What is Seljalandsfoss?

Seljalandsfoss waterfall is one of the most impressive waterfalls in Iceland. In an area packed with phenomenal sights—from glaciers to black sand beaches—it’s up there with the most thrilling.

You’ll see why for yourself when you visit. The elegant stream of water of Seljalandsfoss, plunging into a deep round bowl at the entrance to a cave, is like something from a fantasy tale.

The waters that create this awesome spectacle come all the way from the Eyjafjallajökull glacier. (Yes, it was the volcanic eruption beneath this glacier that caused international disruption back in 2010.) Naturally, the glacier melts, releasing water that feeds the Seljalands river. Ultimately, it’s the waters of this river that tumble over the sheer cliff at Seljalandsfoss.

As you may know already, the main draw of Seljalandsfoss is that it’s one of the few waterfalls in Iceland that you can walk behind. Thanks to the water’s impressive power, over thousands of years the water has dug out a great bowl in the rock below, with the top of the cliff extending out above it. This allows for the torrent of water to be completely circumnavigable on foot.

Watch out though. It’s unlikely that you'll escape the experience completely dry. Rather, the falling water kicks up clouds of spray that billow in the air and catch in the cave. They make an incredible atmospheric display, but they do mean that it’s best to take a jacket (more on that below). Interestingly, this waterfall hasn’t always looked like this. The landscape into which Seljalandsfoss falls used to be the Atlantic Ocean. Now the seas have subsided, leaving behind this tranquil pastoral scene. In summer and winter alike, it’s simply beautiful.

• Discover more: 15 must-see waterfalls in Iceland

What does Seljalandsfoss mean in English?

Most waterfalls in Iceland have a name that speaks to their history or appearance. Gullfoss waterfall, for example, means “Golden Falls”, and Skógafoss means “Forest Falls”. However, Seljalandsfoss has an intriguing name, and even historians don’t quite understand its origin.

Seljalandsfoss is a combination of the two words, Seljalands—the name of the river—and foss, the common Icelandic word for waterfall.

Seljalandsfoss in popular culture

When they arrive at Seljalandsfoss, many visitors feel like they’ve seen the waterfall before. You might be one of them.

Most likely, you’ll have seen this dreamy location in the music video for Justin Bieber’s hit “I’ll Show You”. But you may also have caught a glimpse of the place in Star Trek: Discovery, the US TV show from 2017.

If you haven’t seen either, that’s okay. Seljalandsfoss waterfall is much more impressive in real life.

Where is Seljalandsfoss waterfall?

You will find Seljalandsfoss waterfall on the south coast of Iceland. Situated just a stone’s throw from Route 1—the ring road that circles the whole island of Iceland—it’s an incredibly easy destination to reach.

Leaving Reykjavik, head east towards the towns of Selfoss and Vík. After Selfoss, you cross the river Þjórsá—Iceland’s longest—and then the Krossá River. Seljalandsfoss appears very shortly afterwards on your left.

Between the glacier of Eyjafjallajökull and the ocean to the south, Seljalandsfoss is in a remarkable location.

How to get to Seljalandsfoss waterfall?

It’s easy to reach Seljalandsfoss, by car or by coach. If you’re driving yourself, the journey from Reykjavik takes about an hour and a half, along Route 1. However, many visitors find it easier to visit the waterfall by coach. It saves you having to hire a car and means that you don’t have to worry about the state of the roads—particularly in winter. You’ll find many coach trips available from Reykjavik.

The South Shore Adventure

One of the most exciting and convenient ways to see Seljalandsfoss is on a South Shore Adventure with Reykjavik Excursions.

Leaving Reykjavik in the morning, you’ll enjoy an action-packed day with us, featuring waterfalls, beaches, dramatic coastal settlements, and more. You’ll discover some of the most incredible sights that southern Iceland has to offer.

Alongside Seljalandsfoss, we’ll take you as far as Vík, the fishing village with its iconic black sand beach, Reynisfjara. We’ll stop by Sólheimajökull, a retreating glacier with an iconic lake too.

Weather in Seljalandsfoss waterfall

The weather at Seljalandsfoss is much like the weather in the rest of southern Iceland. Obviously, it will depend on the season. But the good news is that, no matter the weather, the waterfall always makes for an awesome sight.

