Seljalandsfoss

About Seljalandsfoss

Seljalandsfoss is a 60-metre waterfall on the south coast of Iceland, where the river Seljalandsá, fed by meltwater from Eyjafjallajökull, drops over a high cliff. What sets it apart is the path that runs right around the back of the falls through the hollow in the cliff behind the water, so you can stand behind the curtain and look out through it.

The path behind the falls is a short loop from the car park but it is wet and can be muddy or slippery, so wear waterproofs and shoes with good grip, and expect to get sprayed. When the path gets too icy in winter it may be closed for safety. A few hundred metres north along the cliff is Gljúfrabúi, a second waterfall hidden inside a narrow gorge, which you can reach on foot by following the path along the cliff.

The waterfall is about 130 km from Reykjavík, less than two hours' drive, just off the Ring Road on Route 249, so it is the first big stop on most south coast trips and day tours. Viewing is free, but parking is charged by number-plate recognition: 900 ISK per car for the whole day at the time of writing, paid on site or online through Checkit, and visits under 10 minutes are free.

Around sunset the low sun shines through the falling water, and in June and July it is light enough to visit very late when the day-tour crowds have gone. Winter brings icicles and a quieter site, but check conditions and be ready for the rear path to be shut. Skógafoss, further east along Route 1, is an easy continuation.