Sunset at Seljalandsfoss
Sunset at Seljalandsfoss is spectacular, because the waterfall faces west.
As the sun gets closer to setting, Seljalandsfoss is more brightly lit: it remains in the shadow in the earlier part of the day. Photos of the waterfall are bright and clear in the afternoon.
Plus, in the summer, you can stand behind the waterfall and capture the colors of sunset through the curtain of water. How cool is that?
While Seljalandsfoss is a must-stop spot on Iceland’s South Coast no matter what time of day you are able to make it there, the waterfall does come into its own in the afternoon and evening.
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From late spring and through the summer, which is known for the phenomenon of the midnight sun, Seljalandsoss remains bright for a long time, making it possible to visit the waterfall even on the return trip if you are on a day tour from Reykjavik to Vik.
Seljalandsfoss is understandably a popular sunset stop, so if you plan to visit in the high season and want a prime location for photography, getting there early in a good idea.
Planning a trip to see the falls? Visit the Seljalandsfoss website for the complete rundown on every single detail!
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!
Seljalandsfoss Sunset: Travel Guide Summary
| Seljalandsfoss Sunset Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Is Seljalandsfoss sunset worth it? | The sun sets behind the waterfall, creating golden light that illuminates the mist—perfect for photos |
| Sunset Timing | • Summer (June–July): ~11:00 PM • Spring/Fall: ~6:30–9:30 PM • Winter (Dec–Jan): ~3:30–4:30 PM |
| Best Photo Spots | • Behind the falls (summer only) • From the front with sunburst • From trail toward Gljúfrabúi for backlit glow |
| Gljúfrabúi at Sunset | Less light inside canyon, great for moody shots |
| Pro Tips for Sunset Chasers | – Arrive 30–45 minutes before sunset – Use a wide-angle lens for full waterfall + sky shots – twilight (blue hour) after sunset can be magical for long exposures. |
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Best Things to Do in Iceland at a Glance
| Location | Best Tours (Reserve now, these sell out fast!) |
|---|---|
| Area highlights | Golden Circle, South Coast, South Iceland, Ring Road |
| Reykjavik & from Reykjavik | Food walk, Northern Lights, Reykjavik city walk, whale watching, lava show, Icelandic horseback riding, Silfra snorkeling, puffins, volcano from helicopter, ATV |
| Vik & nearby | Easy glacier walk, black sand beach horse riding, zipline, glacier lagoon kayak |
| North Iceland | Whales & puffins, white water rafting, Godafoss |
Top-Rated Seljalandsfoss and South Coast Tours