Seljalandsfoss

The Waterfall You Can Walk Behind

The Seljalandsfoss plunges 60 meters from a former sea cliff into a basin — and the special feature: A path leads completely behind the waterfall. Looking through the water veil at the green landscape from the back is one of Iceland's most iconic experiences.

The cliff was the actual coastline about 8,000 years ago — since then, the sea has retreated through sediment deposition and land uplift, and the former sea cliff remained as a step in the landscape. The Seljalandsá river, fed by the Eyjafjallajökull glacier, plunges over this edge into the depths.

The experience behind the waterfall is especially magical at sunset: The golden light falls through the water veil and bathes everything in warm colors. In winter, icicles form at the edge, and the path can be icy and closed — ask at the parking lot beforehand.

The waterfall is located directly on the Ring Road, 120 km east of Reykjavík, and is hard to miss. Parking: 800 ISK.

Insider Tip: Gljúfrabúi

Just 500 meters north of Seljalandsfoss hides the Gljúfrabúi — the "hidden waterfall" or "dweller of the gorge." It plunges into a narrow rock cave, and you have to wade through a narrow gap between the rocks (water up to the knees!) to see it. The light that falls through the narrow opening above and illuminates the waterfall from above is magical — a natural spot of light, mist, and moss-covered rock.

Many visitors completely overlook Gljúfrabúi because it is almost invisible from the outside — only a narrow gap in a rock wall indicates it. Those who miss it have not seen one of Iceland's most beautiful hidden places. Bring waterproof shoes or rubber boots!

Other Waterfalls on the Cliff

What most visitors don't know: Seljalandsfoss is only one of over a dozen waterfalls that plunge over the same cliff line. If you walk north from the parking lot (past Gljúfrabúi), you will find more, some nameless waterfalls — without a single other tourist. A 30-minute walk along the cliff is a wonderful addition.