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Gljúfrabúi Waterfall is a hidden waterfall near Seljalandsfoss in Iceland

Hidden Waterfall Next To Seljalandsfoss

Did you know that there is a second beautiful hidden waterfall next to Seljalandsfoss?

This waterfall is called Gljúfrabúi, and it is located within the tall walls of a narrow gorge. In fact, Gljufrabui means “canyon dweller” in Icelandic. It is an exciting waterfall to visit when you are at Seljalandsfoss!

Like Seljalandsfoss, Gljufrabui is fed by the meltwaters of the Eyjafjallajökull Glacier.

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Gljúfrabúi plunges 40 meters (about 131 feet) over a lava cliff into a plunge pool. Framed by the moss covered dark walls of the canyon, Gljúfrabúi is a beautiful sight.

Gljúfrabúi Waterfall, Iceland
Gljúfrabúi’s beauty is best appreciated up close

While you can see Gljufrabui partially from outside the canyon, more adventurous travelers can wade the stream into the gorge for a full-on view of the cascading waters.

Gljúfrabúi waterfall from outside the canyon in Iceland
Viewing Gljúfrabúi from outside the canyon

Be sure to wear shoes with good grip, especially if you want to climb up boulders inside the canyon for better photos of the waterfall.

Planning to visit this famous walk-behind Iceland waterfall? Bookmark our Seljalandsfoss website for help planning all the details of your visit!

And if you’re just starting to plan your visit to Iceland, check out the some of the top things to do in Iceland, many of which you absolutely don’t want to miss!

Top 10 Things to Do in Iceland
Top 10 Things to Do in Iceland

How to Get to the Gljufrabui Waterfall

Walk the trail from Seljalandsfoss

From Seljalandsfoss, you can walk a short trail to Gljufrabui.

The round trip out-and-back waterfall hike is about 2.0 kilometers (1.2 miles). The walk is relatively flat and doable for most visitors. This distance is from the parking lot at Seljalandsfoss and includes circling the Seljalandsfoss waterfall.

The trail is open year-round, but note that it may be slick and icy in the winter. Wear shoes with spikes or bring cleats to help with traction on ice.

🛶 Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon Boat & South Coast Tour from Reykjavik Witness the breathtaking beauty of Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon on a boat tour, combined with visits to stunning south coast attractions like Diamond Beach and Vatnajökull National Park. Check price and availability now!

Drive to Gljúfrabúi

You can also drive along Route 249 to the parking lot at Gljúfrabúi if you do not wish to walk.

Best Things to Do in Iceland at a Glance

LocationBest Tours
(Reserve now, these sell out fast!)
Area highlightsGolden Circle, South Coast, South Iceland, Ring Road
Reykjavik & from ReykjavikFood walk, Northern Lights, Reykjavik city walk, whale watching, lava show, Icelandic horseback riding, Silfra snorkeling, puffins, volcano from helicopter, ATV
Vik & nearbyEasy glacier walk, black sand beach horse riding, zipline, glacier lagoon kayak
North IcelandWhales & puffins, white water rafting, Godafoss

Top-Rated Seljalandsfoss Tours: