Seljalandsfoss falling from a green cliff into a pool, with a path across the lowlands under a pink evening sky

Waterfall · Rangárþing eystra, South Region

Seljalandsfoss & Skógafoss

Two 60 m waterfalls beside the Ring Road, one you can walk behind and one you can climb above

Ambient sound · similar settingRoar of a Nordic waterfall

Photo: Robert Lukeman (@robertlukeman) / Unsplash

Discover Seljalandsfoss & Skógafoss

Driving east along the Ring Road, the cliffs of the old coastline rise beside you, and two of Iceland's most photographed waterfalls pour over them. At Seljalandsfoss a slender stream drops about 60 m from the cliff edge, and a path loops behind the curtain of water so you can look out through the spray.

About 30 km further east, Skógafoss is wider and more powerful, a roaring white wall of water on the river Skógá. On sunny days rainbows often hang in the mist, and a steep staircase beside the falls leads to a viewpoint at the top and the start of a hiking trail into the highlands.

Don’t miss

01The path behind the curtain of Seljalandsfoss
02Gljúfrabúi, a waterfall hidden in a narrow gorge a short walk north of Seljalandsfoss
03The broad 60 m curtain of Skógafoss and its frequent rainbows
04The staircase to the viewpoint above Skógafoss
05The trail above Skógafoss past a chain of waterfalls towards Fimmvörðuháls

History & culture

The story of Seljalandsfoss & Skógafoss

Both waterfalls tumble over former sea cliffs that once marked the coastline before the land was built up by glacial and volcanic deposits. Local legend says that one of the early settlers hid a chest of gold behind Skógafoss, a story told to generations of visitors.

Skógafoss was protected as a natural monument in 1987, and the protected area follows the river upstream past a series of further waterfalls on the way to the Fimmvörðuháls pass. The nearby village of Skógar has long been a centre for the district and is home to a folk museum.

Local life & traditions

These waterfalls are part of daily life for the farms of the district, which sit beneath the cliffs and graze sheep and cattle on the lowlands. Skógar's folk museum preserves the material culture of rural South Iceland, and salmon and char fishing takes place on the Skógá in late summer and autumn.

Things to do

Experience it like a local

At Seljalandsfoss, walk the loop behind the falls when it is open, wearing waterproofs, then follow the path north along the cliffs to peek into the gorge of Gljúfrabúi. At Skógafoss, walk up close to the base to feel the spray, then climb the steps for the view from the top.

Experienced hikers can continue on the trail beside the Skógá river, passing waterfall after waterfall; the full route over Fimmvörðuháls is a demanding mountain hike that requires preparation, good weather and, for many, a guide.

When to go

Summer is the best time to walk behind Seljalandsfoss and hike above Skógafoss, with long days and green cliffs. In winter, paths become slippery and ice can fall; Visit South Iceland warns that walking behind Seljalandsfoss is particularly dangerous then, and the path may be closed. Evening light in summer often lights up Seljalandsfoss from the west. On dark, clear nights between roughly September and April, the northern lights may appear above the cliffs, though this is never certain.

Plan your visit

Verified information

Heights: Both waterfalls are about 60 m high, and they lie about 30 km apart. Source: south.is ↗
Skógafoss protection: Protected as a natural monument in 1987; the protected area extends about 7 km upstream along the Skógá. Source: ust.is ↗
Winter safety: Paths can be slippery with falling ice in winter; check safetravel.is for closures before walking behind Seljalandsfoss. Source: south.is ↗

Checked against the sources on 27 October 2026. Opening times and fees can change — confirm before you go.

Travel tips

Wear a waterproof jacket and trousers if you plan to walk behind Seljalandsfoss.
Use shoes with good grip; the rocks and steps are wet all year.
Visit early in the morning or in the evening for fewer crowds.
Protect cameras and phones from spray with a waterproof bag.
Only start the Fimmvörðuháls hike with proper equipment and a good forecast.

General guidance from our specialists, not official information.

Around Seljalandsfoss & Skógafoss: food, markets & places to stay

Both waterfalls have car parks and basic facilities, and parking fees may apply. Skógar has a folk museum, a campsite and visitor services. Vík and Reynisfjara are about 30 minutes' drive east of Skógafoss, and Hvolsvöllur to the west has shops and fuel.