Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
The one waterfall our guests always come back raving about — the one you can actually walk behind. It's a little over an hour south of the cabin, and the centrepiece of a south-coast day we never tire of recommending.
Why we send guests to Seljalandsfoss
Seljalandsfoss is the first big stop we suggest if you've got a clear day and want to point the car south. It's a little over an hour from the cabin, and you'll spot the 60-meter ribbon of water from the Ring Road well before you reach the car park — that first glimpse never gets old, however many times we've made the drive ourselves.
The reason everyone makes the trip is the path that loops right behind the falls. Standing in the little cave behind that curtain of water, with the rumble all around you and rainbows hanging in the spray, is the kind of thing our guests still talk about at breakfast the next morning. Our honest advice: wear proper waterproofs and shoes with grip, because the spray soaks everyone, and the rocks underfoot get slick. On a bright day, late afternoon light comes through the falls beautifully and the rainbows are at their best.
Don't rush off once you've seen the main event. A few hundred meters north there's a quieter waterfall, Gljúfrabúi, tucked inside a narrow cleft in the cliff — wade through the shallow stream and you'll find it hidden in its own little chamber, usually with far fewer people. We'd set aside a bit of extra time for it. If you're making a full day of it, this pairs naturally with Skógafoss further east and the hidden ravine at Nauthúsagil nearby.
Distance from Cabin
~90 km / about 1 hour 17 minutes by car from Northern Lights Cabin via Route 1 (Hringvegur).
Our Tip
Walk the full footpath behind the cascade, then carry on north to find the hidden Gljúfrabúi. Bright afternoons give the best rainbows.
Visit Duration
45–90 minutes including the walk behind the falls and a visit to nearby Gljúfrabúi. Open year-round, 24/7.
Admission
Free entry. Parking fee applies (~800 ISK). Visible right from the Ring Road as you drive past.
Seljalandsfoss Gallery
Photos from our visits to this magical waterfall on Iceland's south coast.
Location & Directions
Seljalandsfoss is about a 1 hour 17 minute drive from Northern Lights Cabin along the scenic south coast.
From Northern Lights Cabin
- Distance: ~90 km (56 miles)
- Drive time: ~1 hour 17 minutes
- Route: Head south to Route 1 (Hringvegur / Ring Road) and drive east along the south coast. The waterfall is visible right from the road.
- Parking: Parking lot at the base of the falls (fee ~800 ISK). Very short walk to the waterfall.
Good to Know
- Wear waterproof clothing and sturdy shoes — you will get wet walking behind the falls!
- The path behind the falls can be slippery and may close in winter due to ice.
- Don't miss Gljúfrabúi — the hidden waterfall just a few hundred meters north along the cliff.
- Combine with nearby Skógafoss (30 km east) for an epic waterfall day trip along the south coast.