Seljalandsfoss
Walk behind a 60-metre waterfall on Iceland's south coast
About This Experience
Seljalandsfoss is probably the most recognisable waterfall in Iceland — the one in every brochure with a person standing behind the cascading water, backlit by the evening sun. And it genuinely lives up to the image. The Seljalandsá river drops 60 metres from a cliff edge formed by the old sea cliffs that once lined Iceland's south coast, before land rose and pushed the shoreline kilometres further south.
What sets it apart is the path. A trail loops completely around the back of the waterfall, through a natural alcove in the cliff face. You walk behind the curtain of water and look out through it to the green farmland beyond. The spray is relentless and the sound is enormous, but standing there — the waterfall between you and the outside world — is a moment that sticks.
We visited in the evening when the sun was low and lighting up the water from behind. The golden hour at Seljalandsfoss is legendary for photographers, and even with our phone cameras, the results were dramatic.
What to Expect
The waterfall is visible from Route 1 and impossible to miss. A large car park sits at the base, with a parking fee of 800 ISK. From the car park, it's a 5-minute walk to the base of the falls.
The walk-behind path goes clockwise, climbing slightly before passing behind the water and descending on the other side. The full loop takes about 20-25 minutes. The path is wet and can be slippery — metal grating covers some sections but not all.
You will get soaked. This isn't a light mist; the spray from a 60-metre waterfall is substantial. Full waterproof layers are recommended — jacket, trousers, and if you care about your boots, waterproof those too.
Practical Tips
- Full waterproof layers are essential for the walk-behind — jacket and trousers, not just a jacket
- The walk-behind path closes in icy winter conditions; check at the site before walking up
- Parking costs 800 ISK (paid at machine in the car park)
- Morning light is best for photography from the front; evening sun is best from behind
- Gljúfrabúi is 500 metres south — don't miss it while you're here
- Nauthúsagil hidden canyon is 10 km east and makes an excellent third stop
- The drive from Reykjavik takes about 1.5 hours east on Route 1
- Tour buses arrive from mid-morning — visit early or in the evening for smaller crowds
Photo Gallery
More Experiences in Vik
Gjáin Valley
Gjáin is a small, hidden valley in the Þjórsárdalur highlands — a pocket of green in the barren interior where waterfalls tumble over basalt, streams braid through moss-covered lava, and you might have it entirely to yourself.
Gljúfrabúi
Barely 500 metres from the tourist crowds at Seljalandsfoss, Gljúfrabúi hides behind a narrow crack in the rock — wade through ankle-deep water into a small canyon and look up to see a waterfall pouring into a natural cathedral.
Háifoss
Háifoss drops 122 metres from a highland plateau into the Fossárdalur canyon — and right next to it, its smaller companion Granni falls side by side. The remote setting and sheer scale make this one of Iceland's most rewarding waterfalls to reach.
Hjálparfoss
Two streams merge and drop over a ledge of hexagonal basalt columns into a shared pool — Hjálparfoss is compact, easy to reach by regular car, and one of the most photogenic stops in the Þjórsárdalur valley.
Keldur Turf Houses
Keldur is the oldest fully standing turf farmhouse in Iceland — a cluster of grass-roofed buildings dating to the 12th century, connected by an underground stone tunnel, in the heart of Njáls Saga country.
Kvernufoss
Kvernufoss is a 30-metre waterfall hiding in a gorge just a 15-minute walk from Skógafoss — you can walk behind the curtain of water through a natural alcove, and most days you'll have it almost entirely to yourself.
Nauthúsagil
Nauthúsagil is a narrow, moss-covered ravine on the flanks of Eyjafjallajökull — wade through a shallow stream, grab the fixed ropes, and squeeze into a canyon that opens onto a hidden waterfall at the back. It feels like trespassing into a secret.
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
The basalt columns look like a giant pipe organ, the Reynisdrangar sea stacks rise from the surf like frozen trolls, and the sneaker waves will absolutely knock you off your feet if you turn your back on the ocean. Reynisfjara is magnificent and it demands respect.
Skógafoss
Skógafoss is a 60-metre wall of water so powerful it produces a permanent rainbow on sunny days — stand at its base and feel the ground shake, then climb 527 steps beside it for views all the way to the coast and the start of the Fimmvörðuháls trail.