Seljalandsfoss

Drive
Seljalandsfoss waterfall main view
Seljalandsfoss sunset view from behind
Map of Seljalandsfoss location
Quick Facts
South
Region
60m
Height
800 ISK
Parking
Easy
Access
What is it

A 60-meter waterfall you can actually walk behind. Seriously — there's a path that takes you right behind the curtain of water. One of the most unique waterfall experiences in Iceland.

The Vibe

Standing behind 60 meters of falling water is honestly surreal. The light comes through the curtain, everything's misty and loud, and you feel like you're in another world. Best at sunset when the light turns golden.

Weather & conditions

Ring Road R1
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About

Seljalandsfoss

The Story

Seljalandsfoss drops from the cliffs that used to be Iceland's coastline thousands of years ago. The Seljalandsá river feeds it from Eyjafjallajökull glacier — yeah, that volcano. The cave behind the falls was carved out over centuries by the water itself.

Real Talk

You WILL get wet walking behind it. Like, properly soaked. Bring a waterproof jacket or accept your fate. The path can be slippery, especially in winter — some people skip the walk-behind when it's icy. Also: don't miss Gljúfrabúi, a hidden waterfall just 5 minutes walk north. Most tourists miss it.

Visit

How to get there

Parking

800 ISK fee, card payment. Plenty of space — summer afternoons busy.

Access

2 min walk from parking. Behind-falls path is rocky — waterproof shoes recommended.

By road

120 km from Reykjavík via Route 1. About 1.5 hours drive.

Time needed

30–60 min to explore. Add 15 min for Gljúfrabúi nearby.

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Best-sellers

Top experiences near Seljalandsfoss

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South Coast Full-Day Tour
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Northern Lights from Seljalandsfoss
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Photos

Seljalandsfoss waterfall front view
Anja M.
Seljalandsfoss sunset behind falls
Daniel P.
Seljalandsfoss close up
Sofia L.
Seljalandsfoss visitors path
Marco R.
Seljalandsfoss waterfall Iceland
Elena K.
Seljalandsfoss aerial view
Tómas V.

Reviews

Anja Müller
Mar 28, 2026 · Sightseeing
Unique experience Wet & misty Parking available Family friendly

Walking behind a 60-meter waterfall is something you don't forget. We went at sunset and the light through the curtain was absolutely magical. Bring proper rain gear — you WILL get soaked through. The path is well-maintained but rocky.

Conditions: Wet, misty spray, soaked path
Parking: Paid, 800 ISK, large lot
Difficulty: Easy
Daniel Park
Feb 14, 2026 · Photography
Great light at sunrise Crowded in summer Gljúfrabúi nearby

Best light at sunrise before the tour buses arrive. The path behind is slippery in winter but doable with spikes. Don't skip Gljúfrabúi next door — most tourists walk right past it, but it's a hidden waterfall inside a cave. Spectacular.

Conditions: Icy path, cold spray
Parking: Paid lot, small fee
Difficulty: Easy
Sofia Lindström
Jan 6, 2026 · Road trip
Winter closed behind Icy Great views

Stopped here on a Ring Road trip in early January. The path behind the waterfall was closed due to ice — check conditions before you go if walking behind is the main reason. Still stunning from the front though.

Conditions: Snow, ice, closed path
Parking: Free in winter (closed booth)
Difficulty: Easy (front only)

Nearby

Waterfalls

Gljúfrabúi waterfall
Gljúfrabúi
Hidden waterfall in a canyon, 5 min walk north
400m away →
 Skógafoss waterfall
Skógafoss
Powerful 60m waterfall with staircase to top
30 km away →
 Kvernufoss hidden waterfall
Kvernufoss
Hidden gem near Skógafoss, less crowded
32 km away →

Hot Springs

Seljavallalaug pool
Seljavallalaug
Historic outdoor pool in mountain valley
15 km away →
 Secret Lagoon hot spring
Secret Lagoon
Natural hot spring with facilities
60 km away →
 Hrunalaug small hot pot
Hrunalaug
Small natural hot pot, donation-based
75 km away →

Campsites

Hamragarðar campsite
Hamragarðar
Popular campsite near waterfalls
2 km away →
 Skógar campsite
Skógar Campsite
Next to Skógafoss with great facilities
30 km away →
 Vík campsite
Vík Campsite
Near black sand beach, all amenities
60 km away →

Services

N1 gas station Hvolsvöllur
N1 Hvolsvöllur
Full service gas station with food
25 km away →
 Krónan supermarket
Krónan Hvolsvöllur
Supermarket for supplies
25 km away →
 Vík gas station
Vík Gas Station
Last stop before Reynisfjara
60 km away →

Frequently
asked questions

Can you walk behind Seljalandsfoss?
Yes! There's a path that goes completely behind the waterfall. It's one of the few waterfalls in Iceland where you can do this. Just be prepared to get wet — the spray is intense. The path can be slippery and may close in winter due to ice.
Is Seljalandsfoss free to visit?
The waterfall itself is free to visit, but there's a parking fee of 800 ISK (about $6 USD). You can pay by card at the machine in the parking lot. The fee helps maintain the facilities and paths.
What should I wear to Seljalandsfoss?
Bring a waterproof jacket and pants if you plan to walk behind the falls — you WILL get soaked. Waterproof hiking shoes or boots are recommended as the path can be slippery. In winter, dress in warm layers.
What's the best time to visit Seljalandsfoss?
Early morning or late evening to avoid crowds. Sunset is magical for photography — the light turns golden and can create rainbows in the spray. Summer has midnight sun, so you can visit late at night. Winter nights are great for Northern Lights photos with the waterfall.
Is Gljufrabui worth visiting too?
Absolutely! Gljufrabui is a hidden waterfall just 5 minutes walk north of Seljalandsfoss. You have to wade through a small stream or squeeze through a narrow canyon to see it. It's less crowded and feels like discovering a secret. Don't miss it!
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