When it comes to must-see waterfalls, Seljalandsfoss in Iceland usually tops most travelers’ lists!
At 60m (197 ft), it’s tall, powerful, and makes one heck of a first impression (you’ll spot it from the road and immediately think, wow!).
Once you get there, you’ll be able to get close and even walk behind the waterfall.
But here’s the part most people miss…
Just a short walk from Seljalandsfoss is Gljúfrabúi.
A hidden waterfall tucked inside a cave!
It’s incredibly cool, and it’s such a pity so many travelers skip it.
(Both are included in my Iceland Travel Map + Guidebook!)
So, if you want the details of visiting Seljalandsfoss and its hidden neighbor Gljúfrabúi, this guide is for you.
Let’s get into it!
Seljalandsfoss Location
This iconic waterfall sits on the south coast of Iceland, one of the most popular regions to explore.
And it’s close to some pretty famous sights (we’ll get to those in a bit!).
The closest town is Hvolsvöllur, only 20 minutes away, and if you’re planning on road-tripping the Ring Road, Seljalandsfoss is one of those can’t-miss stops along the way!
The drive from Seljalandsfoss to Reykjavík is about 80 miles (129 km) and takes just under an hour, which is why it’s such a popular day trip from the capital.
If you’re interested in more easy day trips from Reykjavík, you’ll want to check out this post.👇
➡️ READ: 10 Stunning Day Trips from ReykjaVík to Add to Your Iceland Itinerary
Seljalandsfoss Weather
Icelandic weather has a bit of a reputation… and honestly, it’s earned! Conditions can shift fast, sometimes within the same hour.
The south coast of Iceland is usually a touch milder than other parts of the country thanks to the Gulf Stream, but don’t let that fool you. Even in summer, it never really gets that hot.
Summer temperatures usually range from 45-65 degrees Fahrenheit (7 to 16 degrees Celsius).
Seljalandsfoss Waterfall in Winter
While some waterfalls in Iceland are only safely accessible in summer, this magnificent giant can be enjoyed year-round, and winter doesn’t take away from its wow factor one bit.
It’s beautiful to see the icicles cling to the cliffs as the water crashes down. The snow gives it such a dreamy feel.
While you can walk the path behind the falls in summer, it’s usually closed in winter when conditions become too dangerous.
Wind is pretty much part of the deal in Iceland, no matter the season, but it does tend to pick up during winter. You can also expect conditions that are cold, icy, and often wet.
Winter temperatures 28 – 40 degrees Fahrenheit (-2 to 4 degrees Celcius).
Pro tip: Crampons are a must if you plan to walk around the falls in winter. The ice and water combo makes the ground super slippery, and trust me you don’t want to risk a fall!
If you’re staring at your suitcase wondering what on earth to pack, you’re going to love this! 👇
My Ultimate Iceland Packing Guide walks you through monthly weather averages and even includes a layering cheat sheet so you’ll stay warm, dry, and ready to explore comfortably.
I’ve also added seasonal checklists and family-friendly suggestions, everything I personally recommend to pack for your trip.
Download your FREE Iceland Packing Guide below.👇
Seljalandsfoss Parking + Restrooms
This is a hugely popular attraction, and you can expect a lot of people, especially in summer.
Luckily, there’s a large parking lot next to the waterfall to accommodate all the vehicles. The parking fee is currently 1000 ISK (around 8 USD), payable at automated machines monitored by surveillance.
Gljúfrabúi parking: The Seljalandsfoss parking lot is the same area designated for anyone visiting Gljúfrabúi waterfall.
There are restrooms right by the parking area, plus a little gift shop if you want to grab a souvenir.
Seljalandsfoss Opening Hours: The waterfall is open 24/7, year-round. That said, it’s best to visit when there’s daylight so you can safely enjoy the full experience and walk behind the falls.
Seljalandsfoss Waterfall Hike
It’s not so much of a hike as it is a 5-minute walk to the waterfall from the parking lot.
The short walk will give you access to all the viewpoints, including the famous path that leads behind the waterfall.
Seljalandsfoss to Gljúfrabúi Waterfall Hike
Once you’ve explored this waterfall, I highly suggest you hike to the nearby Gljúfrabúi waterfall.
It’s only a 5-minute walk north of Seljalandsfoss falls, making it an easy add-on to your visit.
A lot of people miss it, and it’s still considered a hidden gem, but it is starting to gain popularity.
What makes this waterfall so special is that it’s hidden inside a narrow cave.
The entrance to the cave has a small river running through it and a compact walkway that’s sometimes covered by water.
During glacier melt, the water level is higher, so expect wet shoes and some very slippery spots, especially if it’s icy.
Other times, it’s much easier and you’ll just step across a few rocks, hold onto the cave wall for support, and you’re in.
