Seljalandsfoss

One of the Most Beautiful Waterfalls in Iceland

Seljalandsfoss is a famous waterfall in Iceland. Special about this waterfall is that you can walk behind the falling water in the summer months. This gives you an amazing view of the waterfall and the Icelandic landscape. In this article you'll find all the information for visiting Seljalandsfoss and the lovely surroundings. Which hold some more natural wonders. There are three waterfalls to see, including a very special one. These are the highlights of Seljalandsfoss. 


The waterfall is 65 meters high and popular on social media. You can also see it on calendars and on countless photos of Iceland. It is impressive even in bad weather. If you are doing a tour of Iceland you should definitely visit this one.

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I visited this waterfall in early spring. There was a lot of snow and ice and not so many tourists. I found out there were actually three waterfalls instead of just one. It was an amazing experience.

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Visiting Seljalandsfoss

You can easily visit this waterfall. It is signposted from the main road and there is a car park. From there you can actually see the waterfall. And you can simply walk towards it.

In Summer

Visiting the Seljalandsfoss waterfall in Iceland.

You can get behind the waterfall via an often slippery path. Make sure to wear good shoes; it can be slippery. And you can get dirty (and a little wet). But it is absolutely worth it. From behind the waterfall you can clearly see how the water drops down. This is a perfect spot for photos. Although you actually have to have a wide-angle lens to capture all of the force of nature. Fortunately, more and more mobile phones also have this lens. So that you can take beautiful pictures of the water and the landscape behind it.

In Winter and Spring

The waterfall is lovely in winter. ©Corno van den Berg

Due to the snow and ice, you cannot walk behind the waterfall in winter and part of spring. But you do get a winter wonderland in return. I deliberately went in the morning to have the sun behind the rocks for extra beautiful light. if the sun is shining you can also go in the afternoon when the soft light shines on the water.

The History of Seljalandsfoss

When you visit the Seljalandsfoss you can see clearly what the coastline of Iceland once was. Back in the day, the water flowed into the sea here. But volcanic activity has raised parts of the seafloor over time. Including the area over which the current road runs.

The Seljalandsfoss is located near another famous waterfall: Skógafoss. This is about 15 kilometers away and is easy to reach. This waterfall was once part of the island’s coastline. It is strange to realize that you are actually in the sea when you are standing in front of the waterfall.

This Waterfall is Illuminated at Night

This waterfall is the only one illuminated in the evening and night. This is done with electricity from geothermal energy. So a visit to the waterfall is also possible in the evening. And of course in winter when the Northern Lights sometimes show themselves.

The Other Special Waterfall: Gljufrabui

Nearby you will find the other waterfall: Gljufrabui. ©Corno van den Berg

When you arrive at Seljalandsfoss, walk down the path to the left. You'll end up at the Gljufrabui waterfall. This waterfall plunges down between the rocks, which is a mighty sight. It's just a bit tricky to get there. For that you have to walk through the river between two rock walls. You can try to step on rocks in the water, but they are slippery. So watch out. In the summer the water level is lower and you can walk to the waterfall with waterproof shoes. But then there is still a good chance that you will get wet, I noticed. There is a lot of mist, but it ensures that it is not really busy at the waterfall. Which makes the experience extra intense.

Accommodations around Seljalandsfoss

In the vicinity of the waterfall you will find some good hotels, from fairly simple to luxurious. If you want to spend the night in the area, it is best to stay in the town of Hvolsvöllur. This is about a 20 minute drive from the waterfall. It makes it possible to visit the waterfalls before all other visitors arrive of in the evening. The afternoon often sets Seljalandsfoss in beautiful light.

Find the best hotels in Hvolsvöllur 

How to Get Here

Seljalandsfoss is located in the south of Iceland. It is on the road to Thórsmörk, a ridge named after the Norse god Thor. This waterfall is located on the 1, the popular road through the south of the island. The distance from Reykjavik to Seljalandsfoss is 130 km, which takes more than an hour and a half.

Best Time to Visit

It can get very busy at this waterfall. Especially during weekends and school holidays. Try to avoid these moments. Or go very early in the morning.

The sunset is very popular. You can then take a picture of the waterfall with the last sunlight behind it. Keep in mind that you will not be alone. But it is a spectacular shot.

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