Let's discover the waterfall of Seljalandsfoss in Winter. It remains accessible on the Iceland South Coast.
Its 60m drop does not freeze and is enchanting with the surrounding snow.
Below is my guide to help you plan your visit with map, tips and photos.
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Why visit the waterfall of Seljalandsfoss in Winter in Iceland?
Seljalandsfoss is one of the most famous stops of a road trip in Iceland in Winter:
- The 60m (200ft) fall is still flowing and does not freeze
- The snow offers a beautiful contrast with the dark rock of the cliffs
- You can walk along the cliff and reach another hidden waterfall : Gljufrabui
- The walk behind is closed in Winter but it is still a great stop
Below is a picture to give you an idea of what to expect - of course the level of snow varies during Winter:
Video - Virtual tour
Typical Iceland scenery in Winter! See all my favorites.
This is also one of the most famous waterfalls to visit in Winter.
And to give you a better idea of what to expect, below is a short video of my visit to Seljalandsfoss under the snow:
More pictures after the planning tips. But if you are planning a Summer trip, check out my other article.
By the way, before you read further let me help you with the Seljalandsfoss pronunciation: Forvo has recordings of the word being said by Icelandic speakers.
Planning Tips + Map - Seljalandsfoss Iceland in Winter
Where is Seljalandsfoss in Iceland - Map
- Located on the Icelandic South Coast - easy to add to a road trip
- Very close to the Ring Road (less than 5min on road 249 - Þórsmerkurvegur)
- Between the towns of Selfoss and Vik
- Reykjavík to Seljalandsfoss - 1h40 drive in good conditions
- Vik to Seljalandsfoss - 1h drive in good conditions
- Below is a map to help you get oriented and locate Seljalandsfoss in Iceland:
Map - Seljalandsfoss in Iceland - location
This waterfall is included in my Winter road trip guide to help you plan your itinerary:
Plan your perfect trip to Iceland in Winter!
- 6 easy-to-plan maps
- 75+ pre-selected scenic locations
- Winter Accessibility + Planning Tips
- 115+ large photos to decide where to go
- GPS coordinates direct to the carparks
Accessibility in Winter
- Since it is very close to Road 1, it is quite easy to access
- The road and carpark are cleared to allow access
- Of course road closure can always happen due to snow and wind - check out the status on road.is
- As it is a very touristic spot, they clear the marked walking paths - but it can always get icy, so carry spikes (see options) that you can add on your shoes at any time
- However the path behind the waterfall is closed in Winter as it is extremely slippery
Maintained walking path in Winter
Visit Tips
- Access to the waterfall is free but you must pay a fee for the carpark closest to the waterfall
or you can park further away and walk - Toilets and food trucks near the carpark
- 10min walk from Seljalandsfoss to another waterfall Gljufrabui
- Plan 1h to enjoy both waterfalls
- If you don't want to drive, you can book a day trip from Reykjavik doing the first half of the South Coast (see options) - or join a multi-day tour that includes the waterfall (see options)
- Check out my complete article with detailed suggestions and tips on what to wear and pack for Iceland to stay warm and comfortable
Where to stay in Iceland in Winter?
My tips:
- See accommodations close to Seljalandsfoss
- Reykjavik - capital city - see best rated accommodations
- Selfoss - between Golden Circle and South Coast - see best rated accommodations
- Vik - near waterfalls and glaciers - see best rated accommodations
- Höfn - gateway to the East fjords - see best rated accommodations
- Egilsstadir - between fjords and North Iceland - see best rated accommodations
- Reykjahlid - for the wonders of Lake Myvatn - see best rated accommodations
- Akureyri - capital of the North - see best rated accommodations
- Grundarfjordur - to explore the Snaefellsnes Peninsula - see best rated accommodations
Winter Road to Seljalandsfoss carpark
From Road 1, you can see the waterfall in the distance if arriving from the West (from Reykjavik).
The turn is clearly indicated. In Winter the road is normally cleared.
Seljalandsfoss carpark in Winter
If you choose the carpark closest to the waterfall, don't forget to use the machine to get a ticket and display it on your car.
You can also find souvenirs and a food truck.
Need to rent a car in Iceland?
- Option 1 - Local experts - Iceland has a lot of specificities and offerings by local companies are adapted - compare cars and prices of quality local brands on GuidetoIceland.com
- Option 2 - International Brands - compare offers on Discovercars.com - one of the best customer-rated comparison sites!
- Book early to have a large choice of vehicles!
The Seljalandsfoss waterfall with the snow
And then you can walk towards the waterfall.
The water from the Seljalands River drops 60m (around 200ft) over an ancient sea cliff. It is part of the Katla Geopark.
The water comes from the volcano Glacier Eyjafjallajökull.
You can go a little closer on the right side. Be careful, it can be slippery!
However from there, the path to walk behind the waterfall is closed.
The water flows into a pool and then into a river. A bridge allows you to walk over it and offers a beautiful perspective.
Behind Seljalandsfoss - Winter
On the other side of the bridge is the other access to go on the Seljalandsfoss hike behind it, but it is closed as well.
The path is really slippery already in Summer, so with the ice I can't imagine standing up in Winter...
Plus there is a risk of icicles falling on you...
Walking path to Gljufrabui
But your visit is not over, there is a walking path along the cliff to reach another waterfall.
This path is maintained as well. You may have to cross water but not much.
Along the way you can see other small waterfalls
And on the way back, you are rewarded with gorgeous views of the cliffs and Seljalandsfoss from the side, in the distance.
And I found reflections. I love them, I am always looking for them...
The waterfall of Gljufrabui in Winter
The other waterfall is called Gljufrabui or Gljufrafoss.
It is also a 60m drop but hidden in a small canyon inside the cliff.
You can walk inside but get ready to be wet and be careful as it is slippery.
Want to see more of Iceland in Winter:
- Tips for visiting Iceland in Winter - read article
- Best things to do in Iceland in Winter - read article
- 35 pictures of Iceland in Winter - read article
- Iceland Ice Cave Tours and tips - read article
- Planning an Iceland Winter Road Trip - read article
- Things to do in Reykjavik in Winter - read article
- Iceland Winter itinerary suggestions - read article
- Driving in Iceland in Winter - read article
Planning a trip to Iceland in Winter
Check out my travel guide to help you plan:
Plan your perfect trip to Iceland in Winter!
- 6 easy-to-plan maps
- 75+ pre-selected scenic locations
- Winter Accessibility + Planning Tips
- 115+ large photos to decide where to go
- GPS coordinates direct to the carparks
And keep track of your own trip!
Want to see more of ICELAND IN WINTER
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