Seljalandsfoss and Gljufrabui (Gljúfrabúi)

Seljalandsfoss and Gljufrabui (Gljúfrabúi)

Seljalandsfoss is one of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls, its thin plume of water dropping over a 60m high former sea cliff. The extra special feature is that you can walk behind it and gaze out through its misty spray.

The path behind the waterfall is rocky, uneven and wet from the spray and should not be taken if conditions are icy or particularly wet. 

Always check local conditions before undertaking the walk, wear sturdy boots and a hooded waterproof jacket and protect your camera. The path is a circular route so you can access it from either side.

There are toilets and a mobile cafe on the site. The vegetation at Seljalandsfoss is easily damaged so visitors are asked to stay on the trail at all times. 

About 500m north of Seljalandsfoss is another waterfall, Gljufrabui (meaning 'one who lives in a canyon'). You can walk from Seljalandsfoss to Gljufrabui along a path at the foot of the cliff but you can also drive and park at the Hamragardar camping ground.

To see the waterfall, which is wedged inside the gorge, you’ll need waterproof boots (or wading shoes) but when the flow is low you can use the stepping stones. It’s a magical experience.  

Back at the junction with road 1, take a look at the information panels that describe the flooding from the 2010 Eyjafjallajokull eruption and the damage it caused to the road here.