Gljúfrabúi
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Gljúfrabúi
About
Gljúfrabúi is a 40-meter waterfall on the Gljúfurá stream in Iceland's South Coast.
The hidden waterfall. Tucked inside a canyon near Seljalandsfoss — you have to wade through a stream or climb through rocks to see it. Feels like discovering a secret.
Entering the canyon is like stepping into another world. The walls close in, the sound of water echoes, and then — a hidden 40-meter falls. You feel like you found something special.
The name means 'canyon dweller.' While crowds flock to Seljalandsfoss next door, this one stays relatively quiet. The canyon entrance is narrow enough to hide the treasure inside.
Wear waterproof boots — you'll wade through water to get inside. Not much view from outside the canyon. Don't force it if the water is high. 5-minute walk from Seljalandsfoss parking.
Plan your visit
- Getting there
- Route 249
The walk- You can walk behind the falls
Heads up- Risk of falling rocks inside the canyon; wade the river barefoot to reach the falls
Hidden behind a palagonite rock formation called Franskanef, which blocks the view of most of the waterfall- Reached by wading the river into the canyon (shoes off)
- Contains a small cave, Ömpuhellir, once inhabited by a hermit woman
- Protected natural monument
Drive: Good·
Visit now·
30 min stop
Ring Road 1Checking…
F-roadsOpen
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Entry: Free
Parking: 800 ISK
No booking
Entry feeFree
Parking800 ISK
BookingNot needed
Getting thereCar recommended
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Blue hour—Cars & campers
KEF airport pickup 24/74.8
Dacia Duster 4x4
Cheapest real 4WD in the fleet — gravel, the Westfjords and easy summer F-roads without truck prices.
TransmissionManual
FuelPetrol/diesel
Seats5
Drive4WD
VW Caravelle
Whole family or friend group in one car — gear in the back, room to stretch.
TransmissionAutomaticFuelDieselSeats9Drive2WD
Key Camper Wild Duo
Sleep right by the trailhead, wake up at the falls — F-road ready from mid-June.
TransmissionManualFuelPetrol
Sleeps2Drive4WDTours near Gljúfrabúi
Small groups
Ice Cave & Waterfalls
Katla ice cave, South Coast waterfalls and the black sand beach in one private day.
Duration11 hours
PickupReykjavík
VehicleSuper Jeep
TypePrivate
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Floating icebergs at Jökulsárlón plus the best of South Iceland on the way.
Duration14 hoursPickupReykjavík
HighlightsSouth Iceland
StopsHot springs
Glacier & Golden Circle
Snowmobile across a glacier, then hit the Golden Circle classics.
Duration10 hoursPickupReykjavík
ActivitySnowmobileVehicleSuper JeepPhotos & videos
Reviews
Nearby
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A waterfall in South Coast. One of many cascades that make Iceland a waterfall paradise.
Hot Springs
Hot pot in nature. Naturally heated, no facilities. Check conditions before going.
Hot pot in nature. Surrounded by Icelandic landscape. Bring your own towel.
Hot spring in North Iceland. Natural geothermal bathing spot.
Natural pool. Real Iceland experience. Best with few people.
Campsites
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Supermarkets
Krónan supermarket — supplies
Bónus supermarket — supplies
Supermarket — supplies
Krambúð supermarket — supplies
Gas stations
N1 · 310.9 kr/L petrol
ÓB · 308.7 kr/L petrol
Orkan · 308.6 kr/L petrol
ÓB · 308.7 kr/L petrol
Tours
Katla ice cave, South Coast waterfalls and the black sand beach in one private day.
Floating icebergs at Jökulsárlón plus the best of South Iceland on the way.
Snowmobile across a glacier, then hit the Golden Circle classics.
Frequently
asked
questions
How do you get into Gljúfrabúi?
Is Gljúfrabúi near Seljalandsfoss?
Can you see Gljúfrabúi without getting wet?
Is Gljúfrabúi worth visiting?
How tall is Gljúfrabúi?
Data & sources
Everything on this page comes from the sources below. Live feeds refresh automatically.
PhotographyHero & gallery photography · Photo: Visit South Iceland
WikipediaEncyclopedic description · CC BY-SA 4.0
VegagerðinLive road status & cameras · Icelandic Road Administration
Open-MeteoWeather forecast · CC BY 4.0
NOAA SWPCAurora (planetary Kp) forecast · public domain
OpenStreetMapInteractive-map data · ODbL
Esri, Maxar & Earthstar GeographicsSatellite imagery for the 3D terrain render · GIS User Community
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