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We wrapped up the Golden Circle pretty quickly that morning and left Kerið Crater around 3 PM. Only minutes later, we pulled over at the Ölfusá Overlook, where everything looked calm and peaceful. A few horses grazed in the distance, and the whole scene looked like something straight out of an Iceland postcard.

From there, it was about an hour’s drive along Ring Road (Route 1) to Seljalandsfoss, and that’s where the real South Coast views began. The road stretched straight toward snowcapped mountains, with open fields on both sides covered in purple lupines. As we got closer, we started seeing waterfalls cascading down the wide green cliffs. The view was beautiful and serene, and we couldn’t stop looking out the window.

We reached the Seljalandfoss parking lot around 4:30 PM, quickly paid the parking fee, and walked toward the falls. And there it was…. Seljalandfoss, tall, elegant, and beautiful!!!  The whole place felt a bit unreal, like we had stepped straight into a fairytale.

Seljalandsfoss is a well-known Icelandic waterfall, seen all over Instagram and travel blogs, that you can actually walk behind. It stands about 197 feet (60 meters) tall and is fed by the Seljalands River, which comes from the Eyjafjallajökull glacier. It’s easily accessible from the Ring Road, about two hours from Reykjavík on Iceland’s South Coast. All of that makes this waterfall even more special.

As we walked closer to the front of the falls, the sound of the water grew louder, and the mist started to hit our faces. Standing right in front of the falls, looking up at the rush of water crashing down, breathing in the fresh air, feeling the cold mist, enjoying the wildflowers, staring at the tall cliff walls, and refreshing in the lush green surroundings…. it felt far bigger and more powerful than any photo could capture. It was impossible to put into words. The place itself was just stunning, the whole place felt wild, beautiful, and full of wonder. Seeing it in person truly made the experience unforgettable.

Before walking behind the waterfall, we paused at a spot right at the edge of the path for a perfect side view of the falls. We waited our turn to capture the ideal shot. Then we started climbing the slippery, super wet rocks leading to the entrance of the little cave behind the falls and got absolutely soaked, there is no way you could stay dry! Inside the hollow rock, watching the hide-and-seek play of sunlight through the curtain of water was simply mesmerizing. 

We spent almost an hour at Seljalandsfoss, strolling around and enjoying the beauty of the waterfall and its surroundings from every angle. We had already decided to skip Gljúfrabúi Waterfall, even though it is just a short 15 minute walk from Seljalandsfoss. On top of that, it started drizzling, which made us feel even better about our choice. So we got back to the car, changed into dry jackets, and continued south toward Skógafoss.

Here is the slideshow of snaps of our visit to Magical Seljalandsfoss in Iceland on June 19, 2025.

Before you plan your visit, here are some quick facts and tips to help you make the most of your trip.

Quick Facts and Tips:

• Best time to visit:
  • Summer (June to September): Long daylight hours, mild weather, lush greenery, easier access behind the falls, but expect more crowds.
  • Winter (November to March): Dramatic icy scenery, chance to see Northern Lights, paths behind the falls may be closed or slippery, fewer visitors.
  • Shoulder seasons (May and September): Cooler weather, fewer crowds, and decent conditions for walking and sightseeing.
• Always check road conditions at road.is and weather forecasts at vedur.is.
• Seljalandsfoss is located about 1 hour 45 minutes (128 km) from Reykjavík via Route 1.
• For more info, check the Seljalandsfoss website.
• Seljalandsfoss is open year-round, but the path behind the falls may close in icy conditions. Daylight hours are very short in winter, so plan accordingly.
• No admission fee, but there is a fee for parking, 1,000 ISK, valid for the whole day, covering a visit to Gljúfrabúi too, usually paid using credit cards at the machine in the lot.
• The parking lot is quite large and can accommodate many cars, campervans, and tour buses.
• Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and catch the soft golden light.
• Offers two main viewing experiences and both are easily accessible from the parking area.
  • Front View: An easy and flat path leading to the main viewpoint in front of the waterfall. Great for photos and wide-angle shots. Accessible year-round.
  • Behind the Falls: A narrow, uneven, slippery path with rocks and lots of spray. Offers a magical, up-close perspective of the waterfall and the surrounding gorge. Usually closed in winter due to ice.
• Allow 45 mins to 1 hr to enjoy the waterfall, walk behind the waterfalls and walk to Gljúfrabúi if possible, and take photos from different spots.
• There are public restrooms, a small food-truck-style café/snack stand serving sandwiches, cakes, pastries, and hot drinks, and a small gift shop at the parking lot.
• A seasonally opened designated campsite is located right next to the waterfall. It is first-come, first-served (no need to book ahead); pay the camping fee at the on-site kiosk/office upon arrival.  
• Bring layers and a waterproof jacket, and even spare clothes as the waterfall spray can drench you. Sturdy shoes are essential.
• Use a wide-angle lens for photos, and keep a microfiber cloth handy for wiping mist from your camera lens or glasses.
• Protect your electronics with waterproof covers or bags.
• Stick to marked paths and respect warning signs to stay safe.
• Drones are not allowed due to crowds and safety.
• Nearby Attractions:
  • Gljúfrabúi waterfall: Take a short, easy 15-minute walk to the nearby hidden waterfall, Gljúfrabúi
  • Skógafoss waterfall: Towering Beauty on the South Coast
  • Solheimasandur Plane Wreck
  • Sólheimajökull Glacier: A Walk Into Iceland’s Frozen Wild
  • Eyjafjallajökull volcano area
  • Reynisfjara black sand beach
  • Þórsmörk hiking trails

Conclusion
Seljalandsfoss is absolutely a must see stop on Iceland’s South Coast road trip. It is tall and graceful, surrounded by beautiful scenery, and can be spotted from far away. Famous for the path behind the falls and easy to access from the Ring Road, it makes this spot truly magical and special. Even though it can get a bit crowded, the stunning views and easy access make it worth visiting.