Holding Hands Behind Seljalandsfoss
The term Foss in Icelandic language means waterfall and the Seljalandsfoss on the river Seljalansá, drops 60 m (200 ft) over the cliffs of the former coastline. The waterfall stands out as being a fabulous one, as it is possible to go behind the waterfall and feel its awesone power, and get wet almost certainly.
Seljarlandsfoss is one of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls, on the South Coast, just off Route 1. It’s about 120–130 km east of Reykjavík, making it an easy stop on a South Coast road trip.
One can find tourists with raincoats behind the waterfall. If a traveler comes by the ring road, the waterfall becomes visible long before the traveler has reached the spot. The water comes from the infamous volcano and glacier Eyjafjallajökull, which one can see while aproaching this stunning location from the Ring Road. The turn that leads to the waterfall goes all the way into the hiker’s paradise of Thorsmork.
The waterfall drops about 60 metres (197 ft) from a former sea cliff. Its water comes from the Seljalandsá River, fed by meltwater from the Eyjafjallajökull glacier.
The big attraction is that you can walk behind the waterfall. A path runs into the cavern behind the falling water, giving you a spectacular view looking outward through the curtain of spray. Expect to get very wet, though!
This waterfall on the south coast is really breathtaking and no tourist misses the falls. The Seljalandfoss has had its share of television glory. Along with many videos and being part of many documentaries on Iceland, this water fall was one of the waypoint during the Season 6 of the television series The Amazing Race.
During summer, Icelanders and international tourists do not miss the falls as it is just a 120 kms trip from Reykjavik. Most couples do not miss that romantic moment behind the falling waters of the Seljalandsfoss.
A few practical points
- Wear waterproof clothing and shoes if you want to go behind it—the spray is substantial and the rocks can be slippery.
- Check conditions before entering the rear path. Ice, falling ice and slippery surfaces can make it dangerous, and the path is sometimes closed.
- Allow roughly 30–60 minutes for the waterfall itself, longer if you’re taking lots of photos.
- Early morning or later afternoon/evening is generally better for avoiding the busiest crowds.
- There is paid parking nearby; visiting the waterfall itself doesn’t generally require an entrance ticket.
During the winter, the staircase might be shut down as it becomes very slippery and dangerous. But it is lit up. During spring and summer, if one is truly lucky, one can spot a beautiful rainbow and make a wish. The main reason for its fame, as mentioned before, is the path by foot that goes behind it and the sight is truly amazing and very poetic. Being at the Seljalandsfoss is indeed truly mesmerising. It is to be seen to be believed. Just pictures will not do the job. Just go there.
Don’t miss Gljúfrabúi
Just a short distance from Seljalandsfoss is Gljúfrabúi, a smaller waterfall hidden inside a narrow canyon. It’s easy to combine the two, and Gljúfrabúi feels much more secluded and adventurous.
If you’re doing the South Coast, a great sequence is Seljalandsfoss → Gljúfrabúi → Skógafoss → Reynisfjara → Vík.
