Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
The waterfall you can walk behind — a spectacular 60-meter cascade fed by the Eyjafjallajökull glacier, offering a once-in-a-lifetime experience from every angle.
About Seljalandsfoss
Seljalandsfoss is one of the most famous and photographed waterfalls in Iceland. Dropping 60 meters from a cliff that once marked Iceland's coastline, the waterfall is fed by the Seljalands river, which originates from the glacier volcano Eyjafjallajökull — the same volcano that famously erupted in 2010 and disrupted air travel across Europe.
What makes Seljalandsfoss truly unique is that visitors can walk along a footpath that passes directly behind the cascade. Standing in the cave behind the falling curtain of water is an unforgettable experience — you feel the rumble of the falls, see rainbows in the mist, and get a perspective that few waterfalls in the world can offer.
Just a few hundred meters to the north lies the hidden gem Gljúfrabúi — a stunning waterfall partially concealed inside a narrow canyon. You can wade through a shallow stream to peek inside the rocky opening and see the falls cascading into a secret chamber. Seljalandsfoss has also appeared in films and TV shows including The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, Game of Thrones, and Star Trek: Discovery.
Distance from Cabin
~90 km / about 1 hour 17 minutes by car from Northern Lights Cabin via Route 1 (Hringvegur).
Waterfall Dimensions
60 m high (197 ft). You can walk behind the entire width of the cascade on a footpath carved into the cliff.
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.