Seljalandsfoss
Seljalandsfoss
4.5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
About
Found just off the Ring Road, Seljalandsfoss is a majestic 200-feet waterfall. You can even walk behind it—the closest you can get to experiencing the full force of the waterfall. Surrounded by green hills and volcanic rock, Seljalandsfoss is a popular spot for photography, and during the summer months you can spot its mist from quite a distance away. Gljufrabui Waterfall is a short hike away, a hidden waterfall that you’ll have to wade through a shallow stream to reach. Wear good shoes and a waterproof jacket as the falls can be slippery and wet. For fewer crowds, visit early in the morning or just before sunset. – Tripadvisor
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- Cosmo100 contributionsPrepare for a cold showerBeautiful site with a very high waterfall. It is possible to walk behind the fall. Recommend you bring waterproof clothes or prepare for a cold shower. The place is very crowded. Paid parking. Recommended for a short stop/break.Visited October 2023Travelled with familyWritten 14 October 2023
- Michael KLondon, United Kingdom551 contributionsThe fun of walking behind a waterfallThe final stop on our South Coast Tour was the Seljalandsfoss waterfall, the third we had seen. Another long drop, approx. 60m. Unsurprisingly, you get wet with the spray as you approach, but the special party trick of this one is that you can walk behind it via a lichen-covered grotto that could have come straight out of a Harry Potter film. This is well worth doing, for the unusual experience of seeing the world through a huge curtain of water. But beware potentially slippery uneven stones.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 3 November 2023
- eNXi5Budapest, Hungary9 contributionsThe First Waterfall We Visited in IcelandIt was the first waterfall we visited in Iceland. It is illuminated night-time so you can see from the ringroad (Route 1) in the dark, too. It is really wonderful however, I would suggest to visit it in the afternoon as in the morning it is in the shadow of the rocks it falls from. As the morning was frosty, the water spray froze on paths and rocks and all those were extremely slippery. Parking is ISK 900 (pay-and-display ticket). Glúfraúbi is a short walk from here.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 22 November 2023
- Bandit-OneLucerne, Switzerland10,512 contributionsA definitive must-doThis here is surely one of the most impressive falls in Iceland. It is big in size. The waterfall drops 60 m (197 ft) and is part of the Seljalands River that has its origin in the volcano glacier Eyjafjallajökull. Besides the impressive height, the fact that you can walk behind it is the real attraction here. The path and stones can be slippery, some solid footwear is recommended. And definitely a raincoat, an umbrella won't do. Except you enjoy getting fully wet. But that's definitely part of the fun here. Getting through the spray, which veries depending on the amount of water, weather and wind. From the front the fall is an impressive one. But the views and pics you get from the backside are really special and unique. Really a highlight on our trip. There's a bakery and some souvenir shops on site. And don't miss out on visiting the nearby hidden Gljúfrabúi fall, where you might get even wetter.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 23 November 2023
- SmileyMaiaMarlow, United Kingdom91 contributionsStunning!Incredible area and you get to see 4 stunning waterfalls. With the final one on the trail being a hidden gem. It is very icy in winter so just be aware that you need waterproofs and once the water hits it is freezing. But these beautiful waterfalls are worth the visit.Visited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 24 November 2023
- BrakiWorldTravelerBelgrade, Serbia20,004 contributionsBeautiful main fall and few others along the pathSeljalandfoss is the first major waterfall along the southern Iceland's Route 1. It's set half way between Selfoss and Vik and you see it from distance while driving. Parking is just 500 m off the road, payable 900 ISK (around 7$) flat rate at the machine. The main fall is the first you encounter. It's some 60 m high with a path going into the rock behind the fall. Beware, waterproof clothing is must if you want to stay dry. After going around that path proceed further along the rock range where you'll see 2-3 other smaller falls - the last one is rewarding as it's hidden behind huge stones.Visited October 2023Travelled with familyWritten 28 November 2023
- Cold and Quiet Fan83 contributionsBetter than the waterfalls in Golden CircleThis is a must see if on the south coast in Iceland. A lot less people than in the Golden Circle. We visited in the winter so could not walk behind the waterfall, but there is a path to walk behind it that you can do in the warmer months. There is also a second waterfall a short walk away from here. Must see when in the south of Iceland!Visited December 2023Travelled with familyWritten 3 February 2024
- varneykrHancock, New Hampshire699 contributionsBeautiful waterfall, busy and crowded placeWhile Seljalandsfoss is worth a visit, it was crowded and busy when we arrived on a Tuesday morning in February. The parking lot was busy and you do have to pay to park. It was raining when we were there and slippery; microspikes are highly advised. As is walking single file on the boardwalk, just a tip.Visited February 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 22 February 2024
