Kvernufoss: The Secret Neighbour
Hiding in plain sight just a short walk from the famously popular Skógafoss on Iceland's South Coast is Kvernufoss, a stunning 30-metre (98-foot) cascade tucked away in a mossy gorge. While thousands flock to its neighbour, Kvernufoss remains a relatively
quiet sanctuary. The easy 20-minute hike to reach it starts behind the Skógar Museum and follows the Kverna river into a beautiful canyon. The reward is a powerful waterfall that you can often experience in peaceful solitude. One of its most magical features is the ability to walk carefully into a cave behind the curtain of water, offering a unique perspective and a powerful connection with the landscape, much like the more crowded Seljalandsfoss.
Glymur: The Hiker's Reward
For those willing to earn their view with a bit of a trek, Glymur waterfall in West Iceland is an unforgettable prize. Once considered Iceland's tallest waterfall at 198 metres (650 feet), it now holds the title of the second-tallest. Located at the end of Hvalfjörður (Whale Fjord), the journey to Glymur is an adventure in itself. The moderate-to-challenging loop hike takes roughly three to four hours and involves river crossings—one via a log bridge present in summer—and steep sections with rewarding views. The trail leads you through a cave and up along the canyon rim, with the majestic waterfall revealing itself as you climb, plunging into a deep, dramatic gorge far from the roadside crowds.
Aldeyjarfoss: The Basalt Beauty
Located in North Iceland at the edge of the Highlands, Aldeyjarfoss offers a striking visual contrast that sets it apart. While not as tall as others at 20 metres (66 feet), its power is framed by a spectacular amphitheatre of black hexagonal basalt columns. This geological marvel was formed by the slow cooling of lava. The white, glacial water of the Skjálfandafljót river plunges into a milky-blue pool, creating a dramatic scene against the dark, geometric columns. Reaching Aldeyjarfoss requires driving on an F-road, meaning a 4x4 vehicle is necessary, but this accessibility challenge ensures it remains a more secluded and wild experience compared to waterfalls right off the main Ring Road.
Hrafnabjargafoss: The Raven's Rocks
Just a few kilometres upstream from Aldeyjarfoss is Hrafnabjargafoss, or the "Raven Rocks' Waterfall." While much smaller, this waterfall is a hidden gem flowing over the same ancient lava field. It's a wide, horseshoe-shaped cascade that splits around a large central rock, creating a complex and powerful flow that’s fascinating to watch. Because it’s further along a mountain road and often overshadowed by its downstream neighbours Goðafoss and Aldeyjarfoss, Hrafnabjargafoss is one of the true concealed treasures of the Skjálfandafljót river. Visiting both Aldeyjarfoss and Hrafnabjargafoss makes for a rewarding detour for adventurous travellers exploring the north.
Gljufrabui: The Canyon Dweller
Another South Coast waterfall that hides from the main tourist gaze is Gljufrabui, which translates to "Canyon Dweller." It's located just a few hundred metres from the iconic Seljalandsfoss, but many visitors miss it entirely. This 40-metre waterfall is almost completely hidden behind a massive cliff face. To see it properly, you must wade a short distance through the stream and into a narrow opening in the rock. Inside, you'll find yourself in a mossy, almost circular chamber with the waterfall cascading down from above—a truly magical and immersive experience. The feeling of discovering this hidden chamber offers a sense of wonder that is hard to find at more exposed, popular spots.
