Seljalandsfoss
Seljalandsfoss
Nestled on the South Coast of Iceland flows the magnificent Seljalandsfoss (the waterfall of Seljaland), a picturesque 60-meter tall waterfall and one of Iceland’s most popular destinations to visit.
Following Road 1 east out of Reykjavík, for a drive of about 2 hours, the waterfall is located on the western edge of the dramatic Eyjafjöll mountain range.
Eyjafjallajökull
The waterfall originates in a glacier named Eyjafjallajökull, at the top of the mountain range. Which famously had a very disruptive volcanic eruption in 2010 that paralyzed air travel for a week across Western and Northern Europe.
A spring-fed river flows to the west from the glacier, named Seljalandsá, delivering the clear and clean water down the mountains. It culminates in the beautiful waterfall bursting forth from a cliff’s edge to the 60-meter long drop. The runoff from the waterfall forms a small river that then flows to the south until it joins the massive 100 km long Markarfljót river that drains into the ocean.
Dramatic landscape
The sharp, vertical cliffs from which the waterfall flows off are a distinctive feature of the dramatic landscape surrounding Seljalandsfoss. They form the westernmost edge of the Eyjafjöll mountain range. It is topped with Iceland’s seventh-largest glacier, covering a large caldera; evidence of the area’s volcanically active history. Thousands of years ago, the cliffs were part of the coastline. However, the ocean has since receded, creating the waterfall and the large tracts of flat fertile plains which Icelanders have farmed since colonizing the country in the Viking Age.
Walk behind Seljalandsfoss
The receding ocean revealed another quite distinctive feature of the waterfall. That feature is the shallow cave underneath the waterfall, through which snakes a mossy walking path. The path makes it possible to walk up to the waterfall and then continue on behind it and around it, seeing the waterfall in all its magnificence drop down from behind in a three-dimensional experience. Inside the vibrantly green and moss-covered cave, care is needed among the wet and slippery stones. When the sunlight shines through the flowing water, it is possible to witness a beautiful light show as the sun filters through the water and illuminates the cavern.
Seljalandfoss 
Seljalandfoss Sunrise on Seljalandfoss waterfall Sunrise on Seljalandfoss waterfall
Skógafoss
Seljalandsfoss and its counterpart Skógafoss, which is of similar size and lies about 30 km east of Seljalandsfoss, are the biggest and most well-known of the many waterfalls on the South coast and are iconic sights of the area.
Seljalandsfoss, in particular, is emblematic of the region, with its tall cliff’s edge drop and powerful water flow. The waterfall perfectly divides the flat plains underneath it and the green, majestic icy capped mountains towering above it with its scenic beauty
Guide to photographing Seljalandsfoss
If you are looking for the perfect guide to photograph this beautifull waterfall on your trip to Iceland be sure to watch this video bij Mads Peter Iversen. Mads is one of the most populair photographers on YouTube and has a range of videos about photographing in Iceland (and other top places). He explaines how to get to this top location, gives you tips to get the best out of your visit and what gear you should bring on your trip. Enjoy the video from Mads!
If you like the video about photographing Seljalandsfoss by Mads Peter Iversen be sure to follow him on YouTube and like his updates 😉
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Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, Þórsmerkurvegur, IJsland
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