- The waterfall drops 60 metres and lets visitors walk behind it into a cave
- Located right by Route 1 in South Iceland, easy to reach from the main road
- Part of the Seljalands River flowing from Eyjafjallajökull volcano glacier
- Often combined with nearby <a href="/skogafoss/">Skógafoss waterfall</a> on <a href="/south-coast-tours/">south coast tours</a>
Location and Access
Seljalandsfoss sits in South Iceland right by Route 1. The waterfall is also located by the road leading to Þórsmörk on Route 249.
You can see the falls from the main road. Most visitors stop here as part of day trips from Reykjavík heading along the south coast.
The site sits between the capital and Vík, making it a natural stop on longer journeys. Check road.is before you go, as weather and road conditions in Iceland can change fast.
Seljalandsfoss Waterfall Tours
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Private tour · 1 hourIceland: South Coast Private Tour with Driver-Guide✓ Free cancellation✓ Pickup availablefrom €1,348 per groupSee availability →The Walk Behind the Falls
The defining feature is the path that takes you behind the waterfall into a small cave. You walk between the rock face and the 60-metre cascade.
Spray from the falls drenches the path. Waterproof clothing helps, though you will still get wet.
The path can close due to weather. Always check conditions with safetravel.is before planning your visit.
- Walk behind the waterfall for a unique perspective and photo angle
- Easy roadside access from Route 1 with no long hike required
- Close to other South Coast attractions on the same route
- Visible from the road, making it a convenient stop
- Part of the dramatic landscape below Eyjafjallajökull glacier
- Path behind the falls can close due to weather and ice
- Expect heavy spray and wet conditions near the cascade
- Popular location means crowds during peak travel months
- Limited facilities near the waterfall site
Water Source and Geology
Seljalandsfoss is part of the Seljalands River. The river has its origin in the volcano glacier Eyjafjallajökull.
The waterfall drops 60 metres.
The rock formation behind the waterfall once marked the Icelandic coastline. Erosion and land rise moved the shore southward, leaving the cliff inland.
South Coast Tour Combinations
Most visitors see Seljalandsfoss as part of a multi-stop itinerary. South coast tours often pair it with Skógafoss and Reynisfjara black sand beach.
Longer trips may add Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon or Skaftafell. Some itineraries include glacier hiking or ice cave visits in winter.
Check tour details on GetYourGuide for specific itineraries and durations.
You can also reach Seljalandsfoss on self-drive tours or with small group tours.
Compare prices, reviews and free-cancellation options before you book.
Check availability →Weather and Safety Considerations
Weather and road conditions in Iceland can change fast. Wind, rain and spray make conditions slippery around the waterfall.
The path behind the falls can ice over in winter. Closures happen without advance notice when conditions become unsafe.
ICE-SAR is a non-profit, volunteer-based organization with over 4500 volunteers available day and night, year-round. Keep safetravel.is contact details saved if you explore beyond the main viewing areas.
Waterproof layers and sturdy footwear help in all seasons. Plan extra time in your schedule in case the path is closed.
Nearby Attractions
Further east along Route 1, Skógafoss waterfall offers a different perspective with stairs to the top of the cascade.
Golden Circle attractions like Gullfoss and Geysir lie to the north. Some tours combine both routes into multi-day itineraries.
Compare prices, reviews and free-cancellation options before you book.
Check availability →Planning Your Visit
Seljalandsfoss appears in bus tours, private tours and self-drive routes. Check tour details on GetYourGuide for schedules and availability.
Check safetravel.is and road.is on the day of travel.
Weather and road conditions in Iceland can change fast, particularly in winter and shoulder seasons.
Seljalandsfoss offers the rare chance to walk behind a 60-metre waterfall, making it a highlight on South Iceland routes. The trade-off is exposure to spray and weather-dependent path closures that can limit access to the cave.
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How high is Seljalandsfoss waterfall?
Seljalandsfoss drops 60 metres. The waterfall is part of the Seljalands River that has its origin in the volcano glacier Eyjafjallajökull.
Can you walk behind Seljalandsfoss?
Yes, visitors can walk behind the falls into a small cave. The path closes sometimes due to weather, so check safetravel.is before you go.
Where is Seljalandsfoss located?
Seljalandsfoss is in the South Region in Iceland right by Route 1. It is also located by the road that leads to Þórsmörk Road 249.
What glacier feeds Seljalandsfoss?
The waterfall is part of the Seljalands River that has its origin in the volcano glacier Eyjafjallajökull.
