east-iceland · Iceland
Selárfoss
Nestled in East Iceland, Selárfoss offers a unique spectacle as a powerful column of water cascades down a sheer, multi-layered cliff face, creating a natural, curtain-like effect. This lesser-known gem allows for an intimate experience, where a winding path leads you behind the falling water, allowing you to admire the rugged beauty of the Icelandic landscape and the distinctive reddish-brown and dark volcanic strata from a different, immersive perspective.
About Selárfoss
Nestled in East Iceland, Selárfoss offers a unique spectacle as a powerful column of water cascades down a sheer, multi-layered cliff face, creating a natural, curtain-like effect. This lesser-known gem allows for an intimate experience, where a winding path leads you behind the falling water, allowing you to admire the rugged beauty of the Icelandic landscape and the distinctive reddish-brown and dark volcanic strata from a different, immersive perspective.
History & Background
Selárfoss, like many of Iceland's breathtaking waterfalls, is a product of the island's dynamic geological history. The layered cliffs from which the waterfall cascades are primarily composed of basalt, formed by successive lava flows over millions of years. These distinct horizontal strata, visible in shades of reddish-brown and darker rock, tell a story of ancient volcanic eruptions and subsequent erosion by glacial and river forces. As glaciers retreated at the end of the last ice age, they carved out the valleys and left behind the bedrock formations that now define the landscape. The river Selá then found its course, eventually creating the dramatic drop that is Selárfoss. While Selárfoss doesn't boast a specific recorded human history of settlement or major events directly tied to it, its very existence is a testament to the continuous shaping of Iceland by nature's powerful hand. Its relative obscurity compared to more famous falls has preserved its pristine, wild character, offering a glimpse into Iceland's untamed past.
Did You Know?
- ✔Selárfoss is one of many impressive waterfalls in Iceland
- ✔Iceland has hundreds of waterfalls due to its glaciers and volcanic terrain
- ✔Best visited when weather is clear for the best views and photographs
Tours Near Selárfoss
Best-rated Iceland experiences — book with free cancellation
Why Visit
Experience the magic of walking behind a powerful waterfall and marvel at the unique geological layers of East Iceland.
Did You Know?
Selárfoss's distinctive rock formation, clearly visible with its horizontal reddish-brown and dark layers, forms a natural overhang that allows visitors to walk directly behind the roaring water curtain, offering a truly immersive and memorable experience unlike many other Icelandic waterfalls.
Hinsegin hulda fólkið í Selárfossi
Sagt er að á bak við vatnsgardínu Selárfoss búi huldufólk, verur sem vernda leyndardóma klettanna. Þeir bjóða aðeins velkomna þá sem koma með opið hjarta og virðingu fyrir náttúrunni, og veita þeim sem ganga bak við fossinn augnablik af töfrum og djúpri innsýn í anda landsins.
📖 Stories & Legends
Icelandic sagas and folklore from this area
Hidden Gems Nearby
Gönguleiðin bak við fossinn
Stígurinn sem liggur beint bak við Selárfoss er sjálf falinn gimsteinn. Hann býður upp á einstakt sjónarhorn á fossinn og leyfir þér að finna fyrir krafti vatnsins á einstaklega nærri hátt.
Þessi stígur gerir þér kleift að stíga inn í 'hjarta' fossins fyrir ógleymanlega upplifun.
Jarðfræðilegar lagskiptingar klettanna
Gefðu þér tíma til að skoða rauðbrúnu og dökkgráu basaltlögin í klettaveggnum. Þau segja sögu um milljóna ára eldvirkni og jarðfræðilega mótun.
Þessar sýnilegu jarðfræðilegu lagskiptingar eru náttúruleg sögubók um myndun Íslands.
Útsýni yfir Selárdal
Frá hærri punktum gönguleiðarinnar eða frá leiðinni að fossinum, býðst stórbrotið útsýni yfir Selárdalinn, með víðáttumiklum, grýttum hlíðum og fjarlægum fjöllum.
Dalurinn býður upp á víðáttumikið landslagsljósmyndatækifæri og skilning á stærðargráðu svæðisins.
Practical Information
Best Time
Sumar (júní-ágúst) fyrir besta veður og aðgengi, morgnar eða síðdegis til að forðast fjölda.
Duration
45 mínútur – 1,5 klukkustundir til að ganga að fossinum, skoða hann og ganga bak við hann.
Access
Aðgengilegt með malbikuðum vegi að bílastæði, síðan stutt gönguleið (sumir hlutar geta verið ójafnir) að fossinum og bak við hann.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an entry fee for Selárfoss?▾
No, there is no entry fee to visit Selárfoss. It is a natural attraction open to the public.
Is parking available at Selárfoss?▾
Yes, there is typically a designated parking area available near the trailhead for Selárfoss.
What should I wear when visiting Selárfoss?▾
It is highly recommended to wear waterproof outer layers (jacket and pants) and waterproof hiking boots, as you will likely get wet from the mist when walking behind the waterfall. Layers are also advisable due to changing weather.
Is the path behind the waterfall slippery?▾
Yes, the path behind the waterfall can be very wet and slippery due to the constant mist and spray. Exercise caution and wear appropriate footwear with good grip.
Is Selárfoss wheelchair accessible?▾
No, the path to Selárfoss and especially the section behind the waterfall is not wheelchair accessible. It involves uneven terrain and can be slippery.
