Seljalandsfoss, Iceland
Seljalandsfoss on the South Coast is one of the most visited waterfalls in Iceland: not only because it makes for a spectacular sight, but also because you can walk behind the cascade and get cool photos!
Located about a two-hour drive from Reykjavik along the Ring Road, Seljalandsfoss is a stop on most tours of the South Coast of Iceland.
Created by a drop of the Seljalandsa River, the waters of the Seljandsfoss waterfall get their start at the Eyjafjallajökull glacier.
The coastline here receded and created a tall cliff, over which the water tumbles before flowing across the lowlands to the sea.
Although Seljalandsfoss is not a massively wide wall of water, its height and its setting makes it one of the most iconic waterfalls in Iceland. The single drop is 60 meters (about 197 feet).
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The cliff behind Seljalandsfoss has a large cave, and pathways and rocks make it possible for visitors to go completely around the waterfall in the warm summer months.
Walk along the path until you get directly behind the waterfall and enjoy the views through the curtain of water!
This spot makes for the most amazing photos any time of day, but especially if you happen to visit when the skies are colorful, at sunset. There are even floodlights that illuminate Seljalandsfoss at night is the sun is not up late.
Not only is Seljalandsfoss worth visiting in its own right, it is also close to other waterfalls, including the picturesque Gljufrabui.
While summer is the most popular time to visit Seljalandsfoss, it is also an arresting spectacle in the winter, because it does not freeze.
On this helpful Seljalandsfoss Waterfall website, you will find all the information you need to plan your visit.
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Complete 2026 Guide to Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, Iceland
Seljalandsfoss is one of the most popular attractions in Iceland.
Seljalandsfoss deserves a top spot on your itinerary for Iceland because of its elegance and beauty, but also because of the very cool walking path that allows you to get behind the cascading water in good weather.
This comprehensive Seljalandsfoss website is your one-stop site for all the details you need to plan your visit.
Seljalandsfoss is located along the scenic South Coast of Iceland, an easy drive from Reykajavik along the Ring Road. The official address for Seljalandsfoss is 861, Iceland, or 861 Hvolsvöllur, Iceland.
View the location of the waterfall visually on our map of Seljalandsfoss, and get driving directions to Seljalandsfoss from Reykjavik or Vik. Also browse our complete guide to getting to Seljalandsfoss, with suggestions for where to stop along the way.
There is parking at Seljalandsfoss, but the parking lot right by the waterfall is not free. Although you pay for parking, there is no entrance fee for Seljalandsfoss.
Seljalandsfoss is open 24/7, year round.
Planning to spend the night near Seljalandsfoss? Discover hotels and campsites near the waterfall!
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Things to Do at Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
Admire the waterfall!
Seljalandsfoss is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland. Its setting, and the waterfall itself, are sought-after photo subjects for landscape photographers.
The viewing area in front of the waterfall provides ample room to gawk at its beauty.
There is a pedestrian bridge over the river as it resumes its flow from the plunge pool at the base, so you can view Seljalandsfoss full-on. The bridge is actually the best viewing spot and ideal for capturing photos and video.
Admiring Seljalandsfoss Waterfall should definitely be on every first time visitor’s bucket list for Iceland.
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Walk the pathway behind Seljalandsfoss
Seljalandsfoss is a “walk-behind” waterfall, which means that you can actually get behind the curtain of water and look through it. How cool is that?
The pathway that goes behind Seljalandsfoss is open during good weather, typically in the summer. You will have to navigate some steps and the path is not paved, so wear shoes with good grip and watch your step.
Also wear a waterproof jacket and quick-drying pants, because you’ll likely get a little wet from the spray.
Walking the path behind Seljalandsfoss should take about 10-15 minutes, plus time to take photos. It’s definitely worth taking the time if you visit when the pathway is open.
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Do the short hike to Gljúfrabúi
Did you know there is a second (and very unique) waterfall a short walking distance from Selajlandsfoss?
Gljúfrabúi is considered “a hidden waterfall,” not because it is relatively unknown to visitors, but because it is nestled between the forbidding walls of a canyon.
In fact, Gljúfrabúi literally mean “the canyon dweller.”
There is a defined path that leads from the Seljalandsfoss viewing area to Gljúfrabúi, and if you have the time, extending the Seljalandsfoss waterfall hike to its neighbor is a great idea.
You can catch a decent glimpse of Gljúfrabúi from outside the canyon, but if you are an adventurous visitor dressed in waterproof clothing and waterproof footwear with good grip, you can make your way into the canyon (by wading through the stream) for a much more dramatic view of the waterfall.
There’s even a perfectly positioned slab of lava rock for posing beneath the waterfall.
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See Seljalandsfoss at Night!
Because of Seljalandsfoss Waterfall’s immense popularity, flood lights were installed on the cliff face around the waterfall a few years ago.
Now, if you drive the Ring Road from Reykjavik to Vik after dark, you can see Seljalandsfoss clearly visible from the road!
Of course, you can also visit Seljalandsfoss late in the day and stay until after dark to see the waterfall lit up. Seljalandsfoss at night is ethereal!
Photographing Seljalandsfoss lit up is a unique memory you can create on your trip tp Iceland. And if you are lucky, you may even capture the Northern Lights in the dark skies above Seljalandsfoss.
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Experience Sunset at Seljalandsfoss
Although Seljalandsfoss makes for a spectacular sight any time of the day, photographers prefer the light in the afternoon, as the waterfall is in shade in the mornings.
Golden hour casts a mellow glow, making the light beautiful to photograph Seljalandsfoss.
An especially picturesque time to visit Seljalandsfoss is at sunset, when colorful skies may add a brilliant backdrop to the beautiful waterfall.
And looking out at the setting golden orb of the sun from behind the curtain of water at Seljalandsfoss is a magical experience you will cherish forever! Seljalandsfoss faces west, making it an ideal spot to view sunset from behind the waterfall.
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