6 Best Waterfalls Near Keflavik Airport

Landing at Keflavik Airport puts you on the Reykjanes Peninsula, a striking volcanic landscape of lava fields, ocean cliffs, and geothermal areas. The best waterfalls near Keflavik airport are not five-minute stops outside the terminal, but they are very achievable on a well-planned transfer, private day tour, or South Coast itinerary. With the right timing and transportation, your first full day in Iceland can include some of the country’s most memorable falls.

For most visitors, the choice comes down to how much driving time they have, whether they are continuing to Reykjavik or the South Coast, and how comfortable they are navigating changing road conditions. These six waterfalls offer the best mix of scenery, access, and value for travelers starting near Keflavik.

1. Oxararfoss: The Most Practical Waterfall from Keflavik

Oxararfoss is a strong choice for travelers who want a waterfall stop without committing to a full South Coast day. Located in Thingvellir National Park, it is roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes from Keflavik Airport in normal conditions.

The waterfall drops over dark lava rock within the national park’s dramatic rift valley. It is not Iceland’s tallest waterfall, but its setting is special. You can walk between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, see the clear waters of the Silfra area, and visit a site central to Icelandic history.

This works especially well for families, small groups, and travelers with an afternoon arrival. Plan for at least two to three hours at Thingvellir if you want time for the waterfall and a relaxed walk. In winter, paths can be icy, so sturdy footwear and extra time are sensible.

2. Seljalandsfoss: The Waterfall You Can Walk Behind

Seljalandsfoss is one of the best-known waterfalls in Iceland for good reason. Fed by water from the Eyjafjallajokull glacier volcano, it falls about 200 feet over a former sea cliff. A path leads behind the water curtain, giving visitors a perspective few waterfalls can match.

From Keflavik Airport, expect a drive of about 2 hours and 20 minutes to 2 hours and 40 minutes, depending on traffic, weather, and your route through the Reykjavik area. It is a realistic first major stop on a South Coast tour, but not a quick airport detour.

Bring a waterproof outer layer, even on a calm day. Spray reaches the path behind the waterfall, and the ground can be wet and slippery. The behind-the-falls trail may be closed during icy winter conditions, but the view from the front remains impressive year-round.

For groups, Seljalandsfoss is a convenient stop because the parking area, walking route, and viewpoints are straightforward. It is also close to its smaller neighbor, Gljufrabui, so you can see two distinct waterfalls without adding much driving.

Do not skip Gljufrabui

A short walk from Seljalandsfoss leads to Gljufrabui, often called the hidden waterfall. It sits inside a narrow mossy canyon, partly concealed by rock walls. To see it closely, visitors usually step over stones through a shallow stream, so waterproof boots are useful.

Gljufrabui is a good example of why organized transport can make a difference. A driver who knows the stop can allow enough time for the main waterfall, the hidden canyon, restrooms, and a safe return to the vehicle without rushing the group.

3. Skogafoss: The Classic South Coast Stop

Skogafoss is the waterfall many travelers picture when they think of Iceland. It is broad, powerful, and nearly 200 feet high, with a wall of mist that frequently produces rainbows in sunny weather. It is around 20 to 30 minutes farther east than Seljalandsfoss.

Allow roughly 2 hours and 45 minutes from Keflavik Airport under good driving conditions. That makes Skogafoss best suited to a dedicated South Coast day trip, an overnight journey toward Vik, or a private transfer itinerary with sightseeing built in.

The base viewpoint requires only a short walk from the parking area, making it accessible for a wide range of visitors. Those who want a bigger view can climb the staircase beside the waterfall. There are many steps, but the upper platform looks out across the coast and connects to hiking trails above the falls.

Skogafoss can be busy in summer. Arriving early, visiting later in the afternoon, or traveling with a driver who can adjust the day around crowds helps create a more relaxed experience. Wind can also be strong here, so keep cameras and phones protected from spray.

4. Kvernufoss: A Quieter Alternative Near Skogafoss

Kvernufoss is one of the most rewarding additions to a South Coast route. It is close to Skogafoss but feels more sheltered and less crowded. The waterfall pours into a green gorge, and visitors can walk behind it when conditions allow.

The walk from the parking area is usually about 15 to 20 minutes each way over uneven ground. It is not difficult for most active travelers, but it is less suitable for anyone who needs a fully paved, step-free route. Wear shoes with grip, particularly after rain or during colder months.

From Keflavik, travel time is similar to Skogafoss, so Kvernufoss is best combined with it rather than treated as a separate destination. If your group has only one day for the South Coast, pairing Seljalandsfoss, Gljufrabui, Skogafoss, and Kvernufoss gives you a varied waterfall itinerary without excessive backtracking.

5. Bruararfoss: Clear Blue Water on a Golden Circle Route

Bruararfoss is smaller than the South Coast giants, but its color makes it stand out. The water runs a vivid blue through a series of low cascades, creating a very different experience from the tall, misty waterfalls farther south.

It is generally around 2 hours and 15 minutes to 2 hours and 30 minutes from Keflavik Airport, depending on the route and conditions. Bruararfoss fits naturally into a Golden Circle day that also includes Thingvellir, the Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss.

The path to the main viewpoint has improved over time, but visitors should still expect a walk and potentially muddy ground. This is a better stop for travelers who enjoy scenic walking than for groups with very limited mobility or a tightly timed airport transfer.

Bruararfoss is particularly appealing in overcast weather, when the blue water contrasts sharply with dark rock and green vegetation. In winter, daylight is limited, so it needs to be planned carefully within a shorter touring day.

6. Gullfoss: Worth the Extra Distance

Gullfoss is farther from Keflavik than the other waterfalls on this list, usually about 2 hours and 30 minutes to 3 hours by road, but it earns its place for travelers with a full day available. The waterfall drops in two stages into a deep canyon and has several viewing areas that show its scale from different angles.

This is not the waterfall to choose after a late flight or before an early departure. It is, however, an excellent centerpiece for a private Golden Circle tour. Its visitor facilities and broad viewpoints make it a practical choice for families, larger groups, and travelers who prefer a major landmark with clear access.

Weather changes the character of Gullfoss. On sunny days, rainbows often form over the canyon. In winter, ice and snow can create a dramatic scene, although some paths may be restricted for safety. A local driver can help set realistic expectations when road conditions are uncertain.

Planning a Waterfall Trip from Keflavik Airport

The main planning mistake is treating Keflavik Airport as if it sits next door to Iceland’s famous waterfalls. Most major falls require a significant drive, and road conditions can add time at any point of the year. For a same-day tour after arrival, Oxararfoss or a shortened Golden Circle route is usually the more comfortable option. For Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss, plan a full day or arrange an onward South Coast journey.

Traveling with a group makes private transportation especially useful. It keeps everyone together, provides space for outdoor gear and luggage, and avoids the challenge of coordinating several rental cars. TripIceland can arrange transportation around your group size and route, whether you need an airport pickup with sightseeing, a South Coast day tour, or a customized multi-stop itinerary.

Give each waterfall enough time to enjoy it rather than collecting quick photos from a parking lot. Iceland’s weather may change your plan, but a flexible schedule, warm layers, waterproof clothing, and a dependable driver leave room for the moments that make the journey memorable.