How to get to Seljalandsfoss – and what to explore along the way

In this article we tell you how to get to Seljalandsfoss and what attractions are to be found along the way.

Seljalandsfoss is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Iceland. This magnificent waterfall is located in the south of Iceland, along the main road on highway 1. It is Seljalandsár’s first waterfall, which originates at Hamragarðar- and Seljalandsheidi. The waterfall is 65 m. at the height, falling out of ancient sea cliffs. As the climate began to warm towards the end of the last ice age, the ice melted rapidly, and at the same time the sea level rose. Finally, the country lifted in search of a new balance. And as a result, the sea followed the ice edge into the land and swamped the entire Southern Lowlands.

You can walk around Seljalandsfoss and observe it from all angles. The road can get pretty wet, but it is always dry when behind the waterfall. The balmy waterfall and the rainbow that glow in the water complexes as the sun shines on the waterfall create an unforgettable experience. The environment around the waterfall is very beautiful with its vegetated slopes, hammers, waterfalls and caves. The streams then flow into the Markar River.

How to get to Seljalandsfoss

From Reykjavik: Take Highway 1 to Selfoss. You will cross through the town of Hveragerdi until you arrive at Selfoss. From there, continue on highway 1 east. You will drive through the town of Hella and Hvolsvollur. From Hvolsvollur, the drive takes about 20 minutes (22KM) until you will see Seljalandsfoss waterfall on your left. Make a left turn and park your car on the pakring lot next to the waterfall.

What to explore

Here are some of the places you might find interesting to explore for a minute or two on your way to Seljalandsfoss.

Hveragerdi

A vast number of people pass through or by Hveragerði in south Iceland each year. Hveragerði is located 45 km from Reykjavik. The town is visible from the vantage point of the Kambar mountain slope, as it spreads out across a 5,000 year-old lava field. Troughout the year, pillars of steam from the numerous hot springs in the town may be seen rising up out of the ground. In summer the town is truly a green community, abounding in trees. A green revolution is taking place as areas of woodland in and around Hveragerði expand, with the locals working together in order to further develop their blossoming town.

Lava Center at Hvolsvollur

The Lava Centre is an interactive, high-tech educational exhibition depicting volcanic activity, earthquakes and the creation of Iceland over millions of years. Examine the various volcanos—eruptions and lava flows, volcanic and rift systems, faults and glacial floods that make Iceland a showcase of volcanism. The centre introduces the Katla Geopark plus Iceland’s elaborate monitoring system for surveying volcanos and earthquake zones.

Heading further than Seljalandsfoss?

Check out this article on what to see from Reykjavik to Vik in Myrdal.