- MichaelaWest Yorkshire, United Kingdom422 contributionsBeautiful waterfallWe drove here from Reykjavik and didn't have any problems. There's a big car park, snack stalls for sandwiches and toilets that weren't very nice but we're free and the site was free so we were grateful. The falls were stunning! Unfortunately we visited after a big snowfall so the path to walk behind the falls was closed off. The paths are all clearly marked and it's an easy short walk, even with a lot of snow on the ground. Follow the path to get to Gljufrabui, which is absolutely incredible and definitely one of the best things I saw in IcelandVisited February 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 10 March 2024
- EdK59Sevenoaks, United Kingdom1,064 contributionsWalk to the Top and See Amazing Views.One of the special waterfalls to visit in Iceland. You can get some spectacular photos from the front of this waterfall and also after climbing 500 odd steps, at the top. Watch small children and don't allow them out of sight. You don't want them going to close to the waterfall and especially not on the slippery rocks on the side. Enjoy!Visited March 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 28 March 2024
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Andrew S
Southampton, UK339 contributions
Feb 2020
Although not as large as Skogafoss, the Seljalandsfoss waterfall is higher and more elegant than its larger rival. It is easily accessed from the road with a good parking area, and good paths up to the base of the waterfall. There are a couple of viewing platforms on either side, which can get slippery in adverse conditions. In good weather there is also a pathway that goes behind the waterfall, but you will still need waterproof clothes. A very picturesque waterfall that offers excellent photographic opportunities.
Written 17 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ian_New2019
London, UK22 contributions
Feb 2020 • Solo
Beautiful place!!! Short walk from car park (2mins) and absolutely beautiful! Words can’t really describe it. Be aware due to ice the walk behind waterfall is not permitted. During winter. It’s still a wonderful sight to behold! Will be returning in the summer most definitely!
Another thing to note...In winter boot “crampons” are absolutely essential all winter even in the city’s.
Another thing to note...In winter boot “crampons” are absolutely essential all winter even in the city’s.
Written 24 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HeardItBothWays
Easton, PA2,364 contributions
Sept 2021
My husband and I visited Seljalandsfoss on our recent trip to Iceland. It's a beautiful and stunning waterfall with several other beautiful falls nearby. You can walk underneath the falls to see the view from behind the falls, which was really special. Make sure to bring waterproof gear like a poncho to help you stay dry!
We arrived around 10:30am and the falls were already packed with several bus tours. The tours seem to follow the path behind the falls and back up on the other side and were full of people who didn't seem hiking-ready so their guides were slowly helping them up the slick path, blocking it for a time. It's probably best to go very early if you want a less crowded experience.
We arrived around 10:30am and the falls were already packed with several bus tours. The tours seem to follow the path behind the falls and back up on the other side and were full of people who didn't seem hiking-ready so their guides were slowly helping them up the slick path, blocking it for a time. It's probably best to go very early if you want a less crowded experience.
Written 11 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Katy G
London, UK255 contributions
Jan 2020
Firstly the waterfall looks stunning and then you can walk behind it, which is a unique experience. There are stairs to a certain point and the space behind the waterfall is comfortably wide to walk easily. However, there are rocks to clamber over between the stairs and the waterfall and wearing crampons is essential (I was there in January). The scrambling up frozen rocks was a bit out of my comfort zone but it was thrilling. Being behind the falls was well worth this. A waterproof coat and trousers are essential. Recommend walking up and looking at the series of waterfalls alongside it too. There are, handily, plenty of toilets at this site too.
Written 7 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Owen Thesaints
Kent725 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
The car park was quite busy indicating the attraction’s popularity and ease of access. There was a flat charge of 700 ISK for a day’s parking. As recommended by Trip Advisor reviews we took the right hand trail, initially up a shale path and wooden steps, with some clambering over wet rocks as we reached the path which led behind the falls. As anticipated , our waterproof jackets, over trousers and boots were put to the sternest of tests. There was a lot of spray. After viewing the falls from behind, there was a precarious scramble over more wet rocks to reach the safety of the wooden steps. This was very tricky to negotiate, with steep, uneven rocky ledges - not an easy task for those with limited mobility or balance. It was certainly well-worth the effort for the experience. Further along the path, passing some smaller falls, we reached the entrance to Gljufrafoss waterfall. This was also something of a challenge as the waterfall could only be seen by following a trail through a narrow canyon, with several centimetres depth of water. It was possible to walk over raised rocks in the water, although these were quite small, and far from stable. It was necessary to wait for people to leave the canyon before entry was possible. The enclosed waterfall was spectacular - so glad to have escaped without having got very wet feet. Shortly after leaving the canyon, one brave soul entered just wearing swimming trunks and had great fun immersing himself in the splash pool at the bottom of the falls. The water must have been very cold.
