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Scenic drives along Iceland’s Ring Road (Route 1) and Route 54 on the way to Selvallafoss.

You know, sometimes the best things in travel are the ones you don’t plan. That’s exactly how we stopped at Selvallafoss, a small waterfall hidden on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula in West Iceland.

If you are visiting Iceland, you probably already have Kirkjufell on your list, that iconic mountain in the background and cascade waterfalls in the foreground, you see in almost every Iceland travel guide. We were headed there too, and on the way, we found Selvallafoss, a quiet, lush green, and totally underrated spot that many people drive right past without knowing.

It was a cold, rainy, and gloomy kind of day when we left Reykjavík for Kirkjufell. The skies were dark, the road a little slick, and the mood… well, a bit sleepy. But just off Road 56, near Selvallavatn Lake, we noticed a tiny pull-off and decided to take a break.

That’s when we found it.

It’s a small, walk-behind waterfall near Selvallavatn Lake, easily accessible from Road 56 (Vatnaleið), but you can’t see it from the road. Selvallafoss, also known as Sheep’s Waterfall, gets its name because Icelandic sheep often roam the green hills nearby,  although we didn’t see any when we visited.

From the parking spot, it’s about a 10 to 15-minute walk one way. The uneven trail with few ups and downs, and can get a little muddy and slippery when it rains, opens up into the vast, lush green, beautiful landscape.

And then you reach the falls.

What makes Selvallafoss special is that you can actually walk behind the waterfall. But we didn’t go behind it. It was cold, drizzling, and honestly, we didn’t feel like getting completely wet. The area was peaceful, and the waterfalls, lake, clouds, and lush green landscape looked beautiful even in the rain.

This stop was mainly for Selvallafoss, but the drive itself was beautiful. There were no tour buses. No ropes or signs. Just us and a few others, the waterfall, the lake, the hills, and the wild Icelandic scenery.

We tried to capture the beauty of the area in this slideshow from our journey on June 18, 2025. The photos include views along Iceland’s Ring Road (Route 1) from Reykjavík, Selvallafoss itself, and scenes from Route 54 (Snæfellsnesvegur) as we headed toward Kirkjufell, with a stop at Kolgrafarfjörður Viewpoint.

And don’t forget to check out the Quick Facts and Tips section below for practical info to help plan your visit

Quick Facts and Tips:

• Best time to visit is during summer for lush greenery and clear views.
• Check road (road.is) and weather (vedur.is) conditions before heading out.
• Selvallafoss/Sheep’s Waterfall, located on the Snæfellsnes peninsula in West Iceland, near Selvallavatn Lake, along Road 56 (Vatnaleið).  📍View on Google Maps.
• Approximately 2 hrs drive (152 km/94 mi) northwest of Reykjavík.
• No entrance fee or admission charges, the waterfall is free to enjoy.
• Parking is limited in a small pull-off area right off Road 56 and No parking fee is currently charged at Selvallafoss (unlike many South Coast spots), and there are no ticket machines.
• The hike is about 10 to 15 mins one way on the unpaved path from the parking lot.
• There are no signs for the waterfall, but if you look around, you will spot a small path leading downhill.
• Expect uneven ground, slight ups and downs, muddy patches, and slippery rocks, especially on rainy days. 
• Dress in layers, wear comfortable sturdy shoes. Bring waterproof shoes and a light rain jacket.
• Bring a small cloth to wipe your camera and face, walking behind the falls means you will likely get misted.
• Drones are usually allowed at Selvallafoss. It is private land, only fly if there are no signs, and follow Iceland’s basic drone rules.
• There are no restrooms at the site, so be prepared for nature-only breaks.
• Bring snacks and water. No food or concessions nearby.

Conclusion

Selvallafoss may not be one of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls like Gullfoss, Seljalandsfoss, and Skógafoss, but that is what makes it special. It is quiet, uncrowded, and surrounded by stunning, untouched nature. If you are heading toward Kirkjufell or exploring the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, it is the perfect spot to slow down, stretch your legs, and enjoy some peaceful calm.