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By Monika

Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi – How to Visit Two Stunning Waterfalls.

Seljalandsfoss is one of the most impressive and most visited waterfalls on Iceland’s South Coast. It attracts tourists every day, any time of the year, due to the unique experience of being able to walk behind it.

It is amazing!

But did you know that just 5 minutes down the paved path, another stunning waterfall awaits? I didn’t until my second trip to Iceland, so I want to tell you all about it! Its name is Gljúfrabúi.

It is a hidden gem, tucked away in a small canyon and not nearly as popular as its famous neighbor, but absolutely a must-see if you’re up for a very short but very rewarding hike.

Let me tell you how to visit both of these amazing sites with one easy Ring Road stop.

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Where are Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi?

These beautiful waterfalls are located on the South Coast of Iceland, right on the Ring Road and easily accessible from Reykjavik or Vik – depending on the direction of your travels.

How to get to Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi?

By car:

The easiest way to reach the waterfalls is to drive.

Drive time: from Reykjavik: 1 hr 50 min. (127 km) and from Vik: 50 min. (60 km)

It’s an easy, very scenic car ride and the parking lot to Seljalandsfoss (you’ll use the same parking lot for Gljúfrabúi) is clearly marked.

There is a parking fee of 1000 ISK (about $7) which you pay at the pay station right in the parking lot. In the past you were required to display the payment slip on your dashboard (it was even called it a “pay and display” parking lot), but you don’t have to do it now (2024), as you enter your car’s license plate when you pay. You can also pay online.

Parking lot facilities:

There are multiple restrooms, a food/coffee booth and a very well stocked gift shop here. It doesn’t look like much from the outside but inside is full of Icelandic sweaters, beautiful wool hats and other souvenirs.

With a tour:

If you’re not up for self-driving, there are many great choices for organized tours to join and visit the South Coast, its waterfalls and other beautiful sights, like Reynisfjara Beach, Vik or Skógafoss.

Keep in mind: many tour operators will only include the most famous waterfalls in their itineraries, like Seljalandsfoss or Skógafoss If you’d like to make sure that the hidden gems like Gljúfrabúi ot Kvernufoss (the lesser-known neighbor of the famous Skógafoss) are on the itinerary, please read the tour details carefully to make sure that they are included in their stops.

Here are some day tours that I think you’ll enjoy:

• From Reykjavik: Explore the Waterfalls of the South Coast – this tour has them all – it’s focused on waterfalls only and will take you to both the famous ones AND the hidden gems, like Gljúfrabúi or Kvernufoss.
• From Reykjavík: Waterfalls, Black Beach & Glacier Day Trip – this tour includes will take you to Gljúfrabúi in addition to the well-known waterfalss, and also includes Reynisfjara Black Beach and a visit to Sölheimajökull glacier.
• From Reykjavik: South of Iceland Full-Day Trip – this tour skips the less known waterfalls but takes you to the black beach, the glacier and also the beautiful village of Vik.

How to see Seljalandsfoss

Seljalandsfoss is a powerful, majestic waterfall, with water cascading down from a cliff about 60 m high.

It is located on the Seljalandsá River and, as I mentioned above, is best known the fact that you can walk behind it.

There is a foot path at its base encircling the waterfall. Most people start this short walk on the right side of the loop and finish on the left.

It can get pretty crowded here during peak tourist season as Seljalandsfoss is one of the most iconic and unique waterfalls in South Iceland, but it’s well worth it to brave the crowds.

Standing in the wide cavern behind the massive curtain of water is a magical experience!

Helpful tip: I strongly suggest putting on good, waterproof clothing and waterproof shoes, as well as protecting your phones and cameras. Walking behind the crushing waters of Seljalandsfoss is by no means a dry experience! Even before you get to the cavern and after you exit it, there is so much mist and spray that you will get wet!

Seljalandsfoss rainbows

Seljalandsfoss is also famous for the rainbows you may be able to see on a clear sunny day!

And if the day is windy, your odds are even better as the wind creates more mist. Take a look at these gorgeous rainbows that we saw at the end of an extremely blustery but very sunny day!

How much time do I need at Seljalandsfoss?

There is no right or wrong amount of time to spend at Seljalandsfoss. It all depends on what you choose to do when you get there.

If you’re going to admire it only from afar, from the paved path also leading to Gljúfrabúi, then you won’t need more than a few minutes.

