Seljalandsfoss & Skógafoss

What makes Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss special?

Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss are both impressive for their height, cascading over the rock from about 60 metres up. Seljalandsfoss is the skinnier of the pair, but what it lacks in breadth it makes up for with an undercut that’s large enough to enable visitors to walk behind the waterfall except when ice makes the conditions unsafe. Looking through this curtain of water to the countryside beyond, especially when it’s bathed in the soft yellow light of sunset, is magical. 

Skógafoss is just as tall, but also it’s wider, and the sheer volume of water that tumbles over the cliff is a jaw-dropping sight. Under the blue skies of a sunny day or surrounded by snow and ice in the depths of winter, this place never disappoints. It’s not hard to understand why Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss are a must on any traveller’s road trip itinerary. While we all appreciate the thrill that comes with a hidden gem, these two waterfalls are a reminder that we should also include the major sights as well.

Where are the two waterfalls located?

Seljalandsfoss sits on the River Seljalandsá, whose source is located beneath the infamous Eyjafjallajökull glacier-topped volcano. (You’ll probably be familiar with the name as it was the one that was responsible for the ash cloud eruption in 2010 that grounded flights between Europe and North America.) The source of the Skógá River is a highland spring; the water that will eventually form this magnificent waterfall actually originates under the Eyjafjöll mountains and travels some distance before reaching its most spectacular point.

Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss are situated about a 20-minute drive from each other , close to Iceland’s south coast. If driving from Reykjavik or Keflavik Airport, you’ll approach Seljalandsfoss first; it comes into view as you drive east along the ring road. You’ll drive over the bridge that spans the River Markarfljót and then pull off to the left.

You’ll need to get back in the car if you are hoping to visit Skógafoss as well, though, like Seljalandsfoss, it’s easy to spot from the main road. Travel east for about twenty minutes, and the waterfall should come into view on the passenger side. Skógafoss faces south and was once right on the shoreline; now it’s a considerable distance inland.

How long should you allow at Seljalandsfoss and at Skógafoss?

Most visitors make a relatively brief stop at Seljalandsfoss as part of a day’s sightseeing. You’ll want to take some pictures from the wooden bridge over the Seljalandsá stream and walk behind the curtain of water and along to neighbouring Gljúfrabúi; an hour is plenty for both. That means in summer it’s possible to call in at Seljalandsfoss en route to the ferry for the Westman Islands; the turn off to drive down to the port at Landeyjahöfn isn’t far away.

Skógafoss can be appreciated from the bottom in a quick visit. This is a popular way to see it, especially if the sun’s on it and a rainbow has appeared over the falls. However, you’ll also see a metal staircase to the right of Skógafoss as you face the waterfall. It’s worth allowing time to climb up and view the scene at the top, which not only gives you a closer look at the water tumbling over the cliff but also the wider panorama of Iceland’s southern coast. It’s also possible to do a full day hike inland and follow the Skógá River upstream.

Other Practicalities

What to wear

This largely depends on the time of your visit – dress to stay warm and dry – but no matter when that is, you’ll benefit from wearing sturdy hiking boots with ankle support. The rocks at the foot of these waterfalls form an uneven surface and can also be slippery when wet or icy. It’s worth donning a waterproof jacket as you duck under the curtain of water at Seljalandsfoss or get close to the spray at Skógafoss. To stand under Gljúfrabúi requires wading in the river as you head inside the cleft in the rock, so rubber boots are more suitable.

Opening times

As Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss are both natural landforms, you can visit them whenever you like. So long as the ring road is open, which is the case except occasionally if there’s a powerful winter storm, you can call in. While the appeal of seeing either waterfall in daylight is obvious, thanks to its orientation, Skógafoss is a great place to hang out on a night with a promising Northern Lights forecast, as you might be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the aurora dancing overhead.  

Facilities

At Seljalandsfoss, there’s a small souvenir shop and somewhere to buy coffee and snacks, but this is the less developed of the two sites. Clustered around Skógafoss are a number of accommodation options, including a popular campsite; from some of the rooms, you can opt for a view of the waterfall. 

Do you need to pay to leave your car?

Both Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss have parking charges, but these are easily paid online or via an app. Either you’ll need to fork out 1000 ISK for a standard car, or expect to pay more if you have rented a larger vehicle or a camper van. For Seljalandsfoss, you’ll need Check-It; Skógafoss parking can be paid using Parka. There’s plenty of parking, but both sites get busy, so it’s worth allowing for this if you are travelling during peak season. 

FAQ

Can you walk behind Skogafoss?

No, you can’t walk behind Skógafoss, but you can get really close to the base—and it’s pretty powerful!

How long is the hike to Skogafoss?

There’s no real hike to reach the base—it’s right by the parking lot. But if you take the stairs to the top or follow the river trail, you can hike for hours.

Does Seljalandsfoss freeze in the winter?

It can get icy in winter, especially the path behind the falls, which might close for safety. But the waterfall itself usually keeps flowing. 

How long is the hike to Seljalandsfoss?

It’s just a short, easy walk from the parking area—only a few minutes to the falls and a bit longer if you visit Gljúfrabúi nearby.