Seljalandsfoss

Overview

Seljalandsfoss stands as one of Iceland's most photographed waterfalls, dropping 60 metres from the cliff edge of the former coastline along the South Coast. What distinguishes this waterfall from countless others across Iceland is the unique opportunity to walk completely behind the falling water curtain, offering an extraordinary perspective few waterfalls worldwide can match. The falls originate from the Seljalandsá river, which flows from the glacier Eyjafjallajökull, creating a dramatic spectacle against the flat coastal plains below.

The waterfall's accessibility and photogenic qualities have made it an essential stop on the classic Ring Road circuit. Its position just off Route 1 means virtually every visitor to southern Iceland encounters Seljalandsfoss, yet the experience remains genuinely awe-inspiring despite its popularity. The combination of easy access, year-round flow, and the rare behind-the-falls experience creates a waterfall that satisfies both casual tourists and serious photographers. During optimal conditions, the mist from the falls creates vivid rainbows, particularly in late afternoon light.

Quick Facts

- **GPS Coordinates**: 63.6156°N, 19.9908°W

- **Entry Fee**: Free

- **Opening Hours**: Accessible 24 hours daily

- **Best Time to Visit**: June-August for warmest conditions, September-March for Northern Lights photography

- **Difficulty**: Easy walk, moderate scramble behind falls

- **Nearest Town**: Hvolsvöllur, 32km east

- **Height**: 60 metres

- **River Source**: Seljalandsá from Eyjafjallajökull glacier

How to Get There

Driving

From Reykjavík, take Route 1 (Ring Road) southeast for 121 kilometres, approximately 1 hour 30 minutes under normal conditions. The route passes through Hveragerði and Selfoss before reaching the South Coast proper. Seljalandsfoss is clearly signposted on the right side of Route 1, with the waterfall visible from the main road. The turning is located between the settlements of Hvolsvöllur (32km east) and Hella (15km west).

From Vík, drive 60 kilometres northwest on Route 1 for approximately 45 minutes. The waterfall appears on your left side as you approach from the east, with the car park entrance clearly marked.

Parking

A large gravel car park accommodates approximately 200 vehicles directly beside Route 1. Parking is free with no time restrictions. The car park can become extremely congested during peak summer months (June-August) and may fill completely between 10:00-16:00. Coaches and campervans use the same facilities, so early morning or evening visits often provide better parking availability.

Access

The waterfall stands just 200 metres from the car park via a well-maintained gravel path suitable for all fitness levels. The walk behind the waterfall requires scrambling over uneven, wet rocks for approximately 50 metres – this section demands reasonable mobility and appropriate footwear.

What to See and Do

The primary attraction involves walking behind Seljalandsfoss through a natural cave carved by centuries of water flow. This behind-the-falls experience provides 270-degree views of the surrounding landscape framed by the water curtain. The path behind the falls follows a rocky ledge that can accommodate multiple visitors simultaneously, though space becomes limited during peak periods.

Photography opportunities abound from multiple vantage points. The classic shot captures the full waterfall from the front meadow, approximately 100 metres from the base. Behind the falls, photographers can capture unique silhouettes and the interplay of light through the water. The surrounding cliffs and countryside provide additional compositional elements, particularly the neighbouring Gljúfrabúi waterfall, partially hidden in a rocky canyon 500 metres northeast.

The area offers excellent Northern Lights viewing during winter months, with the waterfall providing a dramatic foreground for aurora photography. The illuminated falls against the night sky create compelling long-exposure opportunities, though photographers must manage significant moisture from the spray.

Best Time to Visit

**June-August**: Peak season offers the warmest temperatures (10-15°C) and longest daylight hours, but also maximum crowds. The surrounding vegetation appears most lush, and the behind-the-falls walk remains most comfortable. Expect queues and limited parking between 11:00-15:00.

**September-October**: Shoulder season provides excellent conditions with fewer visitors. Weather remains generally stable, though rain becomes more frequent. This period offers optimal photography conditions with dramatic skies and autumn colours in the surrounding landscape.

**November-March**: Winter visits require careful preparation for icy conditions, but offer solitude and Northern Lights opportunities. The path behind the falls becomes treacherous with ice formation. Daylight hours are severely limited (4-6 hours), but the frozen landscape creates ethereal conditions.

**April-May**: Spring thaw creates maximum water flow, making the waterfall most impressive but the behind-the-falls walk potentially dangerous due to increased spray and unstable ice. Weather remains unpredictable with frequent temperature fluctuations.

Safety

The rocks behind Seljalandsfoss remain constantly wet and extremely slippery year-round. Proper hiking boots with good grip are essential – trainers or smooth-soled shoes create genuine fall risks. The path involves uneven surfaces with a significant drop on the outer edge.

During winter months, ice formation makes the behind-the-falls route potentially dangerous. Crampons or ice grips may be necessary, and the path sometimes becomes impassable. The area around the base frequently floods during heavy rainfall or rapid snowmelt, potentially cutting off access routes.

Strong winds can drive spray considerable distances from the falls, creating slippery conditions well beyond the immediate area. Waterproof clothing is strongly recommended regardless of season. The combination of moisture and wind can create hypothermic conditions even during summer months.

Mobile phone reception is reliable, but emergency services response times to this rural location can exceed 30 minutes.

Nearby Places

**Gljúfrabúi** (500m northeast): A hidden waterfall inside a narrow canyon requiring a short wade through shallow water to access. Less crowded alternative offering intimate viewing conditions.

**Skógafoss** (28km southeast): Iceland's most powerful waterfall with 25-metre width and 60-metre drop. Features a staircase to the top and excellent rainbow viewing opportunities.

**Eyjafjallajökull Visitor Centre** (15km northeast): Educational centre focusing on the 2010 volcanic eruption that disrupted global air travel, located in Hvolsvöllur.

**Þórsmörk Nature Reserve** (32km northeast via F249): Mountain hiking area requiring 4WD access, offering day hikes through birch forests and volcanic landscapes.

**Stokksnes Peninsula** (95km southeast): Dramatic black sand dunes and mountain views, though requiring a significant detour from the main Ring Road route.

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