The Best Waterfalls on the Golden Circle: A Complete Waterfall Guide

By Attila Balatoni

Local Travel Expert

Last updated: July 8, 2026

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Intro

Every waterfall along the route has its own character. Gullfoss is powerful and dramatic. Brúarfoss is famous for its vivid blue water. Öxarárfoss sits in one of Iceland’s most historic settings, while Faxi provides a quieter riverside setting. With a little extra time, Þórufoss and Helgufoss are both worthwhile additions before reaching Þingvellir.

This guide introduces six waterfalls on and near the Golden Circle, explains how much time to allow for each stop, and highlights what makes each one worth visiting.

Overview: Golden Circle Waterfalls

Waterfalls on the Golden Circle

Gullfoss

If there is one waterfall that defines the Golden Circle, it is Gullfoss.

Fed by the glacial river Hvítá, the waterfall drops in two stages before disappearing into a rugged canyon. As the river changes direction, it creates the illusion that the water simply vanishes into the earth.

Photographs rarely capture Gullfoss’s true scale. Standing beside the canyon, the volume of water and constant roar make the waterfall feel far larger than most people expect.

Two main viewpoints reveal Gullfoss from very different perspectives. From the upper viewpoint, you get a broad panorama of the canyon and surrounding landscape, while the lower trail brings you much closer to the edge of the falls. On sunny days, the mist rising from the canyon often creates rainbows.

Gullfoss is equally impressive in winter. Snow and ice transform the surrounding cliffs, while the river continues to thunder through the canyon below.

Few places capture the power of Icelandic nature better than Gullfoss.

Brúarfoss

Brúarfoss offers an entirely different experience from the other waterfalls on the Golden Circle.

Known for its remarkably blue water, the vivid color of the Brúará River contrasts beautifully with the surrounding lava and vegetation, making it one of Iceland’s most photogenic waterfalls.

Today, visitors can reach the waterfall from the official parking area in just a 2–3 minute walk, making it an easy stop on a self-drive itinerary.

If you have more time and enjoy hiking, the riverside trail shown on the map below is well worth considering. The 7 km round-trip hike follows the Brúará River, passing Hlauptungufoss, Miðfoss, and several scenic viewpoints before reaching Brúarfoss. Allow around two additional hours if you choose this option.

The short walk makes Brúarfoss easy to include on a full Golden Circle itinerary, while the longer riverside hike offers a more rewarding experience for those with extra time.

Parking lot directions:

Hiking directions:

Öxarárfoss

Hidden within Þingvellir National Park, Öxarárfoss often gets overshadowed by the park’s tectonic plates and historic landmarks. Yet it is one of the most rewarding waterfall stops on the Golden Circle.

Öxarárfoss stands in one of the most remarkable settings in Iceland. The waterfall cascades over dark basalt cliffs into the Almannagjá rift, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates continue to drift apart.

Reaching the waterfall is part of the experience. From the P3 parking area along Þingvallavegur, the walk takes around 10 minutes and follows well-maintained paths through the dramatic lava rift. The walk itself is one of the highlights of visiting Þingvellir, with towering lava cliffs and a rift valley making the approach as memorable as the waterfall itself.

As part of Þingvellir National Park, it fits naturally into almost every Golden Circle itinerary without requiring a detour. Many visitors combine it with the main viewpoints, Almannagjá Gorge, and the historic Alþingi site.

Faxi

Located on the Tungufljót River, Faxi is just a short detour from the Golden Circle. With parking only a few minutes from the waterfall, it’s an easy stop on any self-drive itinerary.

Faxi flows across a broad rock ledge, creating a wide curtain of water that stretches almost across the entire river. The surrounding farmland and open landscape give the area a very different atmosphere from the more dramatic waterfalls along the route.

A short staircase leads down to the river, bringing visitors close to the waterfall for a different perspective. Benches beside the river make it an ideal place to pause and enjoy the surroundings. During summer, salmon can often be seen using the fish ladder beside the falls as they make their way upstream, one of Faxi’s more unusual features.

Waterfalls near the Golden Circle

Þórufoss

Þórufoss is one of the least visited waterfalls near the Golden Circle, despite appearing in Game of Thrones.

The waterfall featured in one of the series’ memorable dragon scenes, but it’s well worth visiting even if you’ve never watched the show.

Located in Mosfellsdalur, around a 15-minute detour from the route between Reykjavík and Þingvellir, Þórufoss is an easy addition at the beginning or end of a Golden Circle itinerary.

A short walk from the parking area leads to the waterfall, where it plunges into a narrow basalt canyon. The steep cliffs surrounding the falls create a rugged landscape that feels very different from the more open scenery found elsewhere on the Golden Circle.

There are no viewing platforms here. Instead, Þórufoss offers a quieter, more natural setting where the waterfall and surrounding canyon take center stage.

Visitor numbers remain low throughout the year. If you have an extra 30–40 minutes, Þórufoss is well worth the short detour.

Helgufoss

Helgufoss is one of the quietest waterfalls near the Golden Circle.

Located in the same valley as Þórufoss, reaching the waterfall requires a longer walk across open countryside than most Golden Circle waterfalls. The trail opens up wide views across the valley.

Surrounded by farmland, basalt cliffs, and distant mountains, Helgufoss feels far removed from the busier attractions along the Golden Circle. Even during summer, it’s often possible to enjoy the walk and the waterfall without seeing many other visitors.

Photographers are particularly drawn to the area, where the waterfall, grazing horses, and rugged landscape provide a wide variety of subjects throughout the walk.

Helgufoss is best suited to visitors with extra time who want to explore beyond the main Golden Circle route. The peaceful valley, open landscapes, and relatively few visitors make it one of the quietest waterfall settings in southwest Iceland.

Golden Circle Waterfalls Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

Which waterfall is the most famous on the Golden Circle?
Gullfoss is by far the best-known waterfall on the Golden Circle and one of Iceland’s most visited natural attractions.

Which waterfall requires the longest walk?
Helgufoss requires the longest walk from the car park. If you choose the optional riverside hike to Brúarfoss, allow around two additional hours.

Which waterfall is best for photography?
Brúarfoss is best known for its striking blue water, while Gullfoss offers dramatic wide-angle landscapes. Öxarárfoss combines a scenic waterfall with the unique geology of Þingvellir National Park.

Can I visit all six waterfalls in one day?
Yes. If you’re traveling by self-drive and start early, it’s possible to visit all six waterfalls in a single day. Travellers joining guided tours will normally visit only Gullfoss and sometimes Öxarárfoss.

Which waterfall is best for families?
Gullfoss and Faxi are the easiest to visit with young children thanks to their short walking distances and convenient parking.

Which waterfall is the most underrated?
Þórufoss and Faxi are often the most underrated. Þórufoss offers a dramatic basalt canyon and relatively few visitors, while Faxi provides a peaceful riverside setting just a short detour from the Golden Circle.

Can I visit the waterfalls in winter?
Yes. All six waterfalls can be visited during winter, although snow and ice may affect access. At Gullfoss, the lower walking trail and viewing platform are often closed during winter due to icy conditions, but the upper viewpoints remain open.