Located in Southern Iceland, Seljalandsfoss is not just a waterfall—it’s a captivating dance of water and light. With a unique feature allowing you to walk behind its cascading veil, this 60-meter marvel beckons adventurers to witness nature’s extraordinary spectacle. Welcome to Seljalandsfoss, one of Iceland’s most beautiful waterfalls.
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About Seljalandsfoss
Seljalandsfoss is a breathtaking waterfall situated in the southern part of Iceland, along the country’s famous Ring Road.
What sets Seljalandsfoss apart is its distinctive feature of allowing visitors to walk behind the cascading water. It isn’t the only waterfall in Iceland where you can walk behind, but it’s definitely the most popular. If you’re looking for an alternative, make sure to check the nearby Kvernufoss.
The waterfall originates from the Seljalands River, and its 60-meter drop creates a powerful and mesmerizing sight. This is true especially during the summer months, when the surrounding lush green landscape is in full bloom.
Seljalandsfoss is one of Iceland’s most iconic and photogenic natural attractions, drawing visitors with its stunning beauty and the opportunity for a memorable and immersive adventure. Keep reading to learn everything about it.
How to get to Seljalandsfoss
Seljalandsfoss Waterfall is easily accessible. It is located in Southern Iceland, about 30km from nearby Skogafoss and Kvernufoss.
The waterfall is about 130km (2h) from Iceland’s capital city, Reykjavik. Here is the exact location of Seljalandsfoss:
From the ring road, turn onto “road 249“and after 700 meters, you will find a big parking area on the right. The road is paved, while the parking is half paved half gravel.
Parking at Seljalandsfoss
The parking at Seljalandsfoss is “Pay and Display”, and as of 2023 there are no cameras checking entrances. However, it is a popular spot so expect to find parking patrols around quite often.
Parking here costs 900 ISK (€6 EUR). You can purchase a ticket from one of the available machines, and it’s important that you place it visibly on your dashboard. The parking ticket is valid for the day.
Important to note: The machines exclusively accept card payments; cash transactions are not supported.
Services and amenities
There is a small food truck on-site selling instant coffee and other drinks. Next to it is a souvenier shop, which also sells sweathers and other clothing items.
Some toilets are also available, and they are included in the parking fee.
Seljalandsfoss Hike Details
From the parking lot, the hike to reach the waterfall of Seljalandsfoss is incredibly short. This is definitely one of the factors that contributed to its gain in popularity over the past few years.
In total, you’re looking at a 250m-long, mostly flat path to reach the waterfall. It is very easy, and suitable to all people.
As you approach Seljalandsfoss, the trail can become slippery from the mist generated by the waterfall. If you’re not wearing proper hiking boots, be careful on the stairs as they could potentially cause some falls.
The trail then goes behind the waterfall, and it goes all the way around it. Unlike Kvernufoss, where you can only access it from one side, at Seljalandsfoss you can continue walking on a loop. The two trails are then connected thanks to a small bridge, so you don’t have to retrace your steps.
When you’re behind the waterfall, you get this super cool and unique view of Iceland. It’s pretty awesome!
Best time to visit Seljalandsfoss
The best time of the day to visit Seljalandsfoss is undoubtedly sunset. We haven’t been particularly lucky during our visit as the sky was overcast all day long, but photos online might give you an idea of how stunning this waterfall is at sunset. Avoid sunrise as the sun is located behind the waterfall, which results being in full shade.
As for the best time of the year, summer (June to August) is the best time as the climate is milder and the days get longer. This, however, also corresponds with Iceland’s peak season, so you may have to deal with more tourists.
If you happen to visit during the winter months, expect ice around the trail and be prepared for that. Boot spikes or crampons are your ally.
Check out nearby Gljufrabui
When visiting Seljalandsfoss you gotta make sure to visit the nearby waterfall of Gljufrabui. Gljufrabui is a hidden gem near Seljalandsfoss in Iceland, known for its mystical beauty. This waterfall is partially concealed within a narrow canyon, and it cascades down into a serene pool, creating a magical atmosphere.
Accessible by wading through a stream or entering a narrow opening in the rock, Gljufrabui offers a more intimate and secluded experience compared to its famous neighbor, Seljalandsfoss. Here it’s the exact location:
There is no parking available at Gljufrabui, and the most common way to reach it is by walking along the trail that begins at Seljalandsfoss. The path is quite flat, and it’s just 600m long (one-way) from one waterfall to the other.
Our experience at Seljalandsfoss
Seljalandsfoss is one of the most popular waterfalls in Iceland.
We expected it to be very crowded, but luckily, it wasn’t the case. We visited in the second half of September 2023, which isn’t the high season anymore. There were several tourists, but it didn’t feel busy at all.
The walk is really easy. It’s so short that you can see the waterfall already from the parking lot.
While the accessibility makes it popular among every type of tourist, this doesn’t make Seljalandsfoss any less charming. As soon as you get close and have the ability to walk behind it, everything becomes special. This is a waterfall that invites you to immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring beauty of its surroundings.
We also saw a few tourists going far off the designated path for the sake of some silly reels. If you visit, please stay on path and avoid stepping on the moss as it’s very sensitive.
Overall, we ended up staying just around 30 minutes at the waterfall. It’s a short visit, and if you’re in a hurry you could squeeze it in just 10 minutes. Make sure to add Seljalandsfoss to your Southern Iceland Itinerary!
