South IcelandGlacial river
Hvítá (White River)
~40 km from Langjökull glacier. Feeds Iceland's most famous waterfall and offers popular rafting tours.
Best for
Rafting + Gullfoss waterfall
Rivers
Rivers of Iceland: Guide to Major Icelandic Rivers
Glacial torrents, world-class salmon streams, and historically significant waterways—Iceland's rivers shape the landscape and offer unforgettable experiences.
Updated February 1, 2026By the Iceland.org Travel Team
Tip
Never ford alone
Glacial rivers can rise suddenly—always check conditions and cross with experienced guides.
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West IcelandSalmon river
Norðurá
90 km through Borgarfjörður. One of Iceland's premier salmon rivers with scenic canyon stretches.
Best for
World-class salmon fishing
South IcelandGlacial river
Skaftá
Source near Vatnajökull. Historically prone to glacial floods; linked to the devastating Skaftá Fires of 1783.
Best for
Volcanic history + jökulhlaups
South IcelandSalmon river
Rangá
Actually two rivers (East/West Rangá). Produces 2,000+ salmon annually near Hella.
Best for
Premium salmon fishing
South IcelandGlacial river
Krossá
Must be forded to reach Þórsmörk by vehicle. Dangerous crossings from Mýrdalsjökull meltwater.
Best for
Þórsmörk access + adventure
South IcelandGlacial river
Markarfljót
100 km from Mýrdalsjökull and Eyjafjallajökull. Broad braided channels across volcanic sandur.
Best for
Dramatic sandur plain scenery
EastfjordsHighland river
Fossá
Short but scenic river feeding waterfalls in the eastern highlands including its namesake falls.
Best for
Scenic waterfalls
South IcelandGlacial river
Múlakvísl
From Mýrdalsjökull/Katla. Route 1 bridge specially designed for jökulhlaup risk.
Best for
Katla volcano monitoring
South IcelandLongest river
Þjórsá
Flows from Sprengisandur highlands to the south coast. Major hydroelectric resource.
Best for
Iceland's longest river (230 km)
North IcelandGlacial river
Jökulsá á Fjöllum
206 km from Vatnajökull to Öxarfjörður. Creates Dettifoss, Europe's most powerful waterfall.
Best for
Dettifoss + canyon scenery
North IcelandSalmon river
Laxa í Aðaldal
Flows from Lake Mývatn. One of the world's most famous Atlantic salmon rivers.
Best for
Legendary salmon fishing
South IcelandLarge river
Ölfusá
Short but powerful. Formed by the confluence of Hvítá and Sogið near Selfoss.
Best for
Highest flow rate in Iceland
EastfjordsGlacial river
Jökulsá á Dal
150 km from Brúarjökull to Héraðsflói. Dammed for Kárahnjúkar hydropower.
Best for
East Iceland landscapes
North IcelandHighland river
Blanda
125 km from Arnarvatnsheiði. Important salmon river with a hydroelectric dam.
Best for
Salmon fishing + hydropower
North IcelandGlacial river
Skjálfandafljót
180 km from Vatnajökull. Creates the iconic Goðafoss, Waterfall of the Gods.
Best for
Goðafoss waterfall
Planning help
River FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
Pair rivers with a region
Use the region pages to build a route around these rivers.