Did you know how many waterfalls there are in Iceland? It’s likely there are more than 10,000. Actually, no one knows the precise amount, as some are tucked away out of sight and others appear seasonally when water levels are high. Regardless, it’s no surprise that so many visitors to Iceland come with the intention of seeing at least one.

In fact, it’s possible to experience multiple waterfalls in a single day, ticking off some of the country’s most iconic cascades in a day tour from Reykjavik. In this article, we’ll explore your options for visiting multiple waterfalls in Iceland – such as our popular South Coast Wonders tour – and show you how to do it.

How do you see South Iceland’s waterfalls in a single day?

If you plan to base yourself in Reykjavik and are keen to see some of Iceland’s most impressive waterfalls, then we’d recommend you set your sights on the South Coast. The area’s topography means this part of Iceland truly has the wow factor, and that’s partly due to the presence of a couple of breathtaking landforms: Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss.

As you start to drop down the dramatic Hellisheiði Pass, looping round in a wide arc, you’ll get your first look at the coastal cliffs that define this part of Iceland. This is a teaser: Seljalandsfoss is more than an hour away, but excitement levels will rise at this point in the journey as you anticipate what’s to come.

Tours depart year round, bringing tourists to admire the highlights of this extraordinary shoreline. Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss feature on most of our South Shore trips, whether you’ve signed up for a regular sightseeing tour (even one that goes as far east as Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon) or plan to combine these scenic stops with an activity. Possibilities include a super jeep excursion to a glittering ice cave, kayaking on a serene glacial lagoon or – for the adventurous – a thrilling ATV ride to a wrecked plane.

Do you get enough time to appreciate the waterfalls?

Some of Iceland’s most spectacular waterfalls require lengthy hikes to reach, but you’ll be pleased to learn that others – no less extraordinary – are far more conveniently located. If you’re keen to have a varied day that combines South Coast waterfalls with other striking landscapes, then Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss fit the bill perfectly.

● Seljalandsfoss

Typically, eastbound tours call in at Seljalandsfoss waterfall first, as it’s the closest to Reykjavik. You can see the waterfall from the parking lot, but it’s also possible to walk behind the curtain of water and get a unique perspective on the surrounding landscape. Note that during winter, conditions make it too dangerous and this trail is closed. You can still see the falls, but walking underneath them is off-limits because of the risk of falling ice.

Depending on how much time you’d like to spend looking at this splendid waterfall, you might also consider strolling a few hundred metres inland to see another magnificent waterfall: Gljúfrabúi. You have to know it’s there as it’s tucked away out of sight in a cleft in the rock. Bring waterproof boots if you plan to step through the gap as you’ll need to stand in the river; if you prefer to stay dry, peer through the gap instead.

● Skógafoss

Another place where it’s possible to get a two-for-one experience is at Skógafoss, as another waterfall called Kvernufoss is situated close by. It’s about 1.5km round trip if you plan to hike to it. In practice, seeing both during a tour stop is unrealistic, not least because you’ll want to ascend the staircase beside Skógafoss to get a view of the coastline from 60 metres up.

If you’re keen to challenge yourself, consider doing the day-long Fimmvörduháls hike. This begins at Skógafoss waterfall, where you hug the river as you venture inland. In all, you’ll pass 26 waterfalls on the way to Þórsmörk, where you can choose to spend the night in the Icelandic highlands or return to Reykjavik via the Highland Bus.

Note that this 14km hike is extreme with significant elevation gain along the route and thus suited to experienced walkers with a good level of fitness. However, if you truly want to maximise the number of waterfalls you see in one day, then it really doesn’t get better than this.

Who should consider the Highlands “Into the Upside Down” option?

Travellers who are keen to venture beyond the typical sightseeing routes should consider heading into Iceland’s Highlands. This rugged interior feels worlds away from the busier South Coast, offering dramatic landscapes shaped by volcanic activity – and some of the country’s most striking waterfalls.

On the Into the Upside Down tour, you’ll journey deep into this otherworldly terrain to visit two remarkable waterfalls that showcase a completely different side of Iceland’s natural beauty: Háifoss and Hjálparfoss. Remote, powerful and far less crowded, they offer a rewarding experience for those willing to go the extra mile.

● Háifoss Háifoss is one of the tallest waterfalls in Iceland, plunging around 122 metres into a vast canyon carved by the Fossá River. From the viewing area, you’ll look out over a sweeping landscape of cliffs, lava formations and winding riverbeds, with the waterfall dropping dramatically into the depths below.

