Seljalandsfoss

Behind the curtain of water

Seljalandsfoss is one of the most recognisable sights in South Iceland, but in person it is especially striking for its setting: not so much an enormous mass of water, but a slender waterfall dropping around 60–65 metres in front of a natural recess in the cliff face. This retreat in the rock is what makes it special: when the trail is open, you can walk behind the falls and see the southern plains framed by the water.

A landscape shaped by sea, ice and rivers

The waterfall flows from the Seljalandsá river and drops from a section of ancient sea cliffs, a reminder of when the coastline lay further inland than it does today. Around it stretches the characteristic landscape of South Iceland: low-lying fields, almost constant wind and, on clear days, the presence of the Eyjafjallajökull system a little further north.

What it is really like

From the car park, the walk to the front viewpoint is short and easy. The full experience, however, depends on conditions: the route behind the waterfall almost always wets clothing and equipment, and the ground can become very slippery. A little further along, it is worth continuing to Gljúfrabúi, a waterfall hidden inside a narrow rock cleft, though access there is even wetter and more uneven.

What to know before you go

Seljalandsfoss is easy to include in a Ring Road itinerary and, for that very reason, is often very busy, especially from late morning through the afternoon. In winter or during thaw periods, the trail behind the waterfall may close because of ice and falling blocks or icicles from the cliff face. Never step over barriers or ropes: the risk here is not theoretical. If you encounter sideways rain or strong wind, even a half-hour visit can become cold and uncomfortable very quickly.