Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss

Background

Both waterfalls lie along Route 1, the Ring Road, in southern Iceland: Seljalandsfoss to the west and Skógafoss to the east, about 30 km apart. A line of former sea cliffs runs along the south coast; the shoreline has long since receded, but the cliffs remain, and the rivers plunge over them as waterfalls. Seljalandsfoss is fed by a river from the Eyjafjallajökull glacier, drops about 60 metres and is one of the few waterfalls in Iceland you can walk behind; a few minutes' walk away, the Gljúfrabúi waterfall hides in a narrow canyon. Skógafoss is formed by the Skógá river; it is about 25 metres wide and drops about 60 metres, and 527 steps on its right lead to a viewpoint at the top. On sunny days the spray often casts a rainbow over the pool, sometimes a double one.

Local customs

• On a sunny day, wait for a rainbow by the Skógafoss pool, then climb the steps to watch the river drop
• put on waterproofs and walk behind Seljalandsfoss, listening to the water pour overhead
• walk on to the hidden waterfall in the Gljúfrabúi canyon, wading through icy shallow water to get in.

Travel tips

• The two waterfalls themselves are free to visit
• parking is charged, at the rates shown on site. The path behind the falls and the steps to the top will both get you wet, so waterproofs and non-slip shoes are essential. South-coast weather changes fast, so bring a windproof and rainproof jacket.
• Drive east from Reykjavík along Route 1 for about two hours to Seljalandsfoss, then about half an hour further east to Skógafoss
• south-coast day tours are also available. In summer the path behind the falls is usually open and the land is green
• in winter the path is often closed because of ice and falling icicles, so follow the on-site notices. On winter nights you may also see the northern lights. Spring and autumn are quieter, but watch for wind, rain and icy roads.