In the summer in Iceland, temperatures typically average at 10-13°C (50-55°F). However, thanks to the Gulf Stream, you can expect temperatures to be higher along the south coast, including at Seljalandsfoss. Generally, you can expect summer highs of 25°C (77°F), if you’re lucky. And during the driest months—June and July—expect no more than 10 rainy days.

However, in the winter, temperatures can plummet. Average temperatures in December and January sit around 0°C (32°F), while it will snow on about 15 days in a typical month. That means you’ll definitely want to wrap up warm when visiting Seljalandsfoss—but the snowy landscapes here are a delight.

Is Seljalandsfoss waterfall free?

Entrance to Seljalandsfoss waterfall is free. There are no fees at all to approach or walk behind the waterfall. However, there is a carpark with a charge.

Obviously, though, getting to the waterfall itself isn’t free, particularly if you’re coming from Reykjavik. Factoring in the costs of hiring a car and filling it with petrol, it often works out cheaper to join a coach tour.

How much time do you need at Seljalandsfoss waterfall?

There’s no correct amount of time that you need to spend at Seljalandsfoss. That will be entirely up to you. It’s an impressive place and, while some people might only want to spend a few minutes, there’s enough wonder here to reward a lifetime of visits.

Budget half an hour at the very least to appreciate the beauty of Seljalandsfoss. This will give you time to walk up to the waterfall, venture behind its tumbling waters, and take all the photos you need for your memories.

If you have time, don’t miss Gljúfrabúi, a short distance away. While it is overshadowed by its more famous neighbour, it’s a gorgeous waterfall itself.

Can you walk behind Seljalandsfoss waterfall?

The question on everyone’s lips when they hear about Seljalandsfoss is this: can you really walk behind it? The answer is yes!

Thanks to its specific geological form, the falling waters have carved out a shallow cave behind the torrent itself. This means that there’s plenty of space to walk behind the waterfall—as long as you’re okay with getting a little wet.

These days, the waterfall has been installed with floodlights, so that the waters are illuminated even during the winter, when days are shorter and dark comes earlier.

Of course, we should give a word of caution. During the winter, it can sometimes be a little difficult to walk behind the waterfall, due to the frozen conditions. Sometimes it can even be closed. If you’re heading to Seljalandsfoss in winter with the hope of sharing in this unique experience, check that it’s open before you start the journey.

What should I wear to Seljalandsfoss?

Whatever the season, we recommend you wear warm clothes, plenty of layers, and waterproofs. This is particularly important if you’re visiting Seljalandsfoss outside of the summer.

As we said above, if you want to experience the unique thrill of walking behind the waterfall, you’ll likely get a little wet, thanks to the spray that the water throws up. At the very least, a rain jacket is wise. But depending on the temperatures, waterproof trousers could be a smart move too.

Like most of the other natural sights in Iceland, Seljalandsfoss is best explored with sturdy shoes. The ground underneath your feet can be uneven and slippery. And if you’re visiting in winter, it can be frozen.

• Find out more: What should I wear in Iceland?

What’s the best time to visit Seljalandsfoss waterfall?

Seljalandsfoss is an incredible sight in any season and—thanks to the floodlights—at any time of day. Whenever you want to plan your trip, summer or winter, dawn or dusk, you will be rewarded.

However, some times are preferable. For example, catching the waterfall on a summer evening, when the sun shines directly on the water, is a particularly special experience. This is the time when photographs can come out best, due to the golden light of dusk.

The flipside of this is that the summer months can be quite busy. If you want to experience the waterfall all by yourself, the morning can be a good time, or during the off season.

Winter in Iceland has its own special charms—with snow-covered hills, gentle light, and fewer people. At this time, you can see the waters of Seljalandsfoss shrouded in ice.

• Read more: The best time to visit Iceland
  

The south shore of Iceland

Seljalandsfoss is situated in the heart of the south coast of Iceland—an area recognised as one of the most sensational destinations in the whole country. Easily accessible from Reykjavik and home to some of Iceland’s most glorious sights, this region is likely to be where you’ll spend much of your time.

What can you see on Iceland's southern shore? Possibly more than you can fit into your trip.

