About This Experience

The stretch of Route 1 between Selfoss and Vik might have the highest density of jaw-dropping waterfalls anywhere in Iceland. In one day of driving, we hit four major falls, each with a completely different character — and two of them barely had any other visitors.

Seljalandsfoss is the famous one: a 60-metre curtain of water you can walk behind via a path that loops around the cliff face. It's spectacular, and predictably crowded. But barely 500 metres away, hidden behind a narrow crack in the rock, Gljúfrabúi is its secret neighbour. You wade through ankle-deep water into a small canyon and look up to see a waterfall pouring into a natural cathedral. We had it to ourselves for ten minutes.

Skógafoss is the powerhouse — a 60-metre wall of water so forceful it generates a permanent rainbow on sunny days. The 527 steps beside it lead to the Fimmvörðuháls hiking trail with views all the way to the coast. And just across the road from the Skógar Museum, Kvernufoss hides behind a short trail that most people skip entirely.

What to Expect

The four waterfalls are spread along about 30 kilometres of the south coast, making them easy to combine in a single drive. Starting from the west: Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi are right next to each other (connected by a short path), then Skógafoss and Kvernufoss are neighbours about 30 minutes further east.

At Seljalandsfoss, the walk-behind path takes about 20 minutes for the full loop. You will get wet — spray hits you from every angle. Gljúfrabúi requires wading through shallow water in a narrow canyon, so waterproof boots help (or just accept wet feet).

Skógafoss is visible from the car park and needs no introduction. The real reward is climbing the staircase on the eastern side for the view from the top. Kvernufoss is reached via a 15-minute trail from the Skógar Museum car park — follow the path past the museum buildings and along the river.

Practical Tips

• Drive west to east (Seljalandsfoss → Gljúfrabúi → Skógafoss → Kvernufoss) for logical sequencing
• Bring a full waterproof layer for Seljalandsfoss walk-behind — not just a rain jacket, but waterproof trousers too
• Gljúfrabúi: wear waterproof boots or be prepared to get your feet wet in the stream
• Kvernufoss is the least visited of the four — go here first if you want solitude
• The Skógafoss staircase (527 steps) is worth climbing for the top-down view and trail access
• Morning light is best for Seljalandsfoss (faces east); afternoon for Skógafoss (faces south)
• Parking at Seljalandsfoss costs 800 ISK; Skógafoss parking is free
• Seljalandsfoss walk-behind path closes in icy winter conditions — check at the site
• Allow 1-1.5 hours per waterfall to avoid rushing
• The Skógar Folk Museum next to Skógafoss is surprisingly good if you have spare time