Seljalandsfoss Waterfall | Vik

Seljalandsfoss is one of Iceland’s most famous and picturesque waterfalls, renowned for its stunning beauty and unique accessibility. Located along the southern coast of Iceland, near the town of Hvolsvöllur, Seljalandsfoss is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and photographers. The waterfall is part of the river Seljalandsá, which flows from the glaciers of Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull.

Key Features of Seljalandsfoss

Height and Flow:

• Seljalandsfoss stands at 60 meters (197 feet) tall, creating a dramatic drop as the water cascades over a cliff. The waterfall is fed by the Seljalandsá River, which originates from the glaciers in the region.
• The waterfall is very picturesque, with the water flowing off a sheer cliff into a deep pool below. What sets Seljalandsfoss apart from other waterfalls in Iceland is its unique shape and the fact that visitors can walk behind the waterfall, offering a completely different perspective.

Access Behind the Waterfall:

• One of the most distinctive features of Seljalandsfoss is the pathway that allows visitors to walk behind the falls. A well-maintained trail leads to a cave-like area behind the waterfall, providing a chance to experience the full force of the water while staying dry (to some extent). The view from behind the falls is breathtaking, with the water appearing to fall in front of you while offering spectacular views of the surrounding landscape.
• Caution: While walking behind Seljalandsfoss is a popular activity, it is important to wear waterproof clothing as the area can get very wet, especially when the waterfall is at full force.

Scenic Views and Landscape:

• The surrounding landscape adds to the beauty of the waterfall. The cliff behind Seljalandsfoss is covered with lush vegetation, and during the summer months, the area is a vibrant green. In winter, the scene is even more magical, with ice formations often forming around the waterfall and surrounding rocks.
• Beyond the waterfall, visitors can enjoy views of the South Iceland plain and the distant Mýrdalsjökull Glacier. The area is also dotted with other natural wonders, including smaller waterfalls, rivers, and the expansive Icelandic countryside.

Seasonal Changes:

• Summer: During the summer months (May to September), Seljalandsfoss is easily accessible, and visitors can walk behind the waterfall to take in the full experience. The surrounding fields are green, and the days are long, providing plenty of time to visit and photograph the waterfall.
• Winter: In the winter, Seljalandsfoss takes on a completely different appearance, with icicles and frozen waterfalls adding a dramatic, icy beauty to the scene. While the pathway behind the waterfall may be slippery or closed due to ice, the waterfall itself is still a stunning sight, and the snow-covered landscape creates a magical atmosphere.

Photography and Landscape Photography:

• Seljalandsfoss is one of the most photographed waterfalls in Iceland, thanks to its striking beauty and accessibility. The combination of the waterfall’s height, the ability to walk behind it, and the surrounding landscape makes it a prime location for photographers.
• Sunrise and sunset offer the best lighting for photography, especially if you're interested in capturing the waterfall with the golden hour light or even the Northern Lights during the winter months. The waterfall is often photographed with a wide-angle lens to capture its full grandeur and the surrounding landscape.

Other Nearby Attractions

Gljúfrabúi Waterfall:

• Just a short walk from Seljalandsfoss is Gljúfrabúi, another beautiful waterfall that is often less crowded than Seljalandsfoss. It is partially hidden inside a narrow canyon, and visitors must walk through a small stream to get close to it. Like Seljalandsfoss, Gljúfrabúi is an excellent spot for photography, with its more secluded and intimate feel.

Þórsmörk:

• A bit further inland, the Þórsmörk Nature Reserve is a popular hiking destination in the region, surrounded by glaciers and mountains. It offers a variety of trails, including those that provide stunning views of Seljalandsfoss and the surrounding area. Þórsmörk is a place for outdoor enthusiasts and offers some of the best hiking opportunities in Iceland.

Skógafoss Waterfall:

• Another major attraction along the southern coast is Skógafoss, a short drive from Seljalandsfoss. Skógafoss is one of Iceland’s largest waterfalls and is also highly photogenic, with a wide cascade of water and often accompanied by a rainbow on sunny days.

Practical Information

Location: Seljalandsfoss is located along Route 1, Iceland's Ring Road, making it easy to visit as part of a road trip around the island. It is approximately 120 kilometers (75 miles) southeast of Reykjavík, or about a 1.5-2 hour drive.

Parking: There is a parking lot near the waterfall, and parking is free for visitors. The parking area is well-signposted, and the walk to the waterfall itself is very short (about 1-2 minutes).

Facilities: There are basic facilities near the waterfall, including a small café, toilets, and a gift shop. In summer, the café is open, and visitors can enjoy a warm drink or snack after visiting the falls.

Accessibility: The path behind the waterfall is open year-round, but conditions can be slippery during the winter, so it's important to take care when walking around the area. Waterproof clothing and sturdy shoes are recommended, especially if you plan to walk behind the waterfall.

Conclusion

Seljalandsfoss is an iconic Icelandic waterfall that offers a truly unique experience. The opportunity to walk behind the waterfall sets it apart from other waterfalls, providing an intimate and dramatic perspective of nature's power. With its easily accessible location along the Ring Road, stunning scenery, and close proximity to other natural wonders, Seljalandsfoss is a must-see attraction for anyone traveling through Iceland. Whether you visit in summer or winter, it promises to be a highlight of any trip to the island.