Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi: plan your waterfall stop

Two waterfalls, separate decisions

You do not have to walk behind Seljalandsfoss or enter the canyon at Gljúfrabúi to make this a worthwhile stop. Start with the main waterfall view, then decide on each extension separately. Paying for parking is not confirmation that every path is open or suitable.

Seljalandsfoss drops about 60 metres on the Seljalandsá river, close to the Ring Road and about 30 kilometres west of Skógar. Gljúfrabúi is a different waterfall nearby, partly concealed by rock at the mouth of its canyon. [1] [2]

The map marks the two destination areas using official visitor information. It does not draw a walking route or identify parking entrances. Follow the signs and permitted paths you find at the site.

The path behind Seljalandsfoss is optional

The recess beneath the cliff allows a path behind the falling water. That unusual perspective is a reason to visit, but not a promise of access. Visit South Iceland specifically warns about slippery winter paths and falling ice, including ice that loosens as temperatures rise. Respect closures even if other people cross a barrier. [1]

Our planning advice is to keep the front view as your basic visit. Only add the path behind the waterfall when local guidance permits it and the footing suits everyone in your group. Grip underfoot does not protect you from ice falling overhead.

Pack a waterproof outer layer, footwear with useful grip and protection for your phone or camera. Put these on before entering spray, rather than stopping to reorganise your bag on a narrow section. Keep your hands available for balance and leave room for people coming the other way.

For children or anyone who dislikes wet, uneven ground, agree on a comfortable stopping point together. The photograph you came for need not determine how far you go.

Adding Gljúfrabúi does not mean entering the canyon

Gljúfrabúi is about 40 metres tall and falls into a chasm behind a rock face called Franskanef. The regional tourism board identifies it as a protected natural monument and explicitly warns of falling rocks in the canyon. [2]

Separate walking towards the neighbouring waterfall from trying to reach the enclosed view often shown in photographs. The latter involves the stream and canyon, not simply another dry viewpoint. A tourism description of wading is not a water level report or a recommendation for your particular day.

Do not enter just because a queue has formed. Follow current signs, keep out of closed areas and skip the enclosed view if conditions or your footing are uncertain. You can leave this addition out entirely when the group is cold, daylight is running short or the onward drive deserves your remaining time.

Keep to established visitor areas and take rubbish away. Avoid climbing on the surrounding rocks to reproduce a photograph.

Parking and facilities: check the actual operator

Check it operates the Seljalandsfoss parking payment service with automatic number plate reading. On 14 October 2026, its English and Icelandic pages both listed 900 ISK for a passenger car carrying five people or fewer. The fee is valid until midnight that day, not for a rolling 24 hours. Confirm the displayed tariff for your vehicle when you arrive. [3]

Pay using the instructions at the site or the operator’s linked payment service and check that you entered the correct registration. The operator warns that a rental company may add charges when an unpaid visit is passed to the vehicle owner. Keep your payment confirmation with your trip records. [3]

The parking operator lists toilets included in the parking fee and a café at the site. Visit South Iceland also lists the Seljaveitingar food and souvenir service with seasonal opening information. Check current service hours if you are depending on food or facilities, particularly for an early or late stop. [3] [4]

Fit the stop into your South Coast day

Decide what must happen next before you leave the car. If you have a fixed activity time, allow separately for the return to the vehicle, changing a wet layer and the onward drive. Do not use a photograph stop estimate as the duration of the whole visit.

Continuing east? Our Skógafoss guide explains its base view, steps and longer trail. If a glacier activity is the main event, use the Sólheimajökull guide and your provider’s actual meeting instructions. The Vík guide helps you keep time for the village rather than filling every remaining hour with roadside stops.

Before setting out, check Safetravel, the weather forecast and warnings, and Umferðin road information. Recheck if your departure is delayed or the weather changes. Our Travel conditions page brings dated snapshots together; it is not a real time emergency service. [5] [6] [7]

Common questions