Seljalandsfoss Waterfall in South Iceland

Seljalandsfoss in the Seljalandsá river is one of the best-known waterfalls in Iceland. The waterfall is located on the South Coast of Iceland and very close to the Ring Road, therefore it’s easy to access.

Seljalandsfoss cascades about 62 meters (200 feet) off the cliff edge and there is a path that leads you behind the waterfall that can be fully encircled. When travelling to the South Coast of Iceland Seljalandsfoss is definitely a must visit. The waterfall is in the Seljalandsá river and originates from underneath the glacier Eyjafjallajökull, which is also the volcano that erupted in 2010 causing troubles with air traffic all over Europe!

Seljalandsfoss is one of the most photographed waterfall in Iceland and for a good reason, the waterfall is very picturesque. It stands in a lovely location, surrounded by cliffs and green slopes. During winter the scenery around the waterfall is also amazing with snow on the ground and ice in the slopes.

In 2015 Justin Bieber visited the waterfall as you can see in his music video for the song I’ll Show You.

Keep in mind when visiting Seljalandsfoss Waterfall:

• If walking behind the waterfall keep in mind that the path might be slippery, especially during winter.
• You might want to bring a waterproof jacket as you might get soaking wet from the drizzle.
• You need to pay for parking by the waterfall.

Directions to Seljalandsfoss

Seljalandsfoss is located just off the Ring Road on the South Coast of Iceland and therefor easy to access and a must visit place when travelling in the South.

Seljalandsfoss is located about 121 km from Reykjavík and it takes about 2 hours to drive (give yourself more time during winter). Take Ring Road nr. 1 towards the town Hvolsvöllur. After passing the town drive for about 18 minutes and then turn left on road nr. 249. There is a car park in front of the waterfall.

Seljalandsfoss is located about 60 km from the small town Vík and it takes about 50 minutes to drive (give yourself more time during winter). Take Ring Road nr. 1 until you see road nr. 249 that will lead you to the car park in front of the waterfall.

Gljúfrabúi Waterfall

Located next to Seljalandsfoss is a hidden gem called Gljúfrabúi Waterfall. Gljúfrabúi is sometimes overlooked by travellers, but it’s a very beautiful 40 meters high (131 feet) waterfall that is almost hidden away, as it cascades down into a deep gorge, behind a cliff wall. The name Gljúfrabúi means Gorge Dweller and the waterfall runs from the river Gljúfurá or Gorge River.

Gljúfrabúi is located next to Seljalandsfoss, just drive past Seljalandsfoss until you see the camping area called Hamragarðar, from there you park the car and hike to the waterfall. The hike is short and easy, takes about 5 minutes. It is a bit more difficult to go into the gorge but that gives you the chance to get very close to the waterfall. If you go into the gorge keep in mind that you might get wet!

South Coast of Iceland

The South Coast of Iceland is the perfect day trip from Reykjavik and there is so much to see and do. Driving along the coast you will see beautiful waterfalls, glaciers, majestic mountains, canyons, black sand beaches, volcanoes and glacier lagoons.

Check out our blog TOP 10 PLACES ON THE SOUTH COAST OF ICELAND for more ideas on what to do in the area.