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Iceland's tallest waterfall
A 227m drop revealed by the retreat of Morsárjökull.
Morsárfoss, Iceland's Tallest Waterfall
Iceland's tallest waterfall at 227 meters, revealed only in 2007 as the Morsárjökull glacier retreated. Visible from Skaftafell hiking trails or by air.
Region
South Iceland (Vatnajökull)
Remote. Not accessible by road. Clear weather required.
Quick Answer
Iceland's tallest waterfall at 227m, only revealed in 2007 as the Morsárjökull glacier retreated. Located in a remote area of Vatnajökull National Park, it is not accessible by road; it can be seen only from hiking trails or by air.
Sources and page update
Updated: 2026-09-10
This page is for trip planning, not emergency guidance. Morsárfoss is in a remote glacial area. Do not attempt to approach the base; view from designated trails only and check weather before hiking.
For sourcing standards and how to report an error, see the editorial policy.
Official sources to check
Access
Remote (no road)
Visible from Skaftafell hiking trails or by air only.
Pro tip
Check the weather
Cloud cover frequently obscures the view; clear skies essential.
What to Expect at Morsárfoss
- A distant view of the 227-meter cascade
- Glacial landscape with retreating ice fields
- Requires clear weather for visibility from trails
Nearby Attractions to Morsárfoss
- Skaftafell (Vatnajökull National Park visitor center)
- Svartifoss (basalt column waterfall, accessible hike)
- Jökulsárlón (glacier lagoon)
How to See Morsárfoss
- Not accessible by road; it lies deep in Vatnajökull National Park
- Visible from some Skaftafell hiking trails in clear weather
- Sightseeing flights give aerial views of the waterfall and glacier
- Do not attempt to approach the base; the terrain is remote and glacial
Best Time to See Morsárfoss
- Summer (June–August) for Skaftafell hiking trail access
- Clear weather is essential; cloud cover blocks the view
- The waterfall flows strongest during summer glacier melt
- Check weather forecasts before planning a hike to view it
- Morning often has better visibility than afternoon
The glacier trail is a separate outing
The park’s M2 Morsárjökull route is a 19.5-kilometre circuit taking an estimated 6–7 hours, graded challenging. It follows marked paths to the lake in front of the glacier and returns using two footbridges. It does not continue to the waterfall’s base.
The park describes ice falling from the cliffs and a landslide deposited on the glacier in 2007. Keep to the marked walking route. A map pin for Morsárfoss is not a safe walking destination across the ice. Check the specific viewpoint and current trail closures with Skaftafell’s visitor centre before setting off.
Planning help
Morsárfoss FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
How tall is Morsárfoss?
Morsárfoss is 227 meters (745 feet) tall, Iceland's tallest waterfall. It surpasses Glymur (198m) which previously held the record.
When was Morsárfoss discovered?
Morsárfoss was only revealed in 2007 as the Morsárjökull glacier retreated due to climate change. The waterfall had been hidden behind the glacier for centuries.
Can I visit Morsárfoss?
Morsárfoss is not accessible by road. It is located in a remote area of Vatnajökull National Park and can only be seen from certain hiking trails near Skaftafell or by air. Clear weather is essential for visibility.
Can I hike to Morsárfoss?
Do not treat a glacier hike as a route to the waterfall’s base. The park’s marked M2 route reaches the lake in front of Morsárjökull and returns by footbridges; it is 19.5 kilometres and 6–7 hours. Its description does not promise a view of Morsárfoss. Ask Skaftafell rangers which open route suits the view you want and your experience.
When is the best time to see Morsárfoss?
Summer months (June–August) give the best chance to see Morsárfoss from Skaftafell hiking trails. Clear weather is essential; cloud cover frequently obscures the view. The waterfall flows strongest during summer glacier melt.
What is happening to the glacier near Morsárfoss?
The Morsárjökull glacier continues to retreat due to climate change, gradually revealing more of the waterfall and the landscape behind it. The waterfall's existence is a direct result of this glacial retreat.
Country reference: Iceland statistics.