"Aurores boréales, peu de monde."
Expert on Seljalandsfoss · 1 contributions
Reviewed by :
Mediterranean Desk — Mowando·Editor
Mediterranean Desk — Mowando·EditorThe best periods
The best time to visit Seljalandsfoss is May to October for the walk-behind trail.
Mai, Juin, Jui, Aoû, Sep
Saison claire — sentier derrière accessible
- ✅Sentier derrière la cascade accessible et sécurisé toute la saison
- ✅Débit maximal de fonte des neiges en mai-juin (jusqu'à 200 m³/s)
- ✅Gljúfrabúi (cascade cachée à 600 m au nord) accessible sans glace
- ✅Soleil de minuit en juin-juillet : photographie possible à 22 h
- ❌Foule importante en milieu de journée (10 h-16 h)
- ❌Sentier derrière souvent boueux : chaussures imperméables obligatoires
Oct, Nov, Déc, Jan, Fév, Mar, Avr
Saison sombre — cascade gelée et embruns givrés
- ✅Cascade partiellement gelée avec sculptures de givre spectaculaires
- ✅Foule en net repli, expérience plus calme
- ✅Possibilité d'aurores boréales depuis le parking les nuits dégagées
- ❌Sentier derrière fermé pour raisons de sécurité (verglas)
- ❌Conditions de conduite parfois difficiles sur la route 1
- ❌Embruns gelés peuvent rendre les abords glissants
Month-by-month climate
Temperatures, rainfall and sunshine in Seljalandsfoss across the 12 months.
| Jan | Fév | Mar | Avr | Mai | Juin | Jui | Aoû | Sep | Oct | Nov | Déc | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Min | -4° | -4° | -3° | 0° | 4° | 7° | 9° | 9° | 6° | 2° | -1° | -5° |
| Max | 2° | 2° | 3° | 7° | 9° | 12° | 14° | 14° | 11° | 7° | 4° | 1° |
| Mer | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Pluie | 258mm | 273mm | 233mm | 170mm | 185mm | 175mm | 146mm | 205mm | 276mm | 172mm | 233mm | 209mm |
| Soleil/j | 1.6h | 3.1h | 5.9h | 7.4h | 8.9h | 9.1h | 10h | 8.2h | 6.1h | 4.3h | 2.2h | 1.1h |
Tourist crowds
Monthly attendance levels (0 = empty, 100 = saturated).
Jan
40
Fév
40
Mar
40
Avr
55
Mai
70
Jui
90
Jui
95
Aoû
90
Sep
75
Oct
55
Nov
45
Déc
55
Frequently asked questions
How long to spend at Seljalandsfoss?+
1 hour is enough for the two waterfalls: 30-45 min for Seljalandsfoss (viewpoint + circular walk-behind trail), 15-30 min for Gljúfrabúi (hidden waterfall 600 m to the north). If you want to go deeper, plan 1 h 30 with a hike along the Seljalandsá river toward upstream sources. The site is generally the first major stop after Reykjavik on a south coast road trip — count about 1 h 45 driving from the capital.
Is the walk-behind trail really passable?+
Yes in season (April to October), with some precautions. The 200 m circular trail is marked and secured by railings, but: 1) sprays are powerful — waterproof mandatory (sold on site €5-8), 2) ground very muddy after rains — waterproof shoes essential, 3) rocks can be slippery — increased vigilance, 4) camera gear must be protected (waterproof bag, cloth to wipe the lens). __In winter (November-March), the trail is closed__ for safety reasons (ice, possible falls).
What is Gljúfrabúi?+
Gljúfrabúi (literally 'canyon dweller') is a __waterfall hidden in a rocky fissure__ located 600 m north of Seljalandsfoss. Invisible from the road, it is discovered by walking 10 min on the left trail from the Seljalandsfoss car park, then by __entering the fissure on foot in the river__ (water up to mid-calf, wet feet guaranteed). 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, and surprisingly little visited.
Are there parking and toilets at Seljalandsfoss?+
Yes. __Paid parking__ (ISK 700 / €4.50 per car, free for motorcycles and bicycles) at the foot of the waterfall. Paid toilets (ISK 200 / €1.30) at the car park. Small cafeteria-snack (€15-20/person, open April to October only) which also sells disposable waterproofs (€5-8). For a real meal, head instead to the Hotel Rangá restaurant (15 min west, mid-range €30-50/person) or to Hotel Skógafoss (40 min east).
Can you combine Seljalandsfoss with other waterfalls?+
Yes, Route 1 on the south coast is dotted with waterfalls and major sites. Classic half-day itinerary from Reykjavik: __Seljalandsfoss + Gljúfrabúi__ (1 h), __Skógafoss__ (40 km east, 30-60 min — emblematic 60 m waterfall with 527-step staircase to the summit), __Kvernufoss__ (5 min walk from Skógafoss, less-visited hidden waterfall), __Sólheimajökull glacier__ (10 km north, optional 3-4 h glacier hike). On a full day, add the __Reynisfjara__ beach and the __Vík__ village (60 km east of Skógafoss).
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.
Similar destinations
Abu Simbel
Best for : October to March
Akureyri
Best for : June to September for daylight, December to April for skiing
Amman
Best for : March to May and September to November
Annecy
Best for : juin à septembre (été), décembre-mars (ski à proximité)
Antalya
Best for : May to June and September to October
Aqaba
Best for : March-May and September-November (diving all year)