Just keep in mind that you might need to scramble a little to reach it but once you do…wow! You’ll be happy you didn’t skip it.
Pro tip: Waterproof gear is non-negotiable. The spray when you walk behind Seljalandsfoss and inside the cave at Gljúfrabúi is intense. You will get soaked from head to toe if you’re not prepared.
Gljúfrabúi–Seljalandsfoss hike time: It’ll take you about 30 minutes to walk from Seljalandsfoss into the cave at Gljúfrabúi and walk back to your vehicle. Though you’ll want to allow extra time for photos… and for picking your jaw up off the floor!
Hiking to Gljúfrabúi in Winter
The waterfall is generally accessible in winter, but icy conditions can make the canyon path unsafe and occasionally inaccessible.
Restaurants Near Seljalandsfoss Waterfall in Iceland
When I’m out exploring, I want to know exactly where to eat… without overthinking it.
Here are a couple of options near the waterfall. 👇
Seljalandsfoss Shop + Food (Seljaveitingar): This food truck is a great spot for fresh sandwiches or something warm to eat. From there, you can head into the gift shop to browse locally made goodies. Everything feels very Icelandic, making it a great place to pick up a meaningful Icelandic souvenir.
Hygge Restaurant + Bar: If you’re heading into the town of Hvolsvöllur (less than 20 minutes away), Hygge Restaurant + Bar is definitely worth a stop. Their menu highlights local ingredients paired with international recipes, creating a really tasty fusion of flavors. You can expect dishes like Icelandic lamb, fresh fish, and classic hamburgers, to name a few.
Pro tip: Another easy option is to enjoy meals at your accommodation. If you can book Iceland accommodation with breakfast included, definitely do it. Starting the day fed and caffeinated before exploring Iceland is always a good idea!
Seljalandsfoss Accommodation
There are a number of great places to stay near Seljalandsfoss, whether you’re traveling on a budget or indulging a little.
Below are some well-located Seljalandsfoss hotels, guesthouses, and hostels that are definitely worth a look.
Seljalandsfoss Horizons: You can’t beat the location on this one! Only 2km away, it’s one of the best hotels near Seljalandsfoss. The rooms are modern and cozy, filled with natural light, big windows, and warm wood finishes. There’s a delicious continental breakfast served daily. Oh, and don’t get me started on the incredible views of the falls!
👉 Make a booking: Seljalandsfoss Horizons
Midgard Base Camp: If you want a place that feels relaxed and welcoming after a long day, Midgard Base Camp is a great choice. It’s the kind of spot where you can come back muddy and tired, grab a good meal, and then sink into the hot tub or sauna while the mountains loom in the background. Entertainment-wise. There’s usually something low-key happening in the evenings, like live music or a movie night.
👉 Make a booking: Midgard Base Camp
Paradise Cave Hostel & Guesthouse: This hostel is for anyone looking for a simpler stay. Think relaxed communal spaces, a garden for slow evenings, and a solid breakfast that sets you up for a full day of waterfall chasing. It’s especially popular with solo travelers, but families and budget-minded visitors feel right at home here too.
👉 Make a booking: Paradise Cave Hostel & Guesthouse
Seljalandsfoss Camping
Planning on camping near Seljalandsfoss? You’ve got a few great options.
Langbrók, Skógar, and Hellishólar campsites are all about a 30-minute drive away.
The great thing is, these campgrounds work perfectly for camper vans too. If you’ve never tried one, it’s hard to beat the flexibility: accommodation, cooking facilities, and even WiFi all in one, making it one of the easiest ways to explore South Iceland without feeling rushed.
My go-to camper van company is Happy Campers. Not only are they the original camper van company in Iceland, but as a family-run business, they have built a solid reputation for excellent service and well-maintained vans.
💥 Get a 10% discount when you book with 👉 Happy Campers using my code IWV10.
Let me give you the grand tour. 👇
Seljalandsfoss Tours + Things to Do in the Area
Seljalandsfoss may be one of the stars, but it’s far from the only reason to explore this area!
If you’re already here, there are plenty of standout sights nearby that are well worth your time. Not to mention on-site activities.
1. Photography
There’s no denying it. The photo opportunities here are endless.
There are multiple spots to admire Seljalandsfoss, so don’t rush it. Walk around, check out different vantage points, and you’ll end up with stunning photos!
Drones: Aerial shots would be amazing, no question. But before you grab your drone, you should ask yourself: Is Seljalandsfoss drone flying even allowed?
And I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but flying a drone here (and other waterfalls like Gullfoss and Skógafoss), is strictly prohibited.
If you do plan on flying a drone in Iceland, please make sure you’re aware of what it entails and all the restrictions.
