Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss: Iceland’s Two Most Famous Waterfalls

Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss are the two waterfalls that most visitors picture when they imagine Iceland’s South Coast. They are close to the Ring Road, easy to reach from Reykjavík and very different from each other, so most travellers see them on the same day.

Where they are and how to get there

Both waterfalls lie beside Route 1, the Ring Road, east of Reykjavík. Seljalandsfoss is roughly 120 km from the capital, about two hours by car, and Skógafoss is a further 30 km or so down the road. Vík, the village beyond them, is roughly 180 km from Reykjavík.

From Seljalandsfoss to Skógafoss the drive is short, so the main time cost is the road from Reykjavík and back. Plan a full day, and start early in winter when daylight is limited. Our South Coast day trip guide shows how to fit both waterfalls into a day with the black sand beach and Vík.

Seljalandsfoss: the waterfall you can walk behind

Seljalandsfoss drops from a cliff in a tall, slim curtain. What makes it special is the path that leads behind the falling water, giving you a view out across the plain from inside the cliff. On bright evenings the light can be beautiful, though visit times vary by season.

• Expect to get wet from spray, even on a calm day.
• The path behind the fall can be slippery; in winter it may be icy or closed.
• Wear waterproofs and shoes with good grip.
• Keep camera lenses dry with a cloth.
• A short walk further along the cliff leads to Gljúfrabúi, a smaller waterfall partly hidden in a gorge.

Skógafoss: the wide, powerful one

Skógafoss is wider and louder than Seljalandsfoss, and falls straight down a cliff roughly 60 m high. You can walk almost to the base, where spray often produces rainbows on sunny days. A staircase beside the waterfall leads to a viewing platform at the top, and a path continues upstream along the river.

• Walking up to the base takes only a few minutes from the car park.
• The staircase to the top is steep; take your time and wear sturdy shoes.
• Spray can soak you quickly, so waterproofs are worthwhile.
• Experienced hikers use the path from the top as the start of a longer trail; do not attempt it without proper preparation, equipment and a weather check.

Best time to visit

Both waterfalls flow all year, so there is no wrong season. In summer you have long daylight, easier access and green hillsides. In winter you may see ice around the falls and have fewer crowds, but paths can be treacherous and days are short. Early morning and late afternoon often feel quieter, though the light and the crowds depend on the season and the weather.

Combine with other South Coast stops

Most visitors continue east to Reynisfjara black sand beach and the village of Vík. Read our Reynisfjara safety guide before you visit, because sneaker waves make the beach dangerous, and our Vík travel guide for lunch and viewpoint ideas.

Why go with a driver

The road to the waterfalls is straightforward in summer, but wind, rain and ice can change it quickly in other seasons. On a private South Coast tour your driver handles the road, so you can spend your time at the waterfalls rather than watching the traffic. You also set the pace and choose how long to stay at each stop.

Photography and what to wear

Both waterfalls are very photogenic, but spray and wind make them tricky. A few simple habits help.

• Wipe your lens often; mist collects on it within seconds.
• Use a waterproof cover or keep your phone in a clear, sealed bag near the spray.
• Wear a hood and waterproof trousers if you plan to walk close to the water.
• Take wide shots from a distance for the scale, then close-ups from the path.
• Look for rainbows on sunny days: they often form in the spray at Skógafoss.

For comfort, dress in layers and bring a spare pair of gloves or socks to leave in the car. The walk from the car park is short, but standing in spray for ten minutes can make you cold quickly, especially in wind.

If you are travelling with children or older relatives, think about how much walking each person is comfortable with. The paths at the base of both waterfalls are short, but the surfaces can be wet and uneven, and the staircase at Skógafoss is steep. It is perfectly fine to enjoy the view from the car park and skip the climb. Leave the decision to the group on the day, and allow a little extra time for photos and a warm drink.

Finally, take a moment to simply look. Photos rarely capture the sound and size of the water, and both waterfalls are worth a few minutes without a screen in front of you.

FAQ

How far are the waterfalls from Reykjavík?

Can you walk behind Seljalandsfoss?

Can you see both waterfalls in one day?

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