Seljalandsfoss

If walking behind a waterfall is an experience you don’t want to miss, be sure to make this stop off Ring Road.

Seljalandsfoss | November 2017

This magnificent natural wonder is located about 1 hour 45 minutes from downtown Reykjavik.  At first glance it might not seem impressive in terms of size, but once you journey down the walking path you’ll understand why this is one of the most unique waterfalls in the world.

Things to Know:

  • Parking Fee (700ISK credit card charge for cars in 2017)
  • You and your camera will get wet behind the waterfall
    • Wear a rain jacket, quick dry cloths (or pack a change of clothes), and water boots. Leave your umbrella at home, it will break in seconds anywhere in Iceland
    • Bring water protection for your camera, your mobile phone and tissues to wipe your lens dry
      • Pro Tip – Use your flash if taking a silhoutte behind the waterfall

        Without Flash                   With Flash

  • Use caution – the path behind the waterfall can be slippery, there are stairs and some areas of rough terrain.  The walking path was temporarily closed in September 2017 due to rock fall.  Take your time, perhaps plan to visit this area for an hour to one and a half hours
  • There is a small snack stand and shop
  • The waterfall is illuminated at night
  • Melting water from the volcano covered ice cap, Eyjafjallajökull, feeds Seljalandsfoss.   Eyjafjallajökull, also known as E15, is best known for its 2010 eruption which halted European air travel for days.

Be sure to visit the secret waterfall Gljúfrabúi (Gljúfrafoss) located steps from Seljalandsfoss.

Icelandic-English Dictionary:
foss = waterfall
jökull = means glacier