Seljalandsfoss

About Seljalandsfoss

Seljalandsfoss is a majestic 60-meter waterfall on the Seljalandsá river, fed by meltwater from the Eyjafjallajökull glacier high above. What makes it truly unique among Iceland's countless waterfalls is the cave path that loops directly behind the curtain of falling water, offering visitors a perspective that few other waterfalls in the world can match. Located along Route 1 on Iceland's South Coast between the towns of Selfoss and Vík, the falls are visible from the road long before you arrive, their slender white column standing out against the dark cliff face. Seljalandsfoss is one of the most photographed locations in Iceland, and its accessibility from the Ring Road makes it an essential stop on any South Coast journey.

Walking Behind the Falls

Behind the Curtain of Water

A narrow, rocky path circles from the base of Seljalandsfoss around behind the thundering curtain of water and back out the other side. The experience is extraordinary: standing in the shallow cave behind the falls, you look outward through a shimmering veil of water at the green Icelandic landscape beyond. The sound is immense, the spray constant, and the sense of being inside the waterfall is unlike anything else.

Waterproof clothing is not optional - you will get thoroughly soaked from the spray. The path is open from roughly late spring through autumn. During winter months, the trail closes because ice buildup on the rocks and overhead makes it dangerously slippery and unstable. For the best photographs, visit in late afternoon when the low sun illuminates the water from behind, creating a luminous golden glow through the cascade.

Hidden Gem - Gljúfrabúi

Just 600 meters north of Seljalandsfoss, tucked inside a narrow canyon and almost completely hidden from view, lies Gljúfrabúi - the "canyon dweller." This secret waterfall is one of Iceland's most magical hidden gems, and many visitors to Seljalandsfoss walk right past without ever knowing it exists. To reach the falls, you need to wade through a shallow stream that flows out from a gap in the rock face, or scramble over boulders at the canyon entrance. Once inside the tight gorge, the waterfall reveals itself: a powerful stream of water crashing down from above into a misty, enclosed chamber open to the sky. The acoustics are incredible, with the sound of water amplified and echoing off the canyon walls. Bring a waterproof phone case or camera bag - the spray inside the gorge is heavy. Gljúfrabúi alone is worth the detour, and combined with Seljalandsfoss, the pair make one of the most rewarding stops on the South Coast.

Visiting Tips

Getting There

Seljalandsfoss is located approximately 120 kilometers from Reykjavik, a drive of roughly 1.5 hours heading east along Route 1. The waterfall sits right beside the Ring Road on Iceland's South Coast, making it impossible to miss - you can see the cascade from the highway. The parking lot is clearly signposted. Most visitors combine Seljalandsfoss with Skógafoss, which is just 30 minutes further east along Route 1. Together with the Dyrhólaey viewpoint and the black sand beach at Reynisfjara, these sites form the core of the classic South Coast day trip from Reykjavik. Bus tours and guided excursions visit Seljalandsfoss daily throughout the year.

Frequently Asked Questions