Nearby, you’ll also spot Granni, a narrower companion waterfall that runs parallel to Háifoss, adding to the spectacle. The scale and rawness of this location make it one of the most impressive waterfall viewpoints in the country, particularly for those seeking something beyond the usual tourist stops. If it looks familiar, that's probably because it was featured as the setting of a dramatic scene in a Stranger Things finale. We, too, believe.

● Hjálparfoss In contrast, Hjálparfoss offers a completely different kind of beauty. Here, two streams of water cascade side by side into a serene pool, framed by dark basalt columns that give the setting a striking symmetry.

Located in the Þjórsárdalur valley, Hjálparfoss was historically a welcome stop for travellers crossing the harsh Highland terrain, its name translates to “Help’s Falls.” Today, it remains a peaceful and photogenic spot, where the contrast between soft flowing water and rugged volcanic rock creates a uniquely Icelandic scene.

Is it possible to see more than one waterfall on a Golden Circle excursion?

The Golden Circle sightseeing route is Iceland in a nutshell. Its trio of top-tier stops – Þingvellir National Park, Geysir Geothermal Area and Gullfoss waterfall – epitomise the way that the country has been shaped by nature’s forces. Tours operate throughout the year and whenever you come, this part of Iceland is pretty special.

● Gullfoss
One of the best waterfalls in Iceland is a headliner on the popular Golden Circle route. We’re talking, of course, about Gullfoss. Its name means Golden Falls and it really is a glittering highlight of any tour of this region of Iceland. It straddles the Hvitá River, dropping down into a narrow canyon in two steps.

The volume of water is impressive, and as it hits the rock it churns into a frothy mix of grey water and spray. You can’t fail to be impressed. Year-round, a path gets you to the river’s edge; when it’s not icy, you can follow this path further upstream for even better views of this jaw-dropping waterfall.

● Öxarárfoss
But, remember, we were focusing on multiple falls! Depending on your ability to hike quickly, there’s also a waterfall at Þingvellir National Park that can be reached via the path that squeezes through the steep-sided Almannagjá Gorge. Öxarárfoss isn’t exceptionally tall or wide, but it is beautiful, surrounded by lava.

A word of caution, though: you’ll need to allow an hour for this round-trip hike, so check with your tour guide that you’ll have enough time before setting off. The gorge itself is just as impressive, so it’s still a rewarding stop regardless of whether you make it to Öxarárfoss or not.

Our tips for photographing the best waterfalls in Iceland

Iceland waterfall photography is something else; with terrain this remarkable, you’ll want to capture an image that reminds you of a memorable day out. There are a few steps you can take when prepping for your waterfall-focused day out that will help you achieve even better results.

● Bring a tripod and shutter release
It’s easy to snap some quick shots during your Iceland waterfalls tour, but how do you elevate those images and turn them into something truly show-stopping? First up, you might consider bringing a collapsible tripod. By attaching your camera to a tripod and using a shutter release, you can pull off some long exposure shots and achieve that softened water effect that’s so magical.

● Take a moment to find the right location
At some of Iceland’s busiest waterfalls, you might need to exercise a little patience if you’re hoping to achieve a shot devoid of other travellers. It is possible, however, and if you scout for a slightly out of the way location, you’ll be able to snap some images that capture the beauty of waterfalls in Iceland without the distraction of people photo-bombing your subject.

● Come off season and hope for sunshine
Winter’s soft light throws the spotlight on Iceland’s magical landscapes. The combination of water and sunshine are a photographer’s friend, creating a sparkling shot. Meanwhile, the appearance of a rainbow is an added bonus; Skógafoss is often adorned by one, or even two, so keep your fingers crossed for clear skies during your Iceland waterfalls tour.

Should you take a tour if you’re keen to see the best waterfalls in Iceland?

As you’ve seen, there are plenty of waterfalls near Reykjavik and you’ll be spoilt for choice if you intend to base yourself in the city and head out into the countryside to see some of them. Opting to take a tour rather than following a self-drive itinerary means that you leave the planning and logistics to us.

Day trips from Reykjavik make a lot of sense: when putting together these Iceland waterfall itineraries, our experts have factored in stops that allow sufficient time for you to see these incredible landforms and not feel rushed. It’s an efficient way of using your time, maximising your sightseeing possibilities in some of the most scenic parts of Iceland.

Yet, you’ll fit more into day trips from Reykjavik than you might have imagined, in some cases covering a significant distance in a single excursion. So if the promise of seeing Iceland’s waterfalls is one of the reasons you came here in the first place, why not book one of our highly-regarded tours and let us show you the best examples? Sit back, relax, and leave the rest to us.