Audio Guide of Seljalandsfoss

Yes, the waterfall is accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, as it is located on public land, although the best experience is during daylight hours. From Hella, the waterfall is about a 30-minute drive east along the main Ring Road (Route 1). You can find more route information at SafeTravel.is.

Admission to the waterfall is completely free! However, parking at the nearby Seljalandsfoss Car Park costs approximately 800 ISK (about 6 USD) per vehicle. I recommend bringing cash or a card for the automatic payment machines available on site.

For a full visit, I suggest allowing at least 1 hour and 30 minutes. This will give you time to walk to the base of the waterfall, explore the path behind it if it is open, and enjoy the views. If you plan to walk behind the waterfall, add extra time because of the mud and wet conditions.

Seljalandsfoss is a glacial waterfall that drops from 60-meter-high cliffs over the remains of an ancient volcano. According to legend, the famous Viking Glúmr Eyjólfsson lived here, and the waterfall is an iconic feature of the Icelandic cultural landscape. Its name means 'the waterfall of the Seljalandsá River.'

The best time is during summer (June to August), when the path behind the waterfall is open and there is daylight until midnight. If you visit in winter, avoid the peak tourist hours (11:00-15:00) to enjoy a quieter experience. Sunrise or sunset offers spectacular light for photography.

The main viewing area is accessible, but the famous path that takes you behind the waterfall is narrow, slippery, and exposed, and is NOT recommended for people with reduced mobility, wheelchair users, or very small children without supervision. The ground is muddy even in summer, so non-slip footwear and extreme caution are required.

Just a 2-minute walk away, you can visit Gljúfrabúi, a hidden gem inside a canyon. Following Route 1 eastward, you will find Skógafoss (30 minutes), the Skógar Museum, and the black sand beaches of Reynisfjara. Ísar Falls and Eyjafjallajökull volcano are also in the surrounding area.

A must-see! Wear footwear with excellent grip and waterproof clothing, as you will get wet even with a jacket. Bring protection for your camera or phone if you plan to get close to the water. Check the status of the path behind the waterfall at umferd.is before you go, as it closes in adverse weather conditions.