Seljalandsfoss & Skogafoss: The Two Waterfalls That Define...
Seljalandsfoss & Skogafoss: The Two Waterfalls That Define...
(Meta description: Everything you need to know about visiting Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls in Iceland. Discover their heights, hiking trails, photography tips, and how to visit both in one day.) Iceland has more than 10,000 waterfalls. Let that number sink in. Yet two of them attract more visitors than almost all the others combined: Seljalandsfoss, where travellers can walk behind a curtain of falling water, and Skogafoss, a powerful wall of white water that creates its own mist-filled atmosphere. Both waterfalls sit along Iceland's South Coast, separated by only 30 kilometres, and together they form one of the most photographed natural attractions in the country.
Seljalandsfoss: The Walk-Behind Waterfall
Seljalandsfoss drops 60 metres from the edge of a cliff that once marked Iceland's ancient coastline. This cliff forms the boundary between the coastal lowlands and the highland interior, a geological feature visible across much of the South Coast. What makes Seljalandsfoss unique is the path that leads behind the waterfall itself. A narrow trail circles around the cascade and passes through a natural alcove inside the cliff face. From behind the waterfall, visitors can look outward through the falling water and see farmland, open skies, and distant glaciers framed by the moving curtain of spray. The trail can become extremely slippery because of the constant mist. Water spray soaks everything within a 20-metre radius, so waterproof clothing is highly recommended. The path usually remains open during summer but closes during winter when icy conditions make it unsafe.
The Hidden Neighbour: Gljufrabui
Just 500 metres from Seljalandsfoss, partially hidden behind a rocky cliff, lies Gljufrabui. This lesser-known waterfall drops around 40 metres into a narrow canyon that visitors can enter by stepping through a shallow stream and squeezing between moss-covered rock walls. Inside the gorge, the waterfall feels almost unreal. Water crashes into a small pool below while a narrow opening above reveals only a thin slice of sky. Because Gljufrabui is less visible from the main road, many travellers miss it completely. Crowds here are usually smaller, making the experience feel more peaceful and secluded. Waterproof gear is essential because staying dry inside the canyon is nearly impossible.
Skogafoss: Pure Power
Thirty kilometres east of Seljalandsfoss stands Skogafoss, one of Iceland's most powerful waterfalls. Visitors often hear the roar of the waterfall before they even see it. It stretches 25 metres wide and plunges approximately 60 metres in a single, dramatic curtain of white water. On sunny days, the mist frequently creates bright double rainbows near the base of the falls. The sheer force of the water also generates strong winds that can soak visitors within seconds. A staircase with roughly 370 steps climbs beside the waterfall to a viewing platform at the top. The climb is demanding but absolutely worth it. From above, visitors can follow the river as it flows toward the coastline, and on clear days, the Westman Islands become visible in the distance. According to local legend, a Viking settler hid a chest of gold behind Skogafoss. Years later, a young boy supposedly discovered the ring handle of the chest, which is now displayed at the nearby Skogar Museum. The treasure itself, however, has never been found.
Photography Tips for Both Waterfalls
Seljalandsfoss is best photographed during late afternoon and evening in summer, when sunlight shines behind the waterfall and creates glowing backlit mist. Standing on the eastern side of the trail often provides the best composition, with glaciers visible in the background. Skogafoss looks especially impressive during the morning hours, usually between 8 AM and 11 AM, when sunlight illuminates the waterfall directly and rainbows appear most clearly. Long-exposure photography works beautifully here, especially with shutter speeds between one and four seconds. A sturdy tripod is important because the ground can vibrate from the force of the waterfall. For both locations, carrying a microfibre cloth for camera lenses is highly recommended because water spray quickly covers equipment.
How to Visit Both in One Day
From Reykjavik, the drive to Seljalandsfoss takes roughly two hours along Route 1. After spending time exploring Seljalandsfoss and Gljufrabui, Skogafoss is only another 30-minute drive farther east. Most South Coast day tours include both waterfalls before continuing toward Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach and the village of Vik. Many private South Coast tours also include additional stops based on weather conditions, local recommendations, and travellers' interests. The flexibility of a private tour allows visitors to spend more time at the locations they enjoy most instead of following a fixed group schedule.
When to Visit
Summer offers milder weather and full access to the path behind Seljalandsfoss. The midnight sun also creates excellent photography opportunities during late evening hours, especially after most tourists have left. Winter gives both waterfalls a completely different appearance. Ice formations cover the surrounding cliffs, and frozen mist creates dramatic landscapes. Skogafoss in winter often looks like something from a fantasy film. These waterfalls earned their popularity for a reason. No photograph or video truly captures what it feels like to stand beside Skogafoss and feel the ground shake beneath your feet, or to walk behind Seljalandsfoss and watch the world through falling water. Some places simply need to be experienced in person.