Northern lights: When the weather is good, and you’re hoping to see the Northern Lights, Seljalandsfoss is a fantastic place to capture them.
Photo shoot: If you’re getting married or planning an elopement, this is a super popular spot for photo shoots.
Can you imagine how romantic that backdrop would be for your pictures?!
Speaking of romance, I’ve got some tips to help you plan the perfect couples’ trip. 👇
➡️ READ: How To Be Romantic in Iceland: Planning the Perfect Honeymoon, Elopement or Couple’s Trip
2. Discover the South Coast: Skógafoss, Reynisfjara + Vík
These aren’t the only places to visit along the South Coast, but they’re a great starting point!
Skógafoss: The drive from Seljalandsfoss to Skógafoss is only 30 minutes, and it’s another bucket-list waterfall. I love it for two major reasons:
1 – It’s impressively huge and one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Iceland.
2 – Not only is Skógafoss worth seeing on its own, but if you climb the steps to the right and keep walking, you’ll hit Waterfall Way. A trail that passes 26 more waterfalls along the route!
How is this real life?!
Find out more here.👇
➡️ READ: Skógafoss Waterfall: A Step-By-Step Guide for the Perfect Visit
Reynisfjara Beach: Drive a bit further east, and you’ll reach Reynisfjara’s famous black sand beach with its towering basalt columns. Keep an eye out for sneaker waves and always follow the safety warnings.
Vík: Just nearby, the charming town of Vík steals the spotlight with dramatic cliffs, colorful houses, and a little church perched on a hill.
It’s a day with a seriously high payoff.
Looking for a tour that covers all this and more? Take a look.👇
➡️ TAKE A TOUR: South Coast Wonders
3. Take a Ferry to the Westman Islands
Just south of Seljalandsfoss you can take a ferry to the Westman Islands.
This small archipelago has colorful houses, dramatic volcanic landscapes, and some of the best puffin-spotting in the country.
Heimaey, the main island, is compact and easy to explore on foot, no car required. You can hike, dive into fascinating local history, or enjoy great food and craft beer.
Here’s everything you need to know about visiting the Westman Islands. 👇
➡️ READ: Westman Islands Exploration: Insider Secrets from a Local on Hiking, Dining & More
4. Hiking Trails of Þórsmörk
Þórsmörk (Thorsmork) valley is one of the most beautiful areas of Iceland, and it’s just over a mile away from Seljalandsfoss in the southern Highlands.
The hiking trails are the main attraction here, and there are options for every level, from the shorter Valahnukur loop to the iconic 19-mile (30 km) Fimmvörðuháls hike.
➡️ TAKE A TOUR: DT 403 Private Monster Truck Thórsmörk Valley & Eyjafjallajökull
More Incredible Waterfalls in Iceland
If you’re looking for a deep dive into the waterfalls in Iceland, you don’t want to miss my waterfall series. 👇
✅ Skógafoss Waterfall: A Step-By-Step Guide for the Perfect Visit
✅ Háifoss: A Breathtaking Adventure to One of Iceland’s Highest Waterfalls
✅ The Magical Brúarfoss Waterfall: A Hidden Gem in Iceland’s Golden Circle
✅ Why Glymur Waterfall Should Top Your Iceland Hiking Bucket List
✅ Dynjandi Waterfall: How to Explore the Hidden Jewel of the Westfjords
✅ Goðafoss: Your Complete Guide to One of Iceland’s Most Famous Waterfalls
✅ Hraunfossar and Barnafoss Waterfalls: 2 Hidden Gems You Can’t Miss In Iceland
Eeek! Don’t you feel like a kid in a candy store with all these options?!
Seljalandsfoss Map
Let’s be honest, when it comes to waterfalls in Iceland, the real challenge isn’t finding them… it’s knowing which ones are actually worth stopping for and how to fit them into your route without zig-zagging all over the country!
That’s where my 👉 Iceland Travel Map + Guidebook makes life a whole lot easier.
Instead of guessing, backtracking, or missing incredible falls because they’re not all over social media, you’ll have everything laid out for you.
My guide is packed with region-specific tips, suggested routes, and timing advice.
It also includes a digital map with hundreds of pinned locations, including famous waterfalls like Seljalandsfoss and the lesser-known gems like Gljúfrabúi most travelers completely miss.
You’ll also find all the practical pins you’ll actually use on the road like gas stations, restrooms, grocery stores, and tasty spots to eat.
Trust me, you won’t be scrambling between stops!
With this Iceland Travel Map + Guidebook, you can focus on what actually matters: pulling over when something catches your eye, chasing one waterfall after another, and enjoying the journey without stressing over the details.
Alright, your turn…
Which waterfall are you standing in front of first?
Happy Planning!
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