Top tips for visiting
Visiting Seljalandsfoss doesn’t require much planning nor preparation. Therefore, the list won’t be long, but make sure to follow these basic principles and advices:
Wear hiking boots: although short, the trail features some slippery sections and it can get muddy in some points, especially after rainy days. Wearking proper hiking footwear is always a good idea in Iceland, regardless of the length of the hike.
A raincoat is essential! Even on a sunny day, the water splashes and mist created by the waterfall are quite substantial and reach the trail at some points. You might get wet, so wearing a raincoat is recommended.
Stay on the designated path. Iceland’s efforts to preserve its delicate environment are remarkable, and all of us as visitors must do our best to keep the places as we found them. Staying on the designated trail is the best first step in this direction.
Essential gear for backpacking Iceland
Before you jet off to Iceland, a little prep goes a long way. Trust us, you’ll be venturing into the wild from day one, especially if you’re cruising around in a rented car, camping at sites, and counting on your gear.
Packing essentials can vary according to the season and the activities you have in mind. For your convenience, we’ve organized this section into two categories: “Must-Have Items” and “Additional Items.”
Must-Have Items
A good rain jacket. You want to have a good rain coat with you when visiting Iceland, as the weather can change unpredictably. There’s plenty of shops in Reykjavik that sell – and even rent – rain jackets for your Iceland vacation.
We would recommend a good one like the Marmot Men’s Minimalist Component Jacket or the Columbia Women’s Pouring Adventure II Jacket. Quality jackets can be a bit pricey, but they’re a worthwhile investment, especially for a trip to Iceland.
Waterproof overpants. It somehow seemed an unnecessary item to bring before reaching iceland, but it turned out to be one of those items we used daily. Bring a pair of those, you won’t regret it. Check out Columbia Men’s Rebel Roamer Rain Pant and Columbia Women’s Storm Surge Pant.
Warm Socks: Packing merino wool socks for Iceland is crucial to keep your feet warm and dry in the diverse and often unpredictable weather conditions. For summer, check out DANISH ENDURANCE Merino Wool Hiking Liner Socks, they are great quality and quite thin. If you’re travelling in the coldest months, consider getting knee-high wool socks.
Warm clothing: Iceland’s weather can be unpredictable. Pack thermal layers, including merino wool for its excellent insulation, insulated gloves (especially for winter), and a good quality winter hat.
Sturdy Footwear: Waterproof and insulated boots or hiking shoes are essential for exploring Iceland’s varied terrain. For top-notch gear, you can’t go wrong with brands like Scarpa, Salomon, and La Sportiva. If you’re looking for something a bit more budget-friendly, Merrell and Altra have got you covered.
Please note: If you’re gearing up for glacier walks or ice caving, make sure to go for rigid boots that can fit crampons. Flexible boots offer greater comfort for hiking, but you might struggle if you need to use ice spikes.
Reusable Water Bottle: Iceland has clean, safe and free drinking water everywhere. Therefore, you don’t need a fancy filtration system like the GRAYL GeoPress 24 oz for Iceland.
Save money and cut down on waste by opting for a reusable water bottle. The ideal solution for Iceland is one that works well for both hot and cold beverages.
Toiletries: Pack travel-sized toiletries, including soap, shampoo, and sunscreen, as these can be expensive in Iceland.
Headlamp/Flashlight: In Iceland’s long winter nights or for exploring caves, for chasing auroras or for walking around your campsite, a reliable light source is crucial. We have this one and simply love it, it’s incredibly cheap, bright plus the battery lasts so long.
Portable Charger: Keep your devices charged during outdoor adventures, especially if you’re planning to camp in Iceland. We recently picked up a fast-charging power bank from INIU that works like a charm. Just be sure to grab one with enough capacity for all your devices.
Additional Items
Swimwear: Don’t forget your swimsuit for relaxing in geothermal pools and hot springs.
Backpack: A sturdy, weather-resistant backpack is useful for carrying your essentials during outdoor excursions. If you plan on doing lots of hiking, we recommend a dedicated backpack. You have countless options on the market, but one like Men’s Osprey Talon 22L or Women’s Osprey Tempest 20L would be perfect.
Camera and Binoculars: Iceland’s landscapes are stunning, so bring a camera and binoculars for wildlife and scenic views.
Local Currency: Have some Icelandic Krona (ISK) on hand for small purchases and in case you visit places that don’t accept cards. We never used cash in Iceland, so it’s not something you must bring around, but in a couple of situations it would have been handful.
Food and Drinks: Due to Iceland’s relatively high prices, especially for alcohol, and limited food options in some areas, consider carrying some essential snacks and beverages.
Hiking Gear: If you plan on hiking, consider bringing trekking poles, a compact first-aid kit, and gaiters.
Wet Wipes: Handy for quick clean-ups, especially when camping or on long road trips. These can easily be bought once you land in Iceland, or packed in your backpack before leaving. Check these flushable ones if you’re looking for some.
Swiss Army Knife or Multi-Tool: Useful for various outdoor tasks, especially when camping or preparing food. Here is a cheap one.
Travel Pillow: For added comfort during long drives, flights or while camping. The provided ones aren’t always the best. Here is a good one.