A Seljalandsfoss & Gljúfrabúi Guide
Seth’s Rating
My Experience
I like to start my peices with a note on my experience. Soon enough you’ll find a table of contents leading you to any questions you might have about Seljalandsfoss or Gljúfrabúi. But before the detailed answers, and more importantly, my experience.
Let me start by saying Seljalandsfoss & Gljúfrabúi were the last foss (waterfalls) we saw on our trip around Iceland. After completing the Ring Road journey backwards we were rewarded with this breathtaking place.
I’m giving 9.5/10 stars for this combination of waterfalls because they offer such an up-close experience, unlike some of the other places we visited. Getting to literally walk behind the waterfall is something magical that you cannot find anywhere. The sheer power and force with which the water hits the ground in front of you is something to cherish.
The Vibe
As you can see, the pictures, even at low quality, are breathtaking. You will walk among hundreds of people at the waterfall, and you will get soaked, but it will be worth it. To be honest, it would be quite challenging to be in a bad mood walking around this waterfall. When we arrived it was a rainy day, cloudy, and we were soooo tired.
But, you get wet regardless of how much rainproofing you wear, so bad weather can’t impact your experience here. It’s an amazing place with great vibes right out of the car. If you had a layover for a couple of days and were considering the drive, I would say GO!
How to Get to Seljalandsfoss & Gljúfrabúi
Both Seljalandsfoss & Gljúfrabúi are right beside each other, so much so that they share the same parking lot. The address listed on Google Maps, which we also used, is: Seljalandsfoss, 861, Iceland. All of the Icelandic addresses are so simple in a small country; I love it.
From the airport it’s about 2 hours and change, and from Reykjavik it’s just under two hours of a drive, from both starting points just get yourself to Route 1 heading South and continue until the turn off…it really is that easy.
If you have a layover of 24 hours or more, I would definitely suggest visiting Seljalandsfoss and possibly taking the Reykjadalur Hot Springs Hike if you’re an avid hiker!
Where to Park at Seljalandsfoss
Once you arrive at Seljalandsfoss by following the signs after turning off of Route 1, you’ll end up at a parking lot…you can’t miss it because there will be a MILLION cars. This place is so busy, rightly so! When we arrived there was a parking attendant directing traffic and people into spots.
Depending on the season of your travel and the time of day there may or may not be an attendant. But, they have tons of parking, and lots of roadside parking as well for the bigger vehicles!
Do I Have to Pay for Parking?
Just like almost any natural attraction in Iceland, you will have to pay for parking. Granted, if this waterfall was placed somewhere in North America they would probably rip your eyes out for an entrance fee, parking, and pictures. The $10-15 it costs per vehicle is worth it, every single time!
What to Wear to Seljalandsfoss
I knew Iceland could be rainy, misty, windy, and the like, but Seljalandsfoss does NOT care! This waterfall throws a continuous stream at you 24/7; there’s no avoiding getting wet. Before our trip, Morgan and I headed to Mountain Warehouse (not sponsored) and grabbed a couple of throw-over rain shells, pants and coats. It didn’t cost much, maybe $50 CAD per suit.
It turns out that you can wear anything, but you’ll still get wet if you plan to go behind the foss, that is. I even had skiing goggles on and got soaked in the eyes!
To answer the question: wear rainproof material, especially boots! Morgan and I BOTH had hiking boots; I soaked through. If you’re planning on bringing some warm rubbers, all the power to you…If only I could go back in time.
How to Keep Your Things Dry
This is a good joke. Yea…you won’t. I mean there’s certain things you can do like rain-proof suits and pockets to minimize it.
I did not bring my phone; Morgan did, but she had this waterproof phone sleeve, which was a great idea. I had a Sony GoPro-type camera (not sponsored) with a waterproof case that kept it dry. We brought car keys and a credit card to pay for the parking at the machine, and that was that!
If you want to check out the waterproof phone sleeve that we used, it comes in a 2-pack on Amazon and worked great: https://amzn.to/3LhGOyh
Disclaimer: Commissions earned through the link help support my site and help me continue making content! I only affiliate for products I have ACTUALLY USED. I won’t back something I didn’t use in my trips!
Can I Go Behind Seljalandsfoss?
Of course you can go behind Seljalandsfoss, that’s what makes it so special! Almost everyone will be going behind the foss, but you don’t have to if it doesn’t feel right.
How Do I Get Behind the Waterfall?
Once you park you will see many people heading to the waterfall, the paths are clearly marked. Seljalandsfoss trail is a loop, so you enter one way go behind the foss and come out the other way. You can clearly see the direction of the paths (per the flow of hundreds of people), but if it’s quiet, we went right first and came out left.
But I’m not gonna stop you from going the wrong way, heck you’re in Iceland! (or going…im excited for you!)
If you have any questions I didn’t answer drop them in the comments and I’ll get back to you very quickly!
What is Gljúfrabúi?
Gljúfrabúi, or the secret waterfall behind Seljalandsfoss (not a secret with how many people go there) is this amazing foss tucked away in a canyon. As you can see by the pictures and the video down below, you can get right up close and personal. (and wet while you do it!)
How Do I Get to Gljúfrabúi?
The screenshot from Google Maps below provides a rough idea of where Gljúfrabúi is located. Basically, if you’re staring straight at Seljalandsfoss, take a left and walk for about 5ish minutes until you get to the entrance of the canyon.
From there its a short 30 seconds in, but its basically through a small stream/river so expect to get soaked in the shoes…worth it!
Via Google Maps
My Final Thoughts
If you’d like to check out my YouTube video POV that features both waterfalls in one video, please do!
If you’re planning to visit Iceland and have more than a day, I would say go to Seljalandsfoss. Please GO!
I assure you, it is worth it, without a doubt. I gave it 9.5 stars out of ten when it was cloudy, raining, I got soaked, and I was living out of a camper van for a week. If that doesn’t say something about it, I don’t know what will!
I love Iceland, and I’m sure you do/will too, so go to Seljalandsfoss!!!
More foss (waterfalls), travel ideas, and everything you need to know about Iceland can be found here: Iceland Blogs
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Thank you so much for reading and as I mentioned earlier if you have any questions I didn’t get to make sure to leave them down below and I’ll answer them promptly, it helps not only yourself but maybe others who have the same questions!
