site naturel
Seljalandsfoss
One of the few waterfalls in the world you can walk behind: a 60 m drop crossed by a circular trail placing the visitor 1 m from the water wall — unforgettable experience.
Seljalandsfoss is one of the most emblematic and photogenic waterfalls in Iceland. Located 130 km east of Reykjavik on Route 1, just before Skógafoss and the Eyjafjallajökull glacier, it is fed by the Seljalandsá river which descends from the Eyjafjallajökull glacier (the one that paralysed European aviation in 2010).
The waterfall drops 60 metres into a deep basin, from a basalt cliff overlooking the coastal plain. Its unique feature is the trail that allows walking behind it: a 200 m circular path carved into the cliff places the visitor behind the curtain of water, just 1-2 metres from the wall. The experience is immersive and unforgettable — deafening roar of the fall, powerful spray, view from inside onto the volcanic landscape. Waterproof mandatory, and waterproof shoes as the trail is very muddy after rains.
600 metres north of Seljalandsfoss, don't miss Gljúfrabúi ('canyon dweller'), a waterfall hidden in a rocky fissure — invisible from the road. To discover it, walk 10 minutes on the left trail from the Seljalandsfoss car park, then enter the fissure by walking in the stream bed (wet feet guaranteed, water up to mid-calf). Inside, you'll discover the waterfall in full spurt in a 30 m high natural cave, illuminated by a beam of light from the top. It is one of the most magical sites in Iceland, surprisingly little visited compared to Seljalandsfoss.
The Seljalandsfoss site is the mandatory stop on any Iceland south coast road trip. It is generally the first major site after departure from Reykjavik (1 h 45 by road via Route 1), before continuing to Skógafoss (40 km further), the Sólheimajökull glacier, the Reynisfjara black beach and Vík.
What we love
- ✅World-unique walk-behind trail: unforgettable immersive experience
- ✅Gljúfrabúi 600 m away: hidden waterfall in a rocky fissure, less frequented
- ✅Free access (paid parking ISK 700 / €4.50)
- ✅Natural stop on Route 1 between Reykjavik and Vík
- ✅Photogenic in all seasons: green in summer, frosted in winter
What to know
- ❌Heavy crowds in mid-day (10am-4pm) in high season
- ❌Walk-behind trail closed in winter for safety reasons (ice)
- ❌Trail often muddy after rains: waterproof shoes essential
- ❌Heavy spray: camera gear must be protected (waterproof bag, cloth)
Situation
Où se situe Seljalandsfoss ?
Ouvrir la carte en grand sur OpenStreetMap →Frequently asked questions
How long to spend at Seljalandsfoss?+
Is the walk-behind trail really passable?+
What is Gljúfrabúi?+
Are there parking and toilets at Seljalandsfoss?+
Can you combine Seljalandsfoss with other waterfalls?+
Our verdict
Seljalandsfoss is the unmissable stop on any Iceland south coast road trip — and one of the most photogenic and experiential waterfalls in the country. Count 1 hour on site for the main waterfall + Gljúfrabúi nearby (often forgotten by tourists). Our tip: arrive before 9am to avoid crowds, bring a waterproof and waterproof shoes, don't forget a waterproof bag for camera gear, and absolutely explore Gljúfrabúi 600 m to the north (enter the fissure on foot in the river — wet feet guaranteed). In winter, the walk-behind trail is closed for safety reasons, but the waterfall itself remains accessible from the viewpoint and offers an exceptional frost spectacle.
Nearby
"Aurores boréales, peu de monde."
Expert on Seljalandsfoss · 1 contributions
Mediterranean Desk — Mowando·Editor