Seljalandsfoss: The Magical Icelandic Waterfall
What is Seljalandsfoss?
Seljalandsfoss waterfall, situated in the south of Iceland, enjoys worldwide recognition as one of the most impressive and beautiful natural landmarks of Iceland because it drops 60 meters (about 200 feet) into a large pond from the Seljalands River. Its popularity stems additionally from the fact that, unlike most waterfalls, you can walk behind it! Whether you are an adrenaline junkie, a nature photographer, or simply a bad poetry writer in search of inspiration, you’ve probably seen Seljalandsfoss before.
Where is Seljalandsfoss?
Located in the south of Iceland, Seljalandsfoss (meaning ‘the misty waterfall’) can be comfortably included in your Iceland itinerary if you’re driving the island’s Ring Road (Route 1); it’s about 120 kilometers (75 miles) from Iceland’s capital, Reykjavik, and around 30 kilometer (19 miles) from the town of Selfoss. If you’re already staying in the south of the island it’s an easy day trip.
Historical Significance of Seljalandsfoss
Seljalandsfoss is a dynamo: a waterfall, no doubt about it. But it isn’t only a waterfall. Its history and its surroundings give it substance, and when you learn how Icelanders have interacted with it over the centuries – both practically and psychologically – and when you uncover the land’s hidden hieroglyphs and the archives of local folklore, the place becomes animated. It gains a spirit, as it were. It tells a story. Long before Europeans stumbled onto the New World, Seljalandsfoss was one of the most obvious landmarks on the south coast of Iceland: a great torrent, 12 feet across, falling upward in 65 meters of glossy elegance from an overhang of the Eyjabakki River, about 500 feet above the flat plain where it plunges toward the sea. The nearby plain and a smaller, adjoining bay carry the name of the waterfall’s original owners, who made this place their fjallabyggð, a household of the cliffside, tens of centuries ago. A fjallabyggð is a fissure-dweller, a human settlement in a cleft of an ancient cliff laid bare by an ice age glacier. Literal as such terms are, the mountains around Seljalandsfoss remain haunted by huldufolk, huldufolk and elfin creatures: so-called hidden people. The trailing plume of spray behind Seljalandsfoss had an extra, unexpected importance last year, when Icelanders recounted their tales of elves to the three couples gathered variously at the Puškin Hotel and in the Soviet embassy in central Moscow to celebrate the birth of Henry.
Geological Formation
Water Source and Flow
Seljalands River, which feeds Seljalandsfoss, comes from the melting waters of the Eyjafjallajökull glacier, which gained international notoriety when it erupted in 2010, and threw European air travel into turmoil. The flow of water has spread a cavern through the cliff face over centuries, forming the waterfall that we see.
How to Get There
Driving from Reykjavik, take Route 1 (the Ring Road) east until you hit Route 249; follow the signs, and it’s around 1.5 to two hours on the Ring Road to the waterfall.
Best Time to Visit
Although Seljalandsfoss is beautiful at any time of the year, you’re most likely to enjoy the best weather in summer (June to August). And, because of the midnight sun, you can enjoy more daylight hours, spreading your time over more activities or simply enjoying yourself without constantly rushing from one attraction to the next. If you want something more adventurous, you can consider going in mid-winter when the waterfalls are surrounded by snow and ice. You’ll need to layer yourself up with warm clothes and possibly use spikes on your shoes so you don’t slip.
Entry Fees
It’s even better news that seeing Seljalandsfoss won’t cost you a cent! There is a small car park, mandatory, that will cost you ISK 500 to help them keep their facilities running.
A Unique Experience: Walking Behind the Falls
One of the main attractions of Seljalandsfoss is its trail behind the waterfall, which offers a unique view of this powerful and beautiful feature, letting one experience falling water up-close. Of course, you’ll want to wear waterproof clothing as the spray will soak you from head to toe!
Safety Tips
The path is not dangerous, but it is certainly exciting to walk behind the falls. The risk of falling or slipping, should not be underestimated, particularly if it has been raining or just rained. The path can be slippery, so wear very sensible strong fitting gripped shoes. And if there are railings, grab onto them.
Photography Tips
Best Angles and Lighting
The best time of day to shoot Seljalandsfoss is early or late in the day so that the light is soft, and preferably in the golden hour (the hour after sunrise or before sunset). An added bonus is that in the evening as it gets dark you can capture the head torches of people who go to the waterfall at night. You want to be sure to shoot from behind the jet to see it through the curtain of water.
