19 Oct Seljalandsfoss and Gljufrabui Waterfalls in Iceland

My favorite waterfall of our entire road trip around Iceland was Gljufrabui (also known as Gljúfrabúi or Gljúfrafoss). Why, you might ask? The waterfall is unique. It is not visible from the road or even from the path leading up to it. Instead, it is visible only upon entering a small gorge. Then visitors are met with all its beauty at once. Seljalandsfoss is also unique in its own way. A pathway leads behind the waterfall. Those walking along the path might receive a misty shower, but they can see the falls from a whole new perspective. Do not wait any longer to start planning a visit to these two unique and beautiful waterfalls.

Moreover, check out my list of the Best Waterfalls in Iceland. Spoiler – it includes Svartifoss Waterfall, which is surrounded by basalt rock columns. 

Contents:

1) Location of Gljufrabui and Seljalandsfoss

2) Opening Hours and Parking Fee

3) The Best Time to Visit

4) Quick Facts 

5) Background of the Falls

6) Trail Connecting the Falls

7) Recommended Items to Bring / Wear 

8) 249 v. F249 Roads

1) Location of Gljufrabui and Seljalandsfoss

• Region: Southern Iceland
• Seljalandsfoss: Location and Gljufrabui: Location 
• Parking: Seljalandsfoss Parking
• Estimated visit time: 1 hour

Seljalandsfoss and Gljufrabui are a short drive east of the Golden Circle. They are thus in a convenient location for a day trip from the Golden Circle or even from Reykjavík. Looking for some Golden Circle attractions? I recommend you put Thingvellir National Park and the Flúðir Tarn near the top of your list. 

To arrive at the waterfalls, you will need to drive along Route 1 through southern Iceland. Then turn onto road 249, also known as Þórsmerkurvegur. After a minute or two of driving along that road, you will see the parking lot for Seljalandsfoss on your right. 

Parking

Seljalandsfoss Parking (linked above) is only a short walk from Seljalandsfoss. The parking fee is 800 ISK (~$6), but it lasts for the entire day. Additionally, there is a small café and gift shop next to the lot. You can then visit Gljufrabui by walking along the path that connects the two waterfalls. However, if you have difficulty walking, you can drive down to the next lot for a quicker access point to the falls. 

Lodging

For lodging, we stayed the previous night at Skyggnir Bed and Breakfast in Flúðir. The following night we booked a room at South Iceland Guesthouse, which is just west of Vík. I would recommend both accommodations to others, as we had pleasant experiences.  

If you are staying the night within the Golden Circle, then take a look at the best hotels within the Golden Circle. Otherwise, turn your trip into a romantic getaway with the most romantic hotels in Iceland.

Cheesin’ in front of Seljalandsfoss

2) Opening Hours and Parking Fee

• Opening hours: all day, every day
• Parking fee: 800 ISK (~$6)

Opening Hours

Do you want some good news? You are able to visit the waterfalls whenever you want. There is no entrance booth or gate restricting visitation to the area to certain hours. 

Parking Fee – Gljufrabui and Seljalandsfoss

As mentioned above, there is a small parking fee of 800 ISK (~6) to park in the Seljalandsfoss parking lot. The parking fee then lasts for the entire day. 

However, parking at the lot next to Gljufrabui is free, though it can be a bit more difficult to find a space. The lot is not marked on google maps, but you will see it as you are driving along. Wherever you park, I highly recommend you then walk along the path that connects the two waterfalls so you can enjoy them both. It seems like a waste to be there and only see one of the two majestic waterfalls.

Front of Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

3) The Best Time to Visit Gljufrabui and Seljalandsfoss

• Best time of day: early morning or late evening
• Best season: it depends
• Estimated visit time: 1 hour 

Iceland is quite magical, and thus there is never really a bad time to visit its attractions. However, you can try to plan to avoid some crowds if you would like. 

