9 Beautiful Waterfalls Near Vik Iceland

If you visit Iceland, you are most likely planning a trip to Vik. Vik is a beautiful fishing town along the southern coast of Iceland and is one of the most popular areas to visit. It has stunning black sand beaches, waterfalls, mountains, and cliffs, and it will leave you in awe of its beauty.

Some of the best attractions near Vik are the waterfalls. Vik is near countless waterfalls, including some of the most iconic you have probably seen in pictures! You could spend days exploring every waterfall near Vik, but most are within a quick driving distance from each other, allowing you to see many in a couple of days.

This guide has everything you need to know about the most beautiful waterfalls near Vik to add to your bucket list!

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Tips for Visiting Waterfalls Near Vik

Most waterfalls near Vik require a parking fee. Some waterfalls have kiosks while others use an app called Parka. I recommend downloading this ahead of time and inputting your car information, so it is easy to pay once you arrive at the trailhead.
Get a map of the waterfall hikes. Some of the waterfalls near Vik require hikes. Although the trails are not long, it is always important to have a map.
Arrive early. The waterfalls along the south coast near Vik are the most iconic, and there are always crowds. I recommend visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the mid-day crowds. If you visit during the midnight sun, you can explore the waterfalls near midnight when there are almost no crowds!
Be flexible. There may be times when parking lots are full, and you cannot see the waterfall at that time. I recommend leaving room in your itinerary to make last-minute changes. You can always go back to the waterfalls at different times!
Pack layers. The weather in Iceland is unpredictable, so it is crucial to park layers and a rain jacket. When we first visited Iceland, the weather changed quickly from a sunny day to a crazy rainstorm.
Always remember to leave no trace. It’s crucial to pack out what you pack in and leave no trash. Some of these spots have trash bins, so you can easily throw your trash away. If they don’t have trash bins, you can throw your trash away at a nearby gas station or convenience store.

Places to Stay Near Vik

Vik has a small downtown area with a few great places to stay! Whether you stay for a few days or just pass through, it has everything you need, including restaurants, gas stations, and grocery stores.

Best Vik Hotels:

unique places to stay in Iceland

Map of the Waterfalls Near Vik

The Best Waterfalls Near Vik Iceland

Seljalandsfoss

Seljalandsfoss is one of the most iconic waterfalls near Vik, and I am sure you have seen photos of it. It is a beautiful 197-foot waterfall that you can walk behind!

Although you can experience its beauty from the parking lot, you also have the opportunity to have the unique experience of walking behind it. If you want to walk behind Seljalandsfoss, it is only about a 0.2-mile hike, making it great for all ages!

Gljufrafoss

Although Gljufrafoss is close to Seljalandsfoss, it is sometimes overlooked. Gljufrafoss is a 131-foot waterfall hidden behind a cliff, making it difficult to see from the road. If you want to visit this waterfall, you can hike a 1.2-mile trail from Seljalandsfoss. You can walk right up to it and get an up-close and personal experience with the unique waterfall.

Skógafoss

Not too far from Seljalandsfoss is another iconic waterfall, Skógafoss. This 82-foot wide and 200-foot tall waterfall is powerful and epic! You can walk up to the bottom of the falls or hike to the top.

If you are up for a fun hike, you can hike about 530 steps to the top of Skógafoss. Although the steps are steep, it rewards you with an incredible view of Skógafoss and the surrounding area!

If you want an even more beautiful hike, I recommend hiking the 4.1-mile round-trip trail to the top of Skógafoss and along the river. This beautiful trail passes several waterfalls and will quickly become one of your favorite waterfall hikes near Vik!

Skalabrekkufoss

Skalabrekkufoss is one of the last waterfalls on the 4.1-mile round-trip trail near Skógafoss, and it will take your breath away! The 140-foot waterfall is one of the tallest waterfalls along the 4.1-mile hike and plunges into a beautiful canyon.

Because Skalabrekkufoss requires a hike, it is much less crowded than other waterfalls near Vik. I promise the effort is worth it for the stunning waterfall!

the best things to do near vik

Kvernufoss

Kvernufoss is one of my favorite waterfalls near Vik, so I know you will love visiting it! The 98-foot waterfall is in a beautiful moss-covered canyon that will take your breath away from its beauty. Although it is close to the iconic Skógafoss, many people do not even know Kvernufoss exists!

The 1-mile round trip trail to Kvernufoss is easy and worth the hike to experience this beautiful waterfall. The trail travels along a well-maintained path into the canyon and up to the bottom of the falls. Kvernufoss will quickly become one of your favorite waterfalls near Vik.

Gluggafoss

Gluggafoss is a beautiful waterfall near Vik near Thorsmork and is often overlooked! Because it is not immediately off the Ring Road, many people do not even know it exists. The 174-foot waterfall has two drops, and you can explore both.

The unpaved road to Gluggafoss is not overly difficult, but you should use caution. Once you arrive at the waterfall, you can walk along the bottom of the falls or into the small carved-out canyon to the larger drop. Once you visit Gluggafoss, you will quickly see why it is one of the most beautiful waterfalls near Vik!

Stjórnarfoss

If you plan to visit Fjaðrárgljúfur when you are in Vik, I highly recommend making the short drive to Stjórnarfoss! Stjórnarfoss is small compared to the other waterfalls near Vik, but it does not lack beauty.

The 49-foot waterfall sits in a beautiful moss-covered canyon and only requires a short walk from the parking area. Stjórnarfoss is less visited than the nearby waterfalls, making it the perfect addition to your itinerary if you want a spot with fewer crowds.

Systrafoss

Right down the road from Stjórnarfoss lies the beautiful Systrafoss. Although Systrafoss is not the tallest waterfall or has the highest volume of water, it is stunning as it cascades down the moss-covered rock. Because it is a quick drive from Stjórnarfoss, you can easily visit Systrafoss after visiting the waterfall.

A quick and easy trail leads to Systrafoss from the parking lot, making it a quick stop for everyone visiting Vik. But I recommend hiking the 0.6-mile loop to see the waterfall and the beautiful lake that feeds into Systrafoss, Systravatn. The hike to Systravatn offers stunning views of the surrounding area and is worth the extra effort! When you visit Systrafoss, you will quickly see why it is one of the best waterfalls near Vik to visit!

Svartifoss

Although Svartifoss is almost a two-hour drive from Vik, you will not be disappointed taking the time to visit it! Svartifoss is a stunning waterfall near Vik, surrounded by black basalt columns, which is how it got its name, Black Falls.

The trail to Svartifoss is only a 2-mile round trip hike from the Visitor Center and leads you to a beautiful view of the waterfall. If you are looking for a longer trail, have no fear! There are fun trails that bring you to Svartifoss, a beautiful 360° viewpoint of glaciers at Sjónarsker, and turf-roofed houses at Sel. No matter how you experience Svartifoss, you will fall in love with this beautiful waterfall near Vik!

If you are visiting Vik when you travel to Iceland, this guide is the perfect place to start planning your trip! It has everything you need to know about the best waterfalls near Vik.