DISCOVER SELJALANDSFOSS WATERFALL: ESSENTIAL TIPS FOR YOUR ICELAND ADVENTURE

At first glance, approaching from Route 1, you could be forgiven for thinking that there’s nothing especially unique about Seljalandsfoss. But you’d be wrong! Like many Iceland waterfalls, it’s fairly tall, in this case about 60 metres high. It interrupts the flow of the river Seljalandsá, which then travels a short distance before joining the larger Markarfljót River. As the water hits the ground below, it has eroded a plunge pool named Kerið (the Tub), in which fish such as char and trout have been spotted.

Like nearby Skógafoss, it cascades over ancient sea cliffs that are now inland, having formed during the last Ice Age when the sea level in the area was much higher. The top layer of rock is lava, which overlays palagonite tuff and breccia. You can see the layers in the rock as you get closer to the waterfall. It’s an impressive sight from any angle; you’ll get a sense of its scale if you stand on the little wooden bridge in front of the waterfall and look back.

But the main reason travellers get excited about seeing Seljalandsfoss is that it’s possible to walk behind the curtain of water. It’s quite a rare thing to be able to do so – and it’s probably the only waterfall in Iceland where it’s possible. To stand and look through this curtain of water at the landscape beyond, particularly at sunset when the light is softened by the water, is a magical experience. Many travellers agree that this is one of the best waterfalls in Iceland.

Located along Iceland’s South Coast, a region celebrated for its breathtaking scenery, Seljalandsfoss is just one of many unmissable natural wonders here. Another unmissable waterfall, this one called Gljúfrabúi, is located just a few hundred metres from Seljalandsfoss. Even though it’s hardly any distance from Seljalandsfoss it’s actually on a different river, the Gljúfurá River, which has a lower discharge than its neighbour. Sustained by a natural spring, its source is in Tröllagilsmýri (Troll Gorge Marsh) located within an area of heathland called Hamragarðaheiði.

Like Seljalandsfoss waterfall, Gljúfrabúi too is unusual, this time because it’s tucked away almost hidden from sight in a cleft in the rock. Bring rubber boots and waterproofs: here, it’s actually possible to squeeze through a narrow gap. Once inside, look up and you’ll see daylight – just be careful not to stand right under the waterfall or you’ll get absolutely soaking wet.

Gljúfrabúi is slightly shorter than its more visible partner, measuring about 40 metres from top to bottom. But as it’s confined to such a small space, blocked by a boulder called Franskanef, it is a powerful sight. There’s also a small cave behind it called Ömpuhellir, so it really is worth pulling off your shoes and braving the icy water to take a peek.

Seljalandsfoss is located about 130 km east of Reykjavik and to reach it from the capital typically takes between one and a half to two hours. It’s an easy – and scenic – drive on a good tarmac road: the country’s ring road. As you approach from the west, the waterfall will be visible to your left. The turnoff for the ferry over to the Westman Islands is nearby, while Skógafoss waterfall is another 20 minutes or so further on.

Sightseeing tours of the South Coast all stop at Seljalandsfoss as it’s one of the major attractions of this region of Iceland. They vary in scope; some continue as far as Vik while others carry on to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. You’ll be given a specified amount of free time which is enough to get a close up look at the waterfall, take some photos and explore your nearby surroundings.

If you’re self-driving, a sizeable car park is located close to the waterfall. It operates on a pay and display basis (currently the fee is 800 ISK), with the proceeds helping with the maintenance costs of this busy site. Once you’ve found a space you place the ticket clearly on the dash and can then go off and explore – it’s good for the whole day should you wish, though most people stay only an hour or so. (There are toilets, a small gift shop and a food truck, but no other major facilities.) The waterfall itself is free.

Hiking near Seljalandsfoss is easy, both at the waterfall and following the short trail to Gljúfrabúi. Visitors follow a short trail which snakes towards the waterfall and then runs underneath the overhang where the falling water has undercut the rock. The path’s a little uneven and can be slippery when it’s very wet or icy, but most travellers will be able to access it if they are careful. Walking behind Seljalandsfoss is a very cool thing to do, so don’t expect to have this part of the trail to yourself.

It’s a good idea to be wearing boots with ankle support and thick treads so you have plenty of grip. You’ll also appreciate pulling on a waterproof jacket to keep out the worst of the spray. The cliff helps protect you against the wind when you’re close to the waterfall, but in more exposed parts of the site you’ll be grateful for a hat and gloves on a chilly day. In winter, though the waterfall doesn’t freeze, icicles can form on the rock; snow and ice collect on the path. It’s beautiful, but take extra care not to slip in such conditions.

Preparing to visit Gljúfrabúi takes a little more thought. It will certainly be useful to have a towel in your bag so that you can dry your feet (and perhaps your face and head) afterwards. You might also consider packing a spare pair of socks and a change of shoes, just in case, particularly if you are on a full day tour, as this is an early stop.

One of the main things you need to think about if you plan to photograph Seljalandsfoss waterfall is how you’re going to keep your camera lens dry. While it’s unlikely you’ll need a waterproof cover, a small towel might come in handy to wipe off the water droplets. Aside from the spray, there are a number of other considerations.

This place gets busy, especially in summer. If you’re keen to get shots of the waterfall without lots of people in them, you’ll have to make an effort to be here very early or late in the day (or be very skilled at photo-shopping them out!) On a fine day, the place is likely to attract more photographers as a shot of the setting sun through the curtain of water is highly sought after.

Whether you’re a pro snapper or not, one thing’s certain, you won’t want to miss out on seeing Seljalandsfoss waterfall. Why not start researching which of our south coast tours will suit you best?