Best Time of Day and Season 

The best time of day to visit the waterfalls is the early morning or the late evening. Why? The majority of crowds will be there in the afternoon, and thus you can avoid them by visiting at those times. If you happen to visit when it is dark outside, there are two flood lights that illuminate Seljalandsfoss. 

Additionally, there is truly no bad season to visit the waterfalls. The only difference between the seasons is that the path leading behind Seljalandsfoss might be partially or completely closed in the winter due to trail conditions. For example, they will close it if the trail becomes too icy and dangerous for visitors. Furthermore, I would imagine walking into the gorge to see Gljufrabui would be more difficult and dangerous in the winter if the rocks are icy. 

Estimated Visit Time 

Schedule approximately one hour to adventure behind Seljalandsfoss, walk the 1.3 mile trail connecting the falls, and venture inside the gorge to see Gljufrabui.

If you have time, check out Skógafoss, another popular waterfall in the area, before relaxing in Seljavallalaug Pool to end the day. Both attractions are just a short drive down the road. 

Taking in the power of Seljalandsfoss

4) Quick Facts 

1. There is a parking lot just a short walk from Seljalandsfoss, though it does have a 800 ISK (~$6) parking fee.

2. You are able to walk on a path behind Seljalandsfoss to see the waterfall from a new point of view. 

3. To view Gljufrabui, you must walk inside a small gorge. 

4. There is a small path approximately 1.3 miles long that connects the two waterfalls. 

5. It is recommended to bring waterproof shoes and a rain jacket while visiting the falls.

Drinking the water from Seljalandsfoss

5) Background of Seljalandsfoss and Gljufrabui

• Seljalandsfoss height: 200 feet (~60 meters) 
• Gljufrabui height: 130 feet (~40 meters) 

These two waterfalls are included on my list of The Top 10 Things to Do in Iceland. Be sure to visit both of them during your trip to Iceland. Many people miss Gljufrabui simply due to the fact it is hidden from sight, so make sure this does not happen to you! Furthermore, it turned out to be my favorite waterfall in all of Iceland.

Seljalandsfoss

Seljalandsfoss is one of the most popular waterfalls in Iceland due to the pathway behind it. Visitors are thus able to view the backside of the falls, which is quite unique if you have not experienced that before. If visiting in winter, however, it is possible part or all of the pathway will be closed for safety.

Seljalandsfoss stands at 200 feet (~60 meters) tall. Its water flows from Seljalandsá river, which begins under Eyjafjallajökull glacier. The cliff from which the water falls actually used to be part of Iceland’s coastline. However, you can now see the ocean in the distance a few miles away while visiting the falls. 

As a fun fact, Justin Bieber filmed a portion of his “I’ll Show You” music video at Seljalandsfoss. Another location where Justin Bieber filmed some music videos is Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon. Additionally, the sixth season of the Amazing Race visited the area. (Oh, to be on the Amazing Race would be a dream.) 

Walking on the path behind Seljalandsfoss

Gljufrabui

Gljufrabui is to the north of Seljalandsfoss down a short path, but it is slightly hidden. For that reason, some tourists completely miss it. I would thus say it is still one of Iceland’s hidden gems. Looking for more hidden gems? Check out my article on 4 Hidden Gems in Iceland.

Visiting the falls requires entering a gorge as well as walking through a small stream. Step carefully on rocks to avoid getting wet. The gorge then opens up into a larger space, allowing you to view the falls. Additionally, there is a giant rock right in front of the falls, which is perfect placement for you to stand and snap a photograph. 

The waterfall stands at 130 feet (~40 meters) tall. It flows from Gljúfurá River. In terms of what the name means, “Gljúfur” translates to “canyon” while “búi” translates to “dweller”. Therefore, the name means something similar to “canyon dweller” in English. 

Additionally, there is a campground next to the falls for those needing a campsite for the night.

Looking through the gorge to Gljufrabui

6) Trail Connecting Seljalandsfoss to Gljufrabui 

• Trail length: 1.3 miles round trip
• Estimated walking time: 20 minutes 

A 1.3 mile out and back connects the waterfalls. It is considered to be an easy walk as the trail is fairly flat. 

