Complete Guide To Seljalandsfoss Waterfalls, Iceland

Seljalandsfoss waterfalls is one of the most photographed waterfalls in Iceland. It is located in the Southern part of Iceland. The waterfall drops 60 m (200ft) and is part of the Seljalands River that has its origin in the volcano glacier Eyjafjallajokull.

From a distance, the Seljalandsfoss waterfalls do not look special, but as you approach, it starts being more interesting, visually, and realize the volume that is actually falling from the ancient sea cliff!
Controversy:
Plans to build an 8 m high, 2000 m² information center near the waterfall provoked controversy in Iceland in May 2017. It was argued that the building would spoil the view of the waterfall and interrupt the area’s
natural look.

How to get to Seljalandsfoss Self Drive?

Reykjavik to Seljalandsfoss- 1 hour 45 minutes(129 Km)

Vik to Seljalandsfoss-45 minutes(60 km )

Seljalandsfoss to Skogafoss-25 minutes (29 km)

We planned waterfalls along with the golden circle. Started from Reykjavik to Thingvellir national park and from there we went to Geysir, then to Gullfoss, The Secret Lagoon, and Kerid Crater. There are many
hotels and Airbnb for your stay in the Golden Circle. Next day morning you can enjoy Seljalandsfoss waterfalls or even you can camp at the
waterfalls.
Ring Road 1 is one of the most photogenic roads, in Southern Iceland, and many tourists drive down to visit the scenic spots that are situated near it. Seljalandsfoss is located right off Ring Road.

Is Seljalandsfoss waterfall on the golden circle?
Seljalandsfoss along with Skogafoss, is often included in the Golden Circle route.

What does Seljalandsfoss mean?
Seljalandsfoss, which also goes by Seljaland Water, means “selling the land of waterfalls” in English. The word ‘foss’ means waterfall, so if you sit in the name, you can be almost 100 percent sure that it will be a
waterfall

How to go to Seljalandsfoss?
Seljalandsfoss is five minutes walk from the parking area.

Why visit Seljalandsfoss waterfalls in Iceland?
Seljalandsfoss waterfall is famous because you can walk behind them!

Can you walk behind the waterfalls?
You can walk behind the waterfalls and have an unforgettable experience. This is why Seljalandsfoss is often referred to as ‘the waterfall where you can walk behind‘ because the name is not so easy
to pronounce for non-Icelandic people.

This is a great experience!

As you start being on the side, some volume appears and once behind the shape of the pool, the ‘cave’ give the waterfall so much depth!

The sheer force of the water makes a memorable experience. Of course, you need to be careful while walking behind the waterfall. You can explore a cave behind it. This makes Seljalandsfoss a popular
spot for photography and you can capture the waterfall from various angles. The trail behind the waterfall is usually slippery, so it is advised to wear comfortable shoes.

Travel tip:

•  During winter months, the trail behind the waterfall may be closed.
•  Wear waterproof clothes and protect your camera!
•  Wear raincoats and sturdy waterproof shoes.

You can admire the plains through falls, feel the mist on your skin and listen to the roar of the rushing water.
Seljalandsfoss Waterfalls is a popular waterfall in Iceland, because

1. It is very easy to stop there from Road 1
2. It is the only one in Iceland, where you can walk behind.

When is the best time to visit Seljalandsfoss?
It is better to visit the waterfall during the summer months when the
weather is warmer and the days or longer.
If you are traveling, during winter, you can experience the northern lights
across the waterfalls.

Is Seljalandsfoss free?
You can enter the waterfall Seljalandsfoss for free-there is no entrance fee, just as there are no operating hours. The only thing you will have to pay for, if you are traveling by car there is a small parking fee.

What is the parking fee?
The parking fee is around 600ISK nearer the waterfalls. Parking is free if you park your car a little far (around a 10-minute walk to the waterfalls)
If you choose the car park closest to the waterfall, don’t forget to use the machine to get a ticket and display it in your car.
Food carts and toilets are available in the car parking area.
There are heated bathrooms which are a bit of luxury and are free, so take advantage while you are here.

Why visit Seljalandsfoss?
The Incredible 360-angle view from behind will remain etched in your mind for years.

Is Seljalandsfoss is most photographed waterfall in Iceland?
Yes, this waterfall is the photographer’s favorite, because of its powerful spray and high falls. They have earned fame for their extraordinary, scenic beauty and uniqueness.

How long is the Seljalandsfoss hike?
The trail to the waterfall is 1.2 miles and takes around 30 minutes to complete.

How much time to spend at Seljalandsfoss?
At least one hour is required to go around the trial which itself takes around 30 minutes, and the remaining time you can enjoy the scenery and take pictures back home.

What to wear when visiting Seljalandsfoss waterfalls?
If you intend to walk behind the waterfall, you should wear rain gear.
This walk will definitely get you wet! The trail can be slippery, so it’s better to wear comfortable shoes.

When is the best time of the day to visit the waterfall?
It is better to visit Seljalandsfoss either morning or evening hours. During the day, it can get crowded, as it is a popular attraction. It might be too dark and dangerous during the night especially if you are thinking about visiting the path behind it, there is no on-site lighting.

