Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi are two beautiful waterfalls lying right next to each other on Highway 1. For some strange reason, only one of them enjoys the fame it deserves.
Seljalandsfoss is one of Iceland’s most popular and most visited and photographed waterfalls. Its distinctive feature is a path that passes between the rock and the water column, which allows the waterfall to be viewed ‘from behind’. There are several more such waterfalls in Iceland, but this one is certainly the largest of them, well, and the closest to Reykjavik. It’s hardly surprising the popularity of this place – the view of the waterfall cascade here is truly remarkable.
However, although the path behind the waterfall provides a reasonably safe passage, the strong wind almost always present in Iceland smacks tourists with smaller or larger streams of water. Therefore, if possible, wear waterproof clothing and protect your camera! For the same reason, the path itself and the surrounding rocks are usually slippery. To avoid falling, be extra careful.
In 2017, it was announced that a visitor center was to be built near the waterfall. The design of the building indicated that it would be seven meters high and 2,000 square meters. However, the landowners opposed the idea, announcing that the center would significantly alter the natural appearance of the waterfall’s famous scenery. The current on-site bar, gift store, restroom and parking ticket office are housed in a small one-story pavilion that does not interfere with the beautiful landscape.
However, back in 2011, floodlights were set up on both sides of the waterfall to illuminate it at night.
Due to its proximity to the ring road and its impressive natural beauty, the Seljalandsfoss waterfall is one of the best-known and most visited waterfalls in the country. Extremely photogenic and picturesque, it is also beloved by photographers.
Gljúfrabúi (also known as Gljúfrafoss) is a beautiful waterfall located right next to Seljalandsfoss – literally 500 meters away (a 10-minute walk) to the north. Despite this, it is visited by many, many fewer tourists than its more popular “brother.”
Gljufrabui is one of the hidden gems of the southern coast. At 40 meters high, it hides cleverly inside a cliff overlooking Iceland’s southern coast and the Atlantic Ocean. Perhaps because of its hidden location, many travelers completely unknowingly avoid it….
The waterfall falling from the green hills of the Eyjafjöll mountains into a gorge, or actually a half-open cave, provides a unique visual experience. The extraordinary effect is completed by sunlight pouring into it from above. The fairy-tale surroundings of green moss, silver mist, black lava and a roaring waterfall create a truly fantastic impression. Of course, inside you can also get that wet….