You can begin the trail at either of the two waterfalls. For example, we parked at the Seljalandsfoss parking lot. We first visited Seljalandsfoss and walked on the path behind the waterfall. Then we continued on to the trail that connects the two waterfalls so we could visit Gljufrabui. At the end of the trail, we entered the small gorge to see the falls in all their beauty. Lastly, we returned along the trail the same way to end back up at Seljalandsfoss and the parking lot. 

Are you interested in conquering some additional trails / hikes in Iceland? Then head to Rauðfeldsgjá Gorge on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula or hike from Hellnar to Arnarstapi to see the sea stone arch Gatklettur.

Walking down the path between Seljalandsfoss and Gljufrabui

7) Recommended Items to Bring / Wear

• Water bottle; waterproof phone case
• Rain boots; waterproof jacket
• Hiking poles; crampons

Prepare to get wet while walking behind Seljalandsfoss. You are so close to the waterfall that the mist starts to feel more like a light shower. When walking in the gorge entrance for Gljufrabui, avoid the small stream by stepping on rocks. However, wearing rain boots will make the walk even easier. There is one large rock right at the base, which is perfect for pictures. Nevertheless, once again you will endure another misty shower. I had my boots and rain jacket on for both waterfall adventures, and they actually kept me pretty dry! 

For additional packing recommendations, check out my Iceland summer road trip packing list and Iceland hiking essentials.

General

1. Water bottle: Be sure to bring water with you while visiting. Even though Iceland has cooler temperatures, you still need to drink water to stay hydrated. For example, I brought my Yeti water bottle everywhere in Iceland.

2. Waterproof phone case: If you choose to walk behind Seljalandsfoss and into the gorge to see Gljufrabui, you will be getting wet. How wet you will get depends on the flow of the water and the strength of the wind on the day you visit. That being said, you might want to protect your valuables, including your phone.  

Side view of Seljalandsfoss

Clothing

3. Rain boots: Let me say this – you will get wet while visiting these waterfalls. Sure, you can avoid getting wet at Seljalandsfoss by not walking on the path behind the falls. However, you must walk into the small gorge to see Gljufrabui, which means you will need to walk along rocks and/or in the small stream. I wore my hiking tennis shoes every single day of the trip, however this was one of the rare times I changed into my rain boots. 

4. Waterproof jacket: As I just said above, you will get a bit (or a lot) wet while visiting these two waterfalls. I wore my rain jacket during our visit, and it was soaked afterwards. Though it did its job because I was completely dry underneath. 

Hiking Items

5. Hiking poles: Hiking poles are not a necessity to visit the falls simply due to the fact the trail between them is short and flat. However, bring them along if you want a bit of extra support. 

6. Crampons: These are only necessary in the winter months if there is snow or ice on the trails. Crampons are spikes that attach to the bottom of shoes.

Standing inside the gorge to see Gjufrabui

8) 249 v. F249 Roads

Our rental car company did NOT allow us to drive on one road: F249. I did research into the road names before we traveled to avoid any confusion on our end. Do not worry, though, for the road to arrive at the waterfalls is 249. It has the same name minus the F in front. Road 249 leads to the waterfalls and continues slightly beyond them. In other words, everyone can drive on road 249 and to the two waterfalls, no matter the type of car. 

Road F249 begins a fair distance beyond the waterfalls, where 249 turns into F249. I researched the road more after our trip, and it has a couple of river crossings. Rental car companies have strict policies on river crossings and off-limit roads. Be sure to understand their policies to avoid any dangerous or prohibited situations.  

Gljufrabui waterfall cascading down into the gorge

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Check out a detailed itinerary of our trip to Iceland: 9 Day Road Trip Itinerary for Iceland.

Check out tips for the HIDDEN hot springs: Best Hidden Hot Springs in Southern Iceland.