The Seljalandsfoss waterfall: everything you need to know before your visit

Few places capture the wild beauty of Iceland as well as Seljalandsfoss. With its spectacular drop of about 60 meters and the unique path that allows you to walk behind the waterfall, this cascade is a must-see for almost all travelers.

If you're planning a road trip in Iceland, a stop at Seljalandsfoss is essential. In this article, you'll find everything you need to know before your visit: where the waterfall is located, when to go, and our best practical tips.

Seljalandsfoss is located on the south coast of Iceland, along the Route 1 (Ring Road), about 1.5 hours drive from Reykjavik.

The waterfall is fed by the river Seljalandsá, which originates from the glacier of the volcano Eyjafjallajökull. Thanks to its ideal location, it easily fits into any itinerary in Iceland, whether you’re traveling in a 4×4 or a van.

Unlike most of Iceland's waterfalls, Seljalandsfoss offers the chance to walk all the way around the fall by taking a path that goes behind the waterfall. This feature makes it one of the most photographed sites in the country.

Here’s what makes this waterfall unique:

• A path behind the waterfall: a spectacular walk allows you to admire Seljalandsfoss from all angles and view the surrounding landscapes from behind the fall.
• Exceptional light: at sunset, the rays shining through the mist create a magical atmosphere, perfect for photographers.
• A hidden neighbor: just a short walk away is Gljúfrabúi, a waterfall tucked away in a rocky gorge, much less visited but equally impressive.

For fans of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland, these two sites are a must-see duo.

To fully enjoy Seljalandsfoss, here are a few recommendations:

• Wear waterproof clothing: the spray is significant, especially if you take the trail behind the waterfall.
• Wear good shoes: the path is rocky and can get very slippery, especially in winter.
• Paid parking: a parking fee is required to help maintain the site.
• Go in the morning or late afternoon: this way, you can avoid the biggest crowds.
• Summer or winter? In summer, the long days make the visit particularly enjoyable. In winter, the waterfall turns into a fairy-tale scene surrounded by snow and ice.

A trip to Iceland is primarily a series of spectacular landscapes, and Seljalandsfoss is one of the best starting points to explore the south coast.

From the waterfall, it's easy to continue your journey to other iconic sites, including:

• Skógafoss (learn more about this waterfall);
• the black sand beach of Reynisfjara;
• the glacial lagoon of Jökulsárlón.

If you're planning your road trip, this area is perfect to kick off your adventure.

At Iceland Nomads, we design itineraries that combine Iceland's most famous waterfalls with more hidden gems, giving you a perfect balance between must-see sites and off-the-beaten-path discoveries.

The waterfalls of Iceland are not just simple cascades. They are forces of nature that shape the landscape, living legends, ongoing displays of power and beauty.

From the perfection of Seljalandsfoss to the raw power of Dettifoss, from the basalt columns of Svartifoss to the veil of Dynjandi, each waterfall tells a different story of volcanic Iceland.

With a good itinerary, you can easily visit 6-7 of the waterfalls in this top 7 during a week-long road trip. Add all the ones you’ll find along the way, and you’ll come back with hundreds of photos and a head full of memories.

So, ready for the journey?