Seljalandsfoss: A Majestic Waterfall in Iceland

Iceland is a country that is well-known for its stunning natural beauty, and one of the most iconic destinations in the country is Seljalandsfoss. Located in the south coast of Iceland, this majestic waterfall has become a popular destination for travelers from around the world. In this article, we will explore Seljalandsfoss in detail, including its history, significance, exploring options, photography opportunities, nearby attractions, and more.

History and Significance

Seljalandsfoss is part of the Seljalandsá river, which originates in the Eyjafjallajökull glacier. The waterfall is approximately 60 meters tall and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Iceland. Seljalandsfoss has been featured in many films, music videos, and travel shows, making it one of the most iconic natural wonders in the country.

The waterfall is also an important source of hydroelectric power for the country. A hydroelectric power station was built near the waterfall in the 1940s, which helped to provide electricity to the nearby towns and villages.

Exploring the Waterfall

One of the unique features of Seljalandsfoss is that visitors can walk behind the waterfall, offering a unique and breathtaking experience. The trail that leads behind the waterfall is relatively short and easy, but it can be slippery, so visitors are advised to wear waterproof clothing and sturdy shoes. The trail is also closed during the winter months due to ice and snow.

Walking behind Seljalandsfoss offers a unique perspective of the waterfall and the surrounding landscape. Visitors can feel the mist of the waterfall and can get up close to the cascading water. The trail is well-lit during the evening, which provides a stunning view of the waterfall illuminated by the lights.

In addition to walking behind the waterfall, visitors can also take a short hike to the nearby Gljúfrabúi waterfall. Gljúfrabúi is located inside a narrow canyon and is not as well-known as Seljalandsfoss, but it's equally stunning and offers a more secluded experience.

Photography Opportunities

Seljalandsfoss is a paradise for photographers, with its stunning natural beauty and the unique opportunity to capture the waterfall from behind. The best time to visit is during the summer months when the sun sets later in the evening, offering the perfect lighting conditions for photography.

Visitors are advised to bring a camera with a wide-angle lens and a tripod to capture the beauty of the waterfall. It's also essential to bring a waterproof cover for the camera to protect it from the mist that can get kicked up during the tour.

In addition to the unique opportunity to walk behind the waterfall, Seljalandsfoss offers a variety of other photographic opportunities. Visitors can capture the waterfall from different angles and perspectives, including from the nearby cliffs and hills.

Nearby Attractions

Seljalandsfoss is located in an area that offers a variety of other attractions for visitors to explore. The nearby Skógafoss waterfall is one of the largest in Iceland, and it's located only 30 minutes away from Seljalandsfoss. Skógafoss is a beautiful waterfall that drops 60 meters and offers a stunning view of the surrounding landscape.

Visitors can also hike the nearby Fimmvörðuháls trail, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers. The trail is approximately 25 kilometers long and can be completed in one or two days, depending on the pace of the hiker.

Conclusion

Seljalandsfoss is a majestic waterfall that should be on every traveler's bucket list. With its unique feature of being able to walk behind the waterfall, stunning natural beauty, and photographic opportunities