gravel road (864 – Hólsfjallavegur) leading from north to south (or vice versa). This route is not passable in winter. Both sides have their charm, but the view from the east side (see photo) is even more spectacular.

Hrafnabjargafoss – one of the best hidden gem of the North Iceland

This waterfall is located near the town of Akureyri in Eyjafjörður, making it easily accessible for those exploring North Iceland. Hrafnabjargafoss cascades down a series of steps, creating a picturesque scene. The water from the river cascades down Hrafnabjargafoss, which resembles a smaller version of Godafoss. It is not as well-known as some of the larger waterfalls but is worth a visit if you’re in the area. Hrafnabjargafoss should only be visited during summer and to get there, you will need a 4×4. And the road leading to the waterfall is closed in the winter months.

Hafragilsfoss – second largest waterfall

Hafragilsfoss is a beautiful waterfall in the river Jökulsá á Fjöllum in Jökulsárgljúfur National Park, within the Vatnajökull National Park area. The waterfall is approximately 30 meters high and about 90 meters wide, situated at the bottom of the canyon and surrounded by the highest cliffs in Jökulsárgljúfur. Hafragilsfoss one of four major waterfalls on the glacial river Jökulsá á Fjöllum. It is part of the same river system as Dettifoss, and although not as massive, it still offers a captivating sight. The Hafragilsfoss is the second largest waterfall after Dettifoss.