The Seljalandsfoss waterfall on Iceland’s south coast is very popular in summer, but remains accessible in winter. The 60 m waterfall flows all year round, but stalactites form around it and the scenery is enchanting.
See our useful tips in pictures to help you prepare for your visit and have a wonderful time!
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Content
Why visit Seljalandsfoss in winter
Is Seljalandsfoss in winter worth it? Our opinion:
Yes, Seljalandsfoss is worth a visit in winter, even if we prefer it in summer.
The 60 m waterfall stays in motion and doesn’t freeze, but the black cliffs around it are decorated with stalactites. The path behind the waterfall is closed, but you can still walk along the cliff to reach the hidden Gljufrabui waterfall.
It’s one of the most beautiful waterfalls to see in winter and one of the must-see stops on the south coast.
Our favorite moments
- The contrast of black rock with white water and snow
- The sound of the waterfall as you approach
- The path for walking along the cliffs, sometimes with a few reflections in the water
- The hidden Gljufrabui waterfall, Seljalandsfoss’s little sister
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How to get to Seljalandsfoss in winter: access and map
Where is Seljalandsfoss?
- On Iceland’s south coast
- Between Seljalandsfoss and Vik
- Less than 5 minutes from Route 1
- From Reykjavik = 1h40 drive
- From Vik= 1h min drive
- Here is a map to help you find your way:
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On Route 1, no 4WD required, off Route 1, it depends on your plans.
How to get there? Winter access road
By car:
The Seljalandsfoss waterfall is easy to reach.
It takes less than 5 minutes on a secondary road from Route 1. The waterfall is clearly signposted from the main road.
This access road is quickly cleared in winter.
Normally, the roads are cleared quickly enough for access. But during snowstorms, roads may be closed at the last minute – always check the status of roads on Umferdin.
On an organized tour
Most organized tours of Iceland’s dusky coast from Reykjavik include a stop at the Seljalandsfoss waterfall.
See options.
Parking
The first parking lot is the nearest to the waterfall.
There is a charge, but it’s clear and easy to get to.
In summer, other parking lots are available further away, but we cannot guarantee that they will be open in winter.
WHERE TO STAY IN Iceland
Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:
- Where to stay in Iceland (coming soon)
- Where to sleep in Reykjavik (coming soon)
- Best 5-star hotels (coming soon)
- Where to sleep on the South Coast (coming soon)
- Where to sleep on the Golden Circle (coming soon)
- Where to sleep on the Snaefellsnes peninsula
Useful tips: duration, schedules, difficulties…
Best time to visit, opening hours and prices
Access to the waterfall is free.
It’s open all day and all night.
The waterfall faces west. It’s brighter at the end of the day.
It’s a very popular spot, so it gets busier in the middle of the day.
Length of visit and main difficulties
Allow at least 20 minutes to admire the waterfall and get close to it.
Allow a further 30min to walk along the cliffs, see the other Gljufrabui waterfall and return.
The path is flat.
Be careful, with snow and ice on the ground, it can be slippery. We recommend you always carry cleats with you to add to your shoes. See our article on winter packing (coming soon)
Catering, accommodation and facilities
Next to the parking lot you’ll find a foodtruck serving hot drinks and snacks.
There are no hotels right next to Seljalandsfoss, but there are several within a 20-minute drive, for example:
- Hotel Selja in a peaceful western setting – See prices, photos and availability
- Boutique Hotel Anna, East – See prices, photos and availability
UNFORGETTABLE ACTIVITIES IN winter
- Visit an ice cave
- Glacier hiking
- Whale watching (from Reykjavik, Husavik or Akureyri)
Seljalandsfoss under the snow
From the parking lot, you can already see the impressive waterfall. The Seljalands River falls 60m from an ancient sea cliff.
Water travels a long way from the Eyjafjallajökull Glacier volcano.
Admire the waterfall that doesn’t freeze over, but all the icy formations that cling to the edge of the cliff.
Close to the waterfall
And then approach the waterfall. On the right, the path climbs a little to bring you to an observation platform.
Here, water droplets cool you down even more. Remember to wear gloves!
We enjoyed admiring the volume of the waterfall, the elegance of the curtain of water buffeted by the wind, and the noise generated by the cascade with the rock cut behind it.
The waterfall and its river
Then walk north along the cliff.
You cross a small bridge facing the waterfall. The water flows into a basin and then into a river.
This is our favorite perspective, with all the contrasts between dark rock and white snow.
Note the people on the observation platform, it gives you an idea of the scale!
Walk behind Seljalandsfoss: closed in winter
On the other side of the bridge, you’ll notice a staircase. It’s one of the entrances to the path behind Seljalandsfoss.
The path is really slippery already in summer, so with the ice, we think it’s impossible to stand. It would be dangerous to let people go there unsupervised.
It is therefore closed in winter. Unfortunately. It’s one of our best memories of Iceland in summer.
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Ancient sea cliffs
Be careful, your visit isn’t over yet! Don’t leave yet.
There’s a footpath along the cliff. We recommend you take it to enjoy the views and discover another waterfall.
This trail is also maintained. But you may have to cross some water.
Along the way, you can see other small waterfalls and stalactites falling from the cliff.
And at the end, you’ll find another waterfall… See next paragraph.
And on the way back, you’ll enjoy beautiful views of Seljalandsfoss.
Gljufrabui
The other waterfall on the same wall is called Gljufrabui or Gljufrafoss.
It’s also a 60m-high waterfall.
What makes it unique is that it’s hidden in a small canyon inside the cliff.
You can admire it from the outside and imagine it.
Or, if you’ve got really good waterproof shoes, you can slip into the canyon for a better view.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Seljalandsfoss waterfall freeze over in winter?
No. Despite the winter temperatures, the strong flow of the river that feeds the waterfall prevents it from freezing completely.
Is Seljalandsfoss more beautiful in summer or winter?
Unlike Skogafoss, we prefer Seljalandsfoss in summer. Not only does the waterfall appear more beautiful, but you can also walk behind it, providing an unforgettable experience for all the senses.
We’ll soon be sharing our article on Seljlandsfoss in summer.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO iceland IN WINTER
- Best of
Iceland’s winter landscapes
Best things to do in Iceland in winter
The most beautiful waterfalls
Ice caves
Best excursions from Reykjavik
- Practical advice
Getting around (coming soon)
How to rent a car in Iceland
Winter driving tips
Where to stay in Iceland in winter
Itineraries: 3 days – 4 days – 5 days – 1 week – 10 days (to come)
- The must-dos
Reykjavik in winter
Golden Circle in winter
South coast in winter
Snaefellsnes in winter
Silver Circle in winter (coming soon)
Lake Myvatn in winter
Eastern Fjords in winter
Seljalandsfoss in winter
Jokulsarlon in winter
