Seljalandsfoss & Gljúfurárbui

Top choice in The South

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From the Ring Road you'll see the beautiful high falls at Seljalandsfoss, which tumble over a rocky scarp into a deep, green pool. A (slippery) path runs around the back of the waterfall. A few hundred metres further down the Þórsmörk road, Gljúfurárbui gushes into a hidden canyon.

A steep parking fee has been introduced here, but you may be able to find a free space further up the road towards the turning for Þórsmörk, where there are limited spaces. Buses stop here for Þórsmörk. There's also a cafe and small shop selling souvenirs.

Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

  • Taken on a trip through Iceland.

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    16.01 MILES

    This 62m-high waterfall topples over a rocky cliff at the western edge of Skógar in dramatic style. Climb the steep staircase alongside for giddy views,…

  • Helgafell volcano and red lava slope of Eldfell volcano on Vestmannaeyjar Island Heimaey.

    Eldfell

    15.11 MILES

    The 221m-high volcanic cone Eldfell appeared from nowhere in the early hours of 23 January 1973. Once the fireworks finished, heat from the volcano…

  • Nauthusagil

    Nauthusagil

    5.59 MILES

    Not far from Seljalandsfoss, on the road to Þórsmörk (4WD required), hides one of the most thrilling and adventurous scrambles to a waterfall along a…

  • Eldheimar

    Eldheimar

    15.02 MILES

    More than 400 buildings lie buried under lava from the 1973 eruption, and on the edge of the flow ‘Pompeii of the North’ is a museum revolving around one…

  • Sólheimajökull

    Sólheimajökull

    20.5 MILES

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  • Kvernufoss

    Kvernufoss

    16.96 MILES

    Pretty much off the tourist radar (you'll likely have the place to yourself) is this hidden 20m waterfall that you can walk behind. The short trail to it…

  • Skansinn

    Skansinn

    14.57 MILES

    This lovely green area by the sea has several unique historical sights. The oldest structure on the island, Skansinn was a 15th-century fort built to…

  • Skógar Folk Museum

    Skógar Folk Museum

    16.7 MILES

    The highlight of little Skógar is the wonderful Skógar Folk Museum, which covers all aspects of Icelandic life. The vast collection was put together by…

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Nearby The South attractions

1. Nauthusagil

5.59 MILES

Not far from Seljalandsfoss, on the road to Þórsmörk (4WD required), hides one of the most thrilling and adventurous scrambles to a waterfall along a…

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5. Stafkirkjan

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6. Keldur

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8. Skansinn

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