About Seljalandsfoss
Seljalandsfoss is a 60-metre waterfall on the Seljalandsá river in south Iceland, fed by meltwater from the Eyjafjallajökull glacier above. It sits just off Route 1, roughly 120 km southeast of Reykjavík, and is one of the most visited natural sites in the country.
What sets it apart from other Icelandic waterfalls is the cave that has formed behind the curtain of water. The cliff over which the water falls was once part of Iceland's Atlantic coastline. As the land gradually rose after the last Ice Age and the coast shifted southward, these cliffs were left inland, and the constant flow of water over thousands of years carved a walkable passage behind the falls. From spring through to early autumn, a path leads visitors all the way around and behind the waterfall, giving a perspective on the falls that very few places in the world can offer.
Visiting Seljalandsfoss
Getting there
From Reykjavík, take Route 1 east. After around two hours you will see the turnoff for Road 249 toward Þórsmörk on your left. Follow it briefly and the waterfall and its car park appear almost immediately. The site is easy to spot from the Ring Road. Parking is paid and charged on a per-day basis, so you can spend as long as you like once you have paid.
Walking behind the waterfall
The path behind Seljalandsfoss is open from late spring through early autumn, roughly May to October in most years, though conditions vary. The path is uneven and gets wet from the spray, so waterproof footwear with a decent grip is important. You will get at least partially wet from the mist even in good conditions, so waterproof outer layers are worth bringing. The views looking outward through the falling water are the main draw.
In winter the path is typically closed. Ice builds up on the rocks and icicles form around the cliff edge, making the route unsafe. The waterfall itself is still worth visiting in winter, and the frozen spray and ice formations around the base are quite different to the summer experience.
Gljúfrabúi
About two minutes' drive east of Seljalandsfoss is Gljúfrabúi, a second waterfall that most visitors miss entirely. It falls inside a narrow canyon gorge and to see it properly you need to wade a shallow stream into the gorge itself. It is a short detour from the car park and worth the effort if conditions allow.
Seljalandsfoss on the South Coast
Seljalandsfoss is typically the first stop on a South Coast self-drive heading east from Reykjavík. From here the route continues past Skógafoss, across the farmland below Eyjafjallajökull, and on to the black sand beach at Reynisfjara near Vík í Mýrdal, with Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon further east.
All of our South Coast self-drive tours include Seljalandsfoss as a scheduled stop on the first or second day out of Reykjavík. It also features on our Ring Road itineraries, where it serves as an early landmark on the clockwise route east.
What to expect
Seljalandsfoss is one of the most visited attractions in Iceland and is rarely quiet, particularly in summer. Arriving early in the morning or later in the evening reduces crowds and, in summer, the long daylight hours mean both options are practical. The car park fills quickly on popular days.
The site has basic facilities including toilets at the car park. There is no café or visitor centre on site. Bring water and anything else you need for the visit.
