VISITING NAUTHUSAGIL WATERFALL IN SOUTH ICELAND
There is no shortage of impressive waterfalls in Iceland. Often, they present themselves on a silver plate to you. If you drive along the main streets, you will often see one of these stunning waterfalls. You do not even have to search for them. This is sightseeing made easy.
However, there are a few waterfalls that like to hide – waterfalls that want to be discovered. Hidden waterfalls. Stunning hidden waterfalls. One of these waterfalls is the Nauthusagil Waterfall, which is close to some of the country’s main attractions. And yet, it is a hidden gem.
The waterfall is hidden, and to see it, you have to hike through an ancient, moss-covered canyon – the Nauthusagil Ravine.
Find out more about Nauthusagil Waterfall: its location, how to get there, the difficulty of the hike, and more tips for seeing this gem.
LOCATION OF NAUTHUSAGIL WATERFALL
The waterfall is in the south of Iceland. You can easily combine it with a trip to one of the most famous waterfalls in Iceland: Seljalandsfoss.
After visiting Seljalandsfoss, you do not head back to the main street, but instead pass the camping site and drive the F249 heading towards Þórsmörk for about 7 km.
It is a dirt road, but if you drive slowly, it is super easy to drive. It is, more or less, a straight street with no uphills.
I did NOT have a 4WD, and it was absolutely fine. Just take it slowly.
In front of the ravine is a car park. Parking is free, and there is no entrance fee for seeing the waterfall.
I have not seen any guided tours going to the waterfall.
BEST TIME TO VISIT NAUTHUSAGIL WATERFALL
I visited the waterfall in summer – on a “sunny” day in July. The best day might be in the summer months. I could not find any info, but I am pretty certain that it is impossible to hike in the winter months.
After a rainy day, the waterfall might be more powerful and even more magnificent. But I recommend visiting regardless of that.
Check out my Iceland summer guide to find out more about what to do in the summer months.
MORE TIPS FOR VISITING NAUTHUSAGIL WATERFALLS
- Wear proper shoes
- Be prepared to get wet feet
- You should be fine with doing some climbing on wet surfaces
- My pictures do the waterfalls no justice: Normally, I take tons of images but because of the circumstances (focusing on the hike), I did not take many images.
HIKING TO NAUTHUSAGIL WATERFALL
Once you park your car, walk along the river. Do not go up the hill. For some reason, I thought I had to walk up. But I was wrong because there is no uphill hike required at that point.
Stay on the left, walk along the river, and get into the gorge. Very quickly, you will be in the ravine.
The ravine is deep and narrow, but you can walk along the river even if you are a bigger person.
Keep walking for a few minutes, and then you will pass a 2-3 meter waterfall. This waterfall is interesting, but not what you are here for. So, you need to pass the waterfall and climb the rock beside it. Then there is another waterfall…
I would not say it is a dangerous hike, but it takes concentration not to slip and fall. The chains and ropes will help you to climb the rocks.
But I also waded into the river as it was sometimes easier than jumping from one wet stone to another. With proper shoes, it should all be fine, though. I had to put my camera away for most parts so I would not slip.
Continue your hike, and after some more minutes, you will see that waterfall – looking all pretty! But since it is a hidden waterfall, you will just see a small glimpse first before you see it in its full glory!
If you are lucky, the sun will shine and lighten the waterfall, making it even prettier. Or it will be all foggy, adding some more myth to this waterfall.
There are some more hiking options around the waterfall but I guess, this short hike is the best way to see the waterfall and get the best glimpse of the ravine and its wonder!
It took me less than one hour in total – including the photo stops but it will be a stop, I will remember for a while!
IS NAUTHUSAGIL WATERFALL WORTH IT?
Though my feet and shoes were soaking wet and I was exhausted, hiking to that waterfall was one of my highlights in Iceland. I was awe-struck by this waterfall – which is such an underrated place! Yes, it does include some hiking, and the drive might scare people away.
Even though I drove in my 2WD, I was happy I went anyway. It was a detour of about 1.5 hours maximum. Though I lost one of my hiking boots later that day when I wanted to dry it (do not ask), it was one of the trips that made my Iceland trip even more special.
This place is one of Iceland´s gems that is still not overrun, so I highly recommend visiting (because eventually, also this place will be popular with visitors).
Check out my Iceland itinerary to find out how to spend your time in Iceland.
Wondering, where to stay in Iceland? Read my accommodation guide for Iceland.
STAY SAFE AND ENJOY!