Seljalandsfoss Waterfall Hike
The Seljalandsfoss waterfall hike is really just a walk from the parking lot to the viewing area at the base of the waterfall, and then up some steps and behind the waterfall and back out.
It’s a short walk and doable for most visitors to Seljalandsfoss, but there are steps to navigate if you wish to go behind the waterfall, as well as some elevation change.
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Note also that the path behind the waterfall can be closed in winter. In that event, the walk is even shorter, just to the base of the falls!
But there is a somewhat longer hike you can do at Seljalandsfoss, to another waterfall nearby!
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And if you’re just starting to plan your visit to Iceland, check out some of the top things to do in Iceland, many of which you absolutely don’t want to miss!
Seljalandsfoss to Gljúfrabúi Waterfall Hike
The waterfall hike from Seljalandsfoss to Gljúfrabúi is a must-do when you visit Seljalandsfoss, so allow enough time!
These two waterfalls are truly unique, because at Seljalandsfoss you can walk the path to behind the cascade, while at Gljúfrabúi you walk through a cavern to get to the waterfall!
While the 60-meter drop of the Seljalandsfoss Waterfall is visible from Route 1 as you approach from Reykajavik, Gljúfrabúi is tucked away and you have to do a short easy hike to get to it.
Gljúfrabúi means “one that inhabits the gorge” in Icelandic, and indeed, Gljúfrafoss is hidden inside a narrow gorge.
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As you approach the cliff walls, you get a partial view of the cascade, but to get to the base of the Gljúfrabúi waterfall, you have do some hopping, stepping-stone style, over rocks in the creek, to enter the gorge.
Unless the water level is really low, you will need waterproof shoes (with good traction) or your feet will get wet and the water is freezing cold.
Inside the cavern, it is a surreal scene as you admire the cascade tumbling to the floor. It is dripping wet in the gorge, so you’ll want to have arrived wearing a raincoat.
Feel the cool mist on your face as you admire yet another of Iceland’s many natural wonders.
If you want to take a photo, you’ll have to be quick or your lens will get misted. Come prepared to dry the lens between shots.
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Seljalandsfoss Waterfall Hike & Gljúfrabúi Hike Summary Table
| Hike | Seljalandsfoss Waterfall Hike | Walk to Gljúfrabúi (Hidden Waterfall) |
|---|---|---|
| Length | ~0.5 km (0.3 mi) round trip | ~0.7 km (0.4 mi) one way from Seljalandsfoss |
| Time Required | ~15–20 minutes (more if taking photos or walking behind) | ~10–15 minutes one way |
| Trailhead | Seljalandsfoss parking lot | Seljalandsfoss parking lot |
| Difficulty | Easy (watch out for slippery rocks behind the falls) | Easy |
| Trail Type | Short loop (out & back, with option to walk behind the falls) | Gravel path along meadow and fence line |
| Footwear Recommendation | Waterproof hiking shoes or boots, crampons in winter | Waterproof shoes, especially if entering canyon |
How to do the hike from Seljalandsfoss to Gljúfrabúi
From the paid parking lot at Seljalandsfoss, a short and easy stroll takes you to the Seljalandsfoss waterfall, where you can admire the gorgeous cascade and walk the path that goes around the cascade and takes you behind the curtain of water.
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Then get back onto the main trail and hike for another 10 to 15 minutes or so to get to Gljúfrabúi. There is a sign marking the trail.
The hike between the Seljalandsfoss parking lot and Gljúfrabúi is about 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) out and back, with an elevation change of just about 80 meters (265 feet). This includes walking around and behind Seljalandsfoss.
The Seljalandsfoss to Gljúfrabúi waterfall hike is classed as an easy hike.
Allow about one hour for the out-and-back hike plus time at Gljúfrabúi.
Summer is the ideal time for the Seljalandsfoss to Gljúfrabúi hike.
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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 |
Reykjavik to Seljalandsfoss (and South Coast) Tours