Written 14 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bryndís
10 contributions
Jul 2020 • Family
We were driving to Landeyjahöfn and took a quick detour. It's only a 5 minute trip from the main road (Route 1) and it took around 15 minutes from the parking lot, around the waterfall and back. We've been there a few times but it never gets old, and the kids love it.
I recommend waterproof clothing (because of the mist from the waterfall) and good shoes. On the way out from the cave there is a little climb in the rocks. Our 4 year old needed support, so it's probably best to have an adult accompanying each kid under 5 :)
I recommend waterproof clothing (because of the mist from the waterfall) and good shoes. On the way out from the cave there is a little climb in the rocks. Our 4 year old needed support, so it's probably best to have an adult accompanying each kid under 5 :)
Written 5 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stefan G
Washington DC, DC1,093 contributions
Jul 2021
One of the many beautiful waterfalls in Iceland. You can indeed walk behind the waterfall and it's a neat experience.
Since it's right off the main highway there are many tourists. I visited once during the early afternoon and the place was packed. I visited again in the late evening and there were very few people.
There is a parking lot but you have to pay a fee. Given the time of day there will be a park official who will check to make sure you've paid. The waterfall is open 24/7, but even in the very late hours when there is no one to make sure you've paid, you're still expected to pay. Show some integrity and pay the parking fee...
Toilets available on site.
Since it's right off the main highway there are many tourists. I visited once during the early afternoon and the place was packed. I visited again in the late evening and there were very few people.
There is a parking lot but you have to pay a fee. Given the time of day there will be a park official who will check to make sure you've paid. The waterfall is open 24/7, but even in the very late hours when there is no one to make sure you've paid, you're still expected to pay. Show some integrity and pay the parking fee...
Toilets available on site.
Written 15 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yvette F
Buckingham, UK382 contributions
Jan 2022 • Couples
Visited this waterfall on a very blustery winters day. You can see it from the road and can park right in front of it so no big hike to get there. The car park does charge, i think 700isk for the day, you pay on a qr code and this will take you to app or website. We did see people getting tickets for not paying, and the fees go towards keeping the facilities there open, so best just pay. The waterfall itself is stunning, though very close up was roped off for safety as it was very icy. You can follow a path to walk and see further waterfalls if you choose. There are free toilets there and a shop and coffee hut, we had a swiss mocha and americano and both were good.
Written 13 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tom J
London, UK1,860 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
So Seljalandsfoss, a truly mesmerising and beautiful waterfall on the south coast of Iceland. It is by no means the largest, nor is it the most powerful in terms of volume of water. The beauty of Seljalandsfoss is its unhindered accessibility, not only to the base of the falls, but the ability to walk the whole way around it into the cave behind and out the other side allowing you to take in all angles and just be in awe of it.
Ok so full disclaimer you are going to get wet! When you see people saying to take a raincoat and waterproof pants, this isn't so you can play in the pool at the bottom, when climbing the stairs to the right of the falls there is often a lovely breeze that showers you in the mist from the falls. It is both refreshing and somewhat magical, but if you are wearing non waterproof clothing you are likely to get rather wet and once that initial "magic" has worn off - you will be left with rather wet cold clothes.
We've had the fortune of visiting Seljalandsfoss a number of times over the years and by no means is it a "hidden gem" anymore - in fact since a large computer firm used it as a screensaver the popularity has somewhat boomed meaning it can get very busy. If you are self driving and want to see it in all its glory without bus loads of other tourists, get there first thing in the morning or later in the day once they have departed.
We visited just after sunrise one morning and we only had to share it with the local sheep - they scared the life out of me when one emerged from behind the falls unannounced - turns out I hadn't had my coffee yet!
There is a paid carpark at rough 1000ISK but that also gets you access to toilets and a little cafe also. Be sure to checkout the other stunning waterfall Gljufrabui nearby. You'll need to have self driven to visit this as you will likely not have enough time as part of a big group tour to visit both Seljandsfoss and this one and fully enjoy both!
Ok so full disclaimer you are going to get wet! When you see people saying to take a raincoat and waterproof pants, this isn't so you can play in the pool at the bottom, when climbing the stairs to the right of the falls there is often a lovely breeze that showers you in the mist from the falls. It is both refreshing and somewhat magical, but if you are wearing non waterproof clothing you are likely to get rather wet and once that initial "magic" has worn off - you will be left with rather wet cold clothes.
