Seljalandsfoss

March 2025

Some places take your breath away. Others let you walk right through it.
Seljalandsfoss, one of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls, does both.

Set along the South Coast of Iceland, just a couple of hours from Reykjavík via the Ring Road, Seljalandsfoss offers something rare: a view of a waterfall from the inside. It's dramatic, awe-inspiring, and remarkably accessible — a perfect blend of epic scenery and intimate experience.

Getting There Is Part of the Adventure

Seljalandsfoss is located right off Route 1, better known as the Ring Road — Iceland’s main highway that loops around the country. The drive from Reykjavík is a scenic journey in itself, with wide-open plains, volcano-framed horizons, and the ever-present sense that you’re heading somewhere wild.

This stretch of the South Coast is full of unforgettable stops — black sand beaches, glacier views, and hidden waterfalls — but Seljalandsfoss is a favorite for good reason. It’s a place where geology, history, and a touch of magic collide.

Classic Stop with an Unexpected Twist

There’s a reason Seljalandsfoss is one of the most photographed waterfalls in Iceland. Yes, it's beautiful — tumbling nearly 60 meters (200 feet) from ancient sea cliffs — but it’s the path behind the falls that makes this stop so unforgettable.

Imagine stepping behind a curtain of water, the roar of the falls echoing around you, mist clinging to your jacket, and the afternoon light dancing through every droplet. Whether you’re snapping a photo or simply taking it in, there’s a sense that you’ve crossed into something otherworldly.

Behind the Falls: What You Should Know

Yes, you can really walk behind Seljalandsfoss — and yes, you’ll get a bit wet doing it. The trail is generally safe and well-marked, but it can be slippery, especially in damp or wintery conditions. Good footwear is essential, and so is your sense of adventure.

If you're visiting during the colder months, proceed with caution. The path can freeze over, and falling ice from the cliffs above is a very real hazard. Icelandic nature is stunning — but it demands respect. Always check for warnings and closures before heading onto the path behind the falls.

Seljalandsfoss Waterfall South Coast Walk behind the waterfall - DieterMeyrl

Seljalandsfoss Waterfall South Coast Walk behind the waterfall - Icelandic Explorer

Photo credit: Business Iceland

Fed by a Glacier, Framed by Green Cliffs

The waterfall is fed by the Seljalandsá River, which originates beneath the Eyjafjallajökull glacier — the same one that made global headlines in 2010. Today, the glacier still rests silently in the distance, feeding a network of rivers and falls that cut through the lush countryside.

The contrast of icy origin and flowing beauty says a lot about Iceland itself: a place where fire and ice coexist.

Gljúfrabúi Seljalandsfoss Waterfall South Coast - Icelandic Explorer

Photo credit: Business Iceland

A tip from the locals: while Seljalandsfoss gets plenty of love, it's not the only waterfall in the area worth discovering. A short walk from Seljalandsfoss, you'll find Gljúfrabúi, a hidden gem often overlooked by visitors. Partially concealed behind a rock face, it's a quieter, more serene spot where you can feel the true power of nature without the crowds.

Skógafoss South Coast Waterfall - Jeremy Walker

Of course, no visit to this part of Iceland would be complete without checking out the nearby Skogafoss. While it doesn't have the same intimate feeling as Seljalandsfoss, its thunderous falls and steep drop offer their sense of awe — and the stories of hidden treasures buried by giants add a dash of mysticism to the adventure. It's the kind of place where you can stand at the base and let the mist cool your skin, all while you imagine what the land has seen over centuries of volcanic eruptions, glaciers advancing and retreating, and the rhythms of nature continuing as they always have.

For the Curious Wanderer

Seljalandsfoss is more than just a beautiful stop — it's a reminder that adventure can be found where you least expect it. Whether you’re hiking around its base, discovering nearby hidden gems like Gljúfrabúi (a secret waterfall tucked into a canyon just up the trail), or simply standing still and letting the mist wash over you, this is a place that invites you to slow down and look a little closer.

It’s not just for seasoned hikers or shutter-happy photographers. It’s for anyone who feels moved by nature — who hears the sound of falling water and thinks, “I want to be in that moment.”