Start with the Golden Circle, perhaps Iceland’s most famous itinerary. With showstopping sights including Gullfoss waterfall, the Geysir Geothermal Park, and Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Alternatively, journey as far east as Jökulsarlon, Iceland’s renowned glacial lagoon, with its truly unique Diamond Beach. Or visit some of the coast’s glaciers and ice caves. You can journey across the ice yourself—by foot or snowmobile—or even venture beneath it too.

There’s so much more to see. Check out our ultimate guide to the south coast of Iceland to find out more.

Tours to Seljalandsfoss waterfall

How can you visit Seljalandsfoss waterfall yourself? Let us help you get there. Our tours along the south coast make visiting Seljalandsfoss simple and hassle-free.

For example, join our South Shore Adventure, an action-packed day that will show you the highlights of Iceland’s south coast—from Seljalandsfoss to the little village of Vík.

Alternatively, explore our wide selection of south shore tours. You can visit Seljalandsfoss after a day hiking across glaciers, for instance, or take a boat trip before returning to the waterfall in the evening.

If you would like an experience that’s a little more intimate, why not try one of our small group tours, or even completely custom trips designed by you?

Attractions near Seljalandsfoss waterfall

While Seljalandsfoss is a completely unique experience, there’s plenty more that you can get up to in the area. If you’re visiting the waterfall, don’t miss these incredible sights that you’ll find nearby.

Gljúfrabúi waterfall

Gljúfrabúi—or the “Canyon Dweller” in English—is one of the most overlooked sights on the south coast. Being so close to Seljalandsfoss, visitors typically skip it in favour of its more famous sibling. Yet you shouldn’t, because it’s one of the most charming spots in the area.

The waterfall takes its name from the fact that it’s hidden behind a seemingly impenetrable cliff face. However, the hardiest of visitors can sneak into the canyon in which Gljúfrabúi dwells, by wading through the stream that emerges from a crack in the rock.

If you’re here, it’s absolutely worth the trip. You’ll likely be alone beneath its gushing waters.

The ferry to the Westman Islands

Just off the coast of Iceland’s mainland, directly south of Seljalandsfoss, you’ll find the Westman Islands. Known for its bird colonies, its whale-watching opportunities, and its dramatic scenery, it’s an unmissable sight in this part of the country.

This little archipelago is clearly visible from the coast—and, luckily enough, it’s easily accessible too. You can take a ferry from the little port of Landeyjahöfn, which will get you to Vestmannaeyjabær, Westman’s capital, in just over half an hour. It’s worth it just for the journey.

Skógafoss waterfall

When it comes to waterfalls in the south of Iceland, mention Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss will usually come up too. Skógafoss is about the same height as Seljalandsfoss, but much wider, with a greater volume of water passing through it.

In fact, Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss are both on the same cliff, although about 30 kilometres (18.6 miles) apart. It’s the cliff that used to face out directly onto the ocean—but those waters have since retreated.

Skógar Museum

Not far from Skógafoss, discover one of the most captivating cultural sights on Iceland’s south coast, if not in the whole country. Skógar Museum tells the history of the region’s folk culture, including artefacts dating back to the Vikings.

The most striking aspect of the museum is the buildings in which it’s based. Built of stone and covered in turf, this was the traditional Icelandic method for insulating a home. It’s a truly fascinating experience. - Discover more: 15 must-see places around Iceland

Visit Seljalandsfoss waterfall with Reykjavik Excursions

Seljalandsfoss waterfall is an unmissable sight on the south coast of Iceland. With its powerful tumbling waters, and the unique opportunity to walk behind it, it’s a truly special place.

At Reykjavik Excursions, we make visiting the waterfall easy. With our tours of Iceland’s south coast, you can get to Seljalandsfoss in complete comfort and be dropped back in Reykjavik at the end of the day. What’s more, you’ll be led by an expert guide, who will share everything you need to know about the place.

Alternatively, we can help you organise your ideal custom tours too. With our range of local partners, we can help you get a different perspective on Iceland, through whale-watching trips, northern lights experiences, or glacier rides.

Visit Seljalandsfoss waterfall in Iceland with Reykjavik Excursions. It will be an experience you’ll never forget.