Gljúfrabúi

About Gljúfrabúi

Gljúfrabúi is a waterfall hidden inside a narrow gorge on Iceland's South Coast, about 200 meters north of Seljalandsfoss. The name means canyon dweller, and the falls drop roughly 40 meters into a slot almost completely closed in by rock, so from outside you see little more than a stream running out of a crack in the cliff.

Plenty of visitors at Seljalandsfoss walk straight past, which is a shame, because the reward here is getting inside. Follow the foot of the cliffs to where the stream leaves the gorge, then step or wade along the streambed over wet stones into a small, mossy chamber. Water pours in from an opening high above, the noise bounces off the walls, and the spray soaks everything within seconds.

Dress for that. Waterproof pants and a jacket help, along with shoes you don't mind getting wet, and a dry bag or zip-lock for your phone is worth packing. In winter, ice on the path and the stream stones can make the Gljúfrabúi waterfall canyon unsafe to enter, so judge conditions on the day and settle for the view from outside if it looks slick.

Gljúfrabúi sits just off the Ring Road, about 1 hour 45 minutes' drive from Reykjavík, and shares the paid Seljalandsfoss parking lot. There is no entry charge for the waterfall itself. From the lot it's a 5 to 10 minute walk, and an hour covers both falls, including the wade inside.

Flow is strongest in spring and early summer, and June evenings bring soft light with fewer tour buses. Midday on a clear summer day is the busiest time, so arrive early or late if you want the chamber to yourself.