If you go for the full experience and take the walk behind the tumbling waters, you should allow at least 30-45 minutes for the visit. It will also depend on how busy it is, as you will have to follow a flock of other tourists and wait your turn for a chance to take THE photo in the cavern behind the falls (don’t let the crowds discourage you – this memorable experience is worth the wait!).

I recommend that you check out the gift shop – like I mentioned earlier, it really is nice and full of beautiful items like Icelandic sweaters, hats, hand-sketched postcards and more. So add time for that!

And finally – did you decide to visit Gljúfrabúi waterfall? Read more below on why you should! And add time for that!

How to visit Gljúfrabúi

Gljúfrabúi (sometimes also referred to as the “Canyon Dweller”) is a true gem – a secret waterfall hiding almost in plain sight right next to the famous Seljalandsfoss.

Most people get so caught up in the Seljalandsfoss experience that they tend to overlook its less famous but equally captivating neighbor.  

The entrance leads into a short narrow canyon.

After some scrambling on a wet, rocky path along a small shallow stream, the gorge quickly opens to a cave with a large boulder. Behind the boulder you can see the waterfall.

Almost everyone scrambles on that boulder as it creates an opportunity for some amazing photos.  Again, totally worth the wait in case the canyon gets a little crowded.

You have to look way up to see a small opening in the rock face, from which the waterfall comes crushing down.

Helpful tip: Gljúfrabúi requires walking on wet, sometimes slippery rocks and the iconic photo op on a boulder will also most likely get you wet. So like I mentioned above for Seljalandsfoss – waterproof gear and boots are strongly encouraged! Protect your electronics too!

Helpful tip: if your trip itinerary allows it, try to plan “wet activities” like this, or visiting Kvernufoss (another potentially soaking experience) towards the end of your day. That way, if you inadvertently get wet, you won’t have to spend the rest of your day trip in wet clothes. Alternatively, bring a change of clothes and keep them in the car in case you need them.

How much time do I need for Gljúfrabúi?

To keep your visit unrushed and to allow for some “visitor traffic” potentially slowing you down, I would reserve about 45 minutes to spend at Gljúfrabúi.

Best time to see Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi

Seljalandsfoss waterfall is accessible year-round, and guided tours operate all year as well.

Summer months give you the best chance for good weather and allow you to experience the unique opportunity of walking behind Seljalandsoss. In the winter the path may be closed due to snow and ice in which case you’ll have to appreciate this natural wander from a safe distance.

If you’re visiting on your own in the winter months, please check the official Icelandic Meteorological Office website for the most up to date weather forecast and www.road.is for current road conditions and potential closures.

Gljúfrabúi is only accessible when the rocks you have to walk on to get to it aren’t coated in ice, as that makes the short and otherwise easy trek unsafe. Please use caution!

As far as the time of day – any time is good for a visit, but if you’re looking to avoid the crowds then you should come early in the morning or later in the evening. However, if that’s tough to work into your plan for the day, just come whenever it works for you – the crowds weren’t huge when we were there, and we didn’t think it took anything away from our experience.

Where to stay near Seljalandsfoss/Gljúfrabúi?

The closest place to stay near both waterfalls in the direction towards Vik is Kviholmi Premium Apartments (apartments with kitchens and free parking), Skálakot Manor Hotel (upscale hotel with breakfast included and a spa) or The Garage (apartments with kitchenettes). In the direction towards Reykjavik, your closest option is Brú Guesthouse (cottages with kitchennettes) and Hotel Selja (a hotel with breakfast included).

Check prices and availability of other options here or explore the map below:

I hope I was able to encourage you to visit both Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi as they are both amazing and definitely worth your time!

For suggestions of good waterproof gear that we tested during our trips to Iceland, check out my practical, budget friendly Iceland packing list.

Nearby attractions:

• Solheimajökull Glacier
• Skógafoss waterfall – a complete guide (+ a hidden gem!)
• Seljavallalaug Geothermal Swimming Pool
• Vik (the southernmost village in Iceland)
• Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
• Dyrhólaey Cliffs (you can see the puffins here in the summer!)
• Yoda Cave

Check out my tested Iceland itineraries to see how you can fit visiting Seljalandsfoss into your travel plan!

👉 Don’t forget TRAVEL INSURANCE! I don’t travel without it. Get a quote from my personal #1 choice – Travel Guard – or check more options here!

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Use promo code PLANPACK to unlock your 5% discount!

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