Equipment Recommendations
Seljalandsfoss demands a wide-angle lens to fit it in, so you’ll want to have a decent camera with you, and, of course, a tripod for long exposures, as long as you can set one up. A common way of treating water in photos is to put a very slow shutter speed on your camera; this causes the water to blur into a smooth silky effect as the drops fall. On a windy day, spray will wet the lens, so it’s a good idea to carry a waterproof camera cover.
Nearby Attractions
Gljúfrabúi Waterfall
About a kilometer away from Seljalandsfoss is Gljúfrabúi, another waterfall, the splash of these waterworks less rowdy, less visited, and tucked into a little canyon.
Skógafoss
Another one of the waterfalls that I highly recommend to visit is Skógafoss, right on the Ring Road some 30 kilometers (19 miles) after Seljalandsfoss. Skógafoss is fed from a watercourse whose rift valley can easily be made out from the road. Its distinctive feature is its wide curtain (known as the ‘wall of water’ in the literature) and the fact that rainbows regularly form in its spray.
Eyjafjallajökull Glacier
For those who want to delve deeper into the island’s volcanic action, a visit to the Eyjafjallajökull Glacier is in order, ending at its celebrated visitor center near where the 2010 volcano reared its smoke-spewing head on the mountainside. Travelers can take a glacier hike for a real feel of Mother Nature at her most molten.
Activities
Hiking Trails
Can Taylor’s friend, David, offer any advice for exploring the area around Seljalandsfoss? He suggested we take our pick of trails leading to higher ground, giving us breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, stretching off into the seemingly endless distance: green fields and the waterfalls in all directions.
Bird Watching
Birdwatchers can look forward to an abundance of birdlife. Puffins, Arctic terns and an array of other seabirds are all there for the observing, if you have your binoculars with you.
Picnic Spots
If you get hungry, there are picnic areas close to Seljalandsfoss where you can eat lunch among nature. Pack a sandwich and enjoy the view.
Local Legends
Iceland has a rich folklore tradition: behind the waterfall at Seljalandsfoss, it’s claimed, live the huldufólk (hidden people) and elves. Tales of these mythical beings might not be true, but they’ll spice up your trip and provide a pleasant diversion from the travel brochure.
Conservation Efforts
Protecting the Natural Beauty
There is an effort to keep Seljalandsfoss natural: preventing people from throwing rocks into the fog of the falls, and encouraging them to stay on the paths laid out for them. An entry fee of around $3 helps fund conservation work.
Visitor Facilities
Parking and Restrooms
There is a well-maintained parking area at Seljalandsfoss with plenty of spaces and some toilet facilities.
Food and Souvenirs
In high season, food trucks and vendors sell food, drinks and souvenirs right near the parking area. It makes a perfect spot for a snack on the go or a small souvenir for your friends at home.
Accessibility
Seljalandsfoss tries to provide access to all of its visitors too. While the path behind the waterfall is certainly not meant for everyone, the main viewing area is handicap-accessible and there are parking spaces for disabled visitors.
Travel Tips
What to Pack
Go to Seljalandsfoss with waterproof clothes, sturdy shoes, a good camera, and a picnic if you plan to make a day of it. Bring a reusable water bottle, too, as you’ll be able to fill it up here.
Weather Considerations
One should be well prepared for the all too unpredictable Icelandic weather, which is most often pleasant but sometimes cold. Although I visited in early summer, the temperatures weren’t unusually warm, especially by the waterfall where the spray made it chilly. Check the weather forecast for your trip and plan accordingly.
Why Seljalandsfoss Should Be on Your Bucket List
Seljalandsfoss is more of an experience than a waterfall. Seljalandsfoss is more of an experience than a waterfall. The exhilaration of walking behind falling water, the abundance of photographic possibilities, and all the elven folklore that wraps itself around this place: it is an experience. Like most epically beautiful places, it’s one you’ll want to see, and see again,
FAQs
Can you swim in Seljalandsfoss?
Not exactly – it is not allowed to swim there because of the dangerous water flow.
Is there an entrance fee to visit Seljalandsfoss?
No, there is no entrance fee, but there is a small parking fee.
What should I wear when visiting Seljalandsfoss?
Wear waterproof clothing and good shoes since the path behind the waterfall can be muddy and slippery.
Are there guided tours available to Seljalandsfoss?
Yes, there are several tour companies that offer tour guides as part of their Seljalandsfoss tour.
Can I visit Seljalandsfoss in winter?
It is possible to visit in winter, when it is much colder, with the possibility of some icy areas. The waterfall looks very good with a bit of snow and ice in and around it.
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