How To Get To Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
Getting to Seljalandsfoss, on the southern coast of Iceland, is straightforward, since it’s located just off Route 1, the renowned Ring Road.
Most travelers visit Seljalandsfoss from Reykjavik. You can choose to arrive independently, by car or campervan, or as part of a guided tour of Iceland’s scenic South Coast.
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Driving to Seljalandsfoss Waterfall from Reykjavik
Rent a car in Reykjavik and drive southeast along the southern coast of Iceland to Seljalandsfoss.
Most of the driving route to Seljalandsfoss from Reykjavik is along Route 1, until you hit the turnoff for the waterfall (Route 249). Look for the turnoff after you cross the Krossa River.
Along the route, you will also cross the Þjórsá, Iceland’s longest river.
A short stint on Route 249 brings you right to the parking lot for Seljalandsfoss. Note that there is a fee to park at the carpark that’s right next to Seljalandsfoss.
The driving distance from Reykjavik to Seljalandsfoss is 129 kilometers (about 80 miles), and in normal traffic and normal driving conditions, the drive should take you about one hour and 50 minutes one way with no stops (see map).
Self-driving offers the greatest flexibility when you explore Iceland’s south coast, with the ability to start and return at the times you choose and the ability to stop wherever you wish along the way to enjoy the views or stretch your legs.
But Icelandic roads are not the easiest of drives for everyone, particularly if you happen to be visiting when the weather is not good.
In the winter, ice, snow, and wind can severely impact driving conditions. Even though the Ring Road is cleared promptly after snowfall, the clearing may not keep up with the pace at which the snow falls.
So if the road conditions don’t look good, join a guided tour and leave the driving to a local!
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Where to Stop on the Drive from Reykjavik to Seljalandsfoss
Seljalandsfoss is one of the first major waterfalls along Iceland’s south coast as you approach from Reykjavik.
Nonetheless, here are a few places where you can stop along the way!
Hveragerði
A small town along the southwest coast of Iceland, Hveragerði is nicknamed “the Hot Spring Town” or “the Earthquake Town” because of the geothermal activity in the area.
You’ll find botanical areas to visit, as well as museums, a horse farm, and hiking trails that allow you to view the geothermal activity and bathe in a hot spring!
Selfoss
The largest town in southern Iceland, Selfoss has a charming center where you can admire Icelandic architecture as you browse shops and eateries.
Be sure to sample skyr, a yogurt with a history!
Gluggafoss
Gluggafoss waterfall is worth the short detour from Route 1!
Somewhat of a hidden gem because it’s off the main road, Gluggafoss is a stunning two-tiered waterfall, with an initial drop of 44.5 meters (about 146 feet) and a second fan-shaped drop of 8.5 meters (about 28 feet).
The waterfall is a short walk from the parking area.
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Taking a Guided Tour from Reykjavik to Seljalandsfoss
Joining a guided tour from Reykjavik is a carefree way to visit the Seljalandsfoss waterfall. All you have to do is sit back and enjoy the stunning views along the way!
Most tours that stop at Seljalandsfoss are driving tours of Iceland’s south coast. Along with Seljalandsfoss, you will visit other iconic attractions such as Skogafoss, Solheimajokull Glacier, and Reynisfjara Beach.
Here are some of the top choices:
1. This top-rated and very popular tour of Iceland’s south coast has stops at Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss, along with Solheimajokull Glacier, Reynisfjara Beach, and the postcard town of Vik.
Travel in an air-conditioned Mercedes minibus in a small group. Pick up from select Reykjavik hotels is included. Enjoy complimentary wifi on board!
Lunch isn’t included, so pack snacks and sandwiches to stay fueled on your adventure, or buy food during the lunch stop!
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2. On this highly-rated tour, you will get to visit Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss, the two major South Coast waterfalls, along with the black sand beach Reynisfjara, but you will also get to hike on Solheimajokull Glacier. It’s a cool adventure you won’t want to miss!
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How far is Seljalandsfoss Waterfall from Reykjavik?
Along the Ring Road (Route 1), Seljalandsfoss Waterfall is 129 kilometers (about 80 miles) from Reykjavik, where many travelers to Iceland base.
In normal traffic and good weather and driving conditions, the distance from Reykjavik to Seljalandsfoss can be covered in a little under two hours.
Driving from Vik to Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
If you are traveling to Seljalandsfoss Waterfall from the town of Vik, drive west along the south coast of Iceland along Route 1 to Route 249, where you will turn right and make the short drive to the paid parking lot.
The driving distance from Vik to Seljalandsfoss is 61.8 kilometers (about 38.4 miles), and in normal traffic and normal driving conditions, the drive should take you about 50 minutes one way with no stops (see map).
Where to Stop on the Drive from Vik to Seljalandsfoss
There are several major South Coast attractions between Vik and Seljalandsfoss, so allow yourself plenty of time to take in these stunning sights en route!
Vikurfjara Black sand Beach
Less famous than Reynisfjara Beach, Vikurfjara Beach is a gorgeous black sand beach well worth the stop, especially if you enjoy landscape photography.
Stroll along the black sand and enjoy the views of the rock formations!
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
Reynisfjara Beach, the Black Sand Beach in Iceland, is a long stretch of black sand, created by the grinding down of volcanic rocks by the ocean.
The dramatic sea stacks and the stunning hexagonal basalt columns make the landscape striking and unique. It’s a favorite stop for photographers!
The beach is prone to sneaker waves, though, so stay well above the water line.
Solheimajokull Glacier
The easy-to-access Solheimajokull Glacier, nestled between the Katla and Eyjafjallajökul volcanoes, is another must-stop spot along Iceland’s south coast.
You can choose to walk to the viewpoint or to the edge of the glacier to admire the massive crevasses and ridges of Solheimajokull Glacier, or you can book an easy guided hike on the ice!
Kvernufoss
Iceland’s south coast is known for its many waterfalls, and Kvernufoss is a less visited but gorgeous waterfall just off the Ring Road (you can even see it from the road).
In the summer, you can walk behind Kvernufoss, and stand behind the curtain of water, just like at Seljalandsfoss! Of course, it’s much smaller then Seljalandsfoss.
Skogafoss
Skogafoss is one of the most renowned (and one of the largest) waterfalls in Iceland. It’s a huge wall of water and you will get drenched if you get close, so bring a waterproof jacket!
On sunny days, you will likely see many pretty rainbows created by the mist.
Top-Rated South Coast of Iceland Tours