The best time to photograph is from 4 to 5 in the afternoon, if you want
to include the sunlight. The sun does not shine on the front of the
waterfall until afternoon.

What are the origins of these water Falls?
The Icelandic river system gets its water from three distinct sources.
A small part of the precipitation comes from snow, but this is usually only enough to cover the high land areas in a very thin layer. The great majority of the water that flows in Icelandic rivers originates
from glaciers. Large amounts of water are stored in their ice and released when the weather gets warmer and this start to melt.

The third and final source of water is rainfall, which is the most variable in terms of both time and place. This means that the appearance of waterfalls can change greatly from season to season.

How to get to Seljalandsfoss from Reykjavik?
Seljalandsfoss is arround 78 miles (127km) from Reykjavik. The waterfall is visible from the ring road, so you won’t miss it.
Seljalandsfoss- Nearby attractions

1 Golden Circle

Those who visit Seljalandsfoss often combine it with a trip to the Golden Circle. This includes the most exciting landscapes, the most popular being the Thingvellir national park Geysir geothermal area and the
Gullfoss waterfalls. Along the way, you can visit Kerid Crater and the Secret Lagoon.

2 Gljufrabui waterfalls

There is a five-minute walk along the cliff to Gljufrafoss, a waterfall, partially, hidden in a canyon.

To get there, you need to go a little further down, the waterfall is 40 m tall, and this is often overlooked by people as it is hidden inside the canyon.

Gljufrabui means “one who lives in the canyon”. This is a small waterfall north of the larger falls of Seljalandsfoss in Iceland. The falls are partially obscured by the cliff rock, but hikers can follow it to enter the narrow canyon where the water plummets to a small pool. There is also a winding trail nearby and a wooden staircase to enable Sightseers to climb. Roughly halfway up and view the falls from another perspective.

What’s the web to meters of traveling through a narrow valley, small space opens up and here Gljufrabui tumbles before a great boulder, which can be easily climbed for some great photos, with the open sky
above, mossy walls, Silver mist, and black Lava, it is one of Iceland’s most breathtaking gems.

Gljufrabui is about 10 minute’s walk north of Seljalandsfoss, this is one of the country’s most famous photographed waterfalls, due to the fact, it falls from a concave cliff which allows visitors to encircle the cascade fully.

Seljalandsfoss and Gljufrabui are fed by the meltwater of the glacier Eyjafjallajokull, the volcano, beneath which caused widespread problems to air traffic across Europe when it erupted in 2010.

3 Skogafoss waterfalls
Skogafoss is one of the biggest waterfalls in Iceland, with a drop of 60 m and a width of 25 m, and you can walk right up to it, there are steps that lead to an observation platform above Skogafoss waterfall

Seljalandsfoss Waterfalls have great hiking trails around the waterfalls. You can cross streams and heights to neighbouring waterfalls like Gljufrabui by following the clearly marked paths.

Camping is forbidden in and around the cliff, camps can be set up in Hamragardar campground, just two minutes away from Seljalandsfoss waterfall. It is well equipped with counters, tables, a washing station,
bathrooms, and a snacks Centre so that you can conveniently enjoy your trip in the lap of nature. Imagine waking up and looking out of your tent to see Seljalandsfoss waterfalls. It is a pretty unique experience!

The waterfall has been featured in many films and TV shows. Justin Bieber shot his music video “I’II show you” near this waterfall. Seljalandsfoss also made its way into parts of “The Amazing Race 6” and “CKY2K”. If foreign films were shot here, like one famous song, “Gerua”, the remaining Indian movie was filmed here.

Behind the waterfall is a small cave where you can stay and enjoy the
view without getting wet if the wind is blowing in your direction. Although
it’s worth going, even if you don’t get wet.

Weather in Seljalandsfoss
The weather at Seljalandsfoss is much like the rest of Iceland, with summer in the warmest season and temperatures ranging from 46°F (8°C) to 54°F (14.5°C.). If you are looking to experience the Midnight
Sun, June to July is the perfect time to visit.

You will also be treated to 12 all-natural magic light show, which occurs when the Arora Borealis appears in the sky. Regardless of the season, make sure you bring a jacket as temperatures can get quite cold. Layers are also Key, as it never really gets too hot in Iceland.

Seljalandsfoss in winter

• The 60 m (200 ft) fall is still flowing and does not freeze
• The snow offers a beautiful contrast with the dark rock off the cliff
• You can walk along the cliff and reach another hidden waterfall Gljufrabui
• The walk behind is closed in winter, but it is still a great stop

Accessibility in winter

• Since it is very close to Road 1, it is quite easy to access
• The road and car park were cleared to allow access
• Of course, Road closure can always happen due to snow and wind

check out the status on road.is

• As it is a very tourist spot, they clear the marked walking parts- but
• it can always get icy, so carry spikes that you can add to your
• shoes at any time
• However, the path behind the waterfall is closed in winter as it is
• extremely slippery

When is the best time to visit Seljalandsfoss?
The best time to visit Seljalandsfoss is during this summer when the weather is warm and sunny. However, it’s also a popular tourist attraction so be prepared for large crowds if you’re looking for a more
peaceful experience, visit during the off-season.