We've had the fortune of visiting Seljalandsfoss a number of times over the years and by no means is it a "hidden gem" anymore - in fact since a large computer firm used it as a screensaver the popularity has somewhat boomed meaning it can get very busy. If you are self driving and want to see it in all its glory without bus loads of other tourists, get there first thing in the morning or later in the day once they have departed.
We visited just after sunrise one morning and we only had to share it with the local sheep - they scared the life out of me when one emerged from behind the falls unannounced - turns out I hadn't had my coffee yet!
There is a paid carpark at rough 1000ISK but that also gets you access to toilets and a little cafe also. Be sure to checkout the other stunning waterfall Gljufrabui nearby. You'll need to have self driven to visit this as you will likely not have enough time as part of a big group tour to visit both Seljandsfoss and this one and fully enjoy both!
Written 3 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
geotech522
5,299 contributions
Nov 2019
Seljalandsfoss waterfall is along Iceland’s southern coast, just off of Highway 1. It is fed by melting water from the famous glacier-capped Eyjafjallajokull (E15) volcano. This powerful waterfall cascades into the pretty meadow below. What makes this waterfall more unique is that you can go behind the waterfall and experience it from behind as well as from the front. We were there in late November and the path to the area behind the waterfall was still open. However, because it was near freezing in temperature and the ground was wet, there was a lot of black ice so there can be a very severe slipping hazard, even with the best shoes. However, it you can get there safely, you can enjoy a truly unique viewpoint of the waterfall. There is a fee for parking, however, it is worth it. There are other waterfalls a short distance to the north (walking distance), but they are not as spectacular.
Written 15 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Are there any F-Roads to get here? Trying to find out if i need a 4x4 or not for my trip next may.
Written 8 July 2022
Hello,
I agree, you won't need a 4x4. We traveled the south coast and saw all the sights in a "regular car". Only one time would it have maybe helped, but honestly, I probably would not have used it if we had it.
I'm not sure what the F-Roads are, but everywhere we went was easily accessible - except for the one I mentioned above. We just drove a bit slower and there was no problem at all.
I hope you have a wonderful time. We absolutely loved it. Feel free to reply if you have any more questions about where to go or what to do.
Written 12 July 2022
Hola, un gusto saludarles desde Costa Rica, voy a estar viajando a Islandia en Marzo, me gustaría saber cómo es el clima y qué tanta ropa hay que llevar. Muchas gracias
Written 26 December 2021
Wie lange wandert man ca. vom Parkplatz bis zum Wasserfall?
Written 18 August 2019
The parking is not far. It is better to have good shoes and especially waterproof clothing or ... a swimsuit ;-)
Written 22 October 2019
Non un vero e proprio ristorante, credo una caffetteria ma non ci sono entrata e quindi non so dirti di più.
Written 15 April 2019
El pago del estacionamiento es en efectivo?
Written 17 January 2019
No, hay que pagarlo con tarjeta 700 puas te cobran por pelearte con mil chinos para sacar una foto y seguir un caminito como ovejas para verla, sin poder apartarte para disfrutarla a tu manera.
Written 8 June 2019
Hi. How far is the parking lot from the waterfall?
Written 11 October 2018
As others have said it is a short walk, maybe just over 100 yards. We were there in the winter and my wife was cold so she stayed in the car and we didn't pay. There is a small gift shop there. During the winter you can't go behind the falls as everything is iced over. Some people were trying to go up there even though there was a sign and chain to stop them. The steps were icy and I doubt they could get behind the falls. I took pics from the small bridge where the water flows.
Written 3 March 2019
I am planning on visiting Seljalandsfoss in August. My plan is to leave KEF airport around 6pm and start the Ring road counterclockwise. Is it possible to visit Seljalandsfoss in the evening around 8 pm?
Written 20 June 2018
Hey, it is possible but that would mean no stops until you get there. I would probably allow for a little bit more time which would give you time to stop for example on Hellisheidi. The waterfall is beautiful the later the evening gets because it is facing west. Have a safe trip!
Written 20 June 2018
i would hear more details about this wedding. how their get to the waterfall, which hotel their choose and brief descriptions of the place where their were.
Written 23 April 2018
peter2780
Blue Mountains, Australia
2,220 contributions
The parking area has spaces allocated for tour buses and camper vans. Note there is now a fee for parking fee of 700 ISK per day.
Written 19 March 2018
I saw there is a parking fee. Is that cash? Or can I use my credit card?
Written 10 January 2018
peter2780
Blue Mountains, Australia
2,220 contributions
Yes, a parking has been introduced. It is 700 ISK. It is automated and you need to use a card.
Written 19 March 2018
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