Seljalandsfoss & Gljúfrabúi
Southern Region, Iceland, 2024
Waterfalls are some of my favorite things to chase, so I knew my trip to Iceland would be packed with epic waterfalls. And I don't care if people say otherwise, there is always a favorite 😉
My favorite: Gljúfrabúi 😍
Don't get me wrong, Seljalandsfoss is breathtaking, even from a distance, and who doesn't love a walk-behind waterfall?! But I feel like a walk-behind waterfall has kind of lost its sparkle (I've done a lot of them). Enter: Gljúfrabúi, or "Dweller of the Gorge" in Icelandic. Just a short walk up the path from Seljalandsfoss, this hidden waterfall is often missed by the numerous visitors who stop to admire the large walk-behind falls and for good reason: you have to wade into a small stream and enter a narrow opening in the cliff to find this elusive fall.
TRAIL DEETS
Length: 1.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 393 feet Max Elevation: 277 feet
Route Type: Out and Back
AllTrails Difficulty: Moderate
DARCY WANDERS' ROUTE
I downloaded the navigation for Seljalandsfoss & Gljúfrabúi from AllTrails, but it is not necessary. Seljalandsfoss is visible from the parking lot and the trail is well maintained and trafficked. Once you loop behind Seljalandsfoss, the trail either leads back to the parking lot or to Gljúfrabúi. There is only one way to reach Gljúfrabúi: when the trail ends at a stream, you'll turn right and walk into the canyon via the stream. There are a few rocks to hop on, but be prepared for your feet to get wet (waterproof shoes are highly recommended).
Trail Popularity: Seljalandsfoss is one of Iceland's most iconic waterfalls and is easily accessible off of the Ring Road, making it a popular stop for tourists and locals alike. If you are looking to beat the crowds, then take advantage of the midnight sun (summer) and plan your visit during the early morning or late night hours. We arrived around 7:15am and saw about 10 other people, we also got a glorious 30, uninterrupted minutes with Gljúfrabúi. We passed the parking lot later that day (around 12:30pm) and it was full. A little pro tip for you: plan your visit to Seljalandsfoss using Google Maps' Popular Times.
GETTING THERE
The easiest way to get to the Seljalandsfoss & Gljúfrabúi trailhead is to use the navigation system of your choice with your destination set as Seljalandsfoss. There is a 800 ISK parking fee for the Seljalandsfoss parking lot with a few different payment kiosks located throughout the lot (card payment only).
TO WANDER, OR NOT TO WANDER
This two-for-one waterfall stunner is a must-do for anyone planning to visit the Southern Region of Iceland. Complete with an impressive 200 foot fall that you can walk behind and a "secret fall" that offers adventure to those seeking it out, Seljalandsfoss & Gljúfrabúi are epic wanders that will not disappoint.
MAKE IT GREAT (TIPS, TRICKS, & GEAR)
What to Wear:
Shoes with a decent grip as the path behind the falls is uneven and the rocks are slippery when wet.
Waterproof jacket (we also wore our rain pants). If you do not plan to walk behind Seljalandsfoss or venture to Gljúfrabúi, then you will be fine in your normal daily attire.
Warm layers (season dependent), especially if you plan to walk up the stream to Gljúfrabúi, the water temperature is very cold (hello warm socks!).
What to Bring:
Waterproof case for your phone or camera and a cloth to wipe the lens frequently (something I wish I would have brought with - I was running out of dry places on my shirt that were easily accessible 🙄).
A towel, which you can leave in the car and use if needed upon your return.
Available Facilities:
Restrooms - there are numerous restrooms available with running water
Coffee Stand - there is a small stand between the restrooms and gift shop that offers a variety of beverages and food items (we were thankful for a hot beverage after our wander to Gljúfrabúi).
Gift Shop - on the smaller side compared to ones at the popular stops on the Golden Circle. Spoiler: they all sell the same things...
Looking for more Iceland inspiration? Check out my Iceland: 8-Day Itinerary post!
Comentários