Exploring Seljalandsfoss, Skogafoss and Svartifoss

If there’s one thing you can’t miss when you visit Iceland, it’s seeing one of the more than 10,000 waterfalls around the country. They’re everywhere—lining the Ring Road, hiding behind hotels, and popping up almost everywhere. The 4 waterfalls described here is the most spectacular in South Iceland and all of them are within 3 hours of driving from Reykjavík. Getting to Iceland is not that difficult too. There are many airlines flying to Iceland from major European cities and London has the most frequent connection. I bought full fare Icelandair ticket from London and Reykjavik for this trip. Once in Iceland, the best to travel is by driving. Its easy and comfortable as there is only major highway in the whole of Iceland. You dont even need a map!

Seljalandsfoss

Seljalandsfoss is located 2 hours from Reykjavík. The charm of Seljalandsfoss is that you can walk behind the falls and also climb up the stairs that weave along the mountainside to gain another perspective.

Skógafoss

Skógafoss waterfall is one of the largest in Iceland with a drop of almost 200 feet. The heavy veil of water is impressive and walking close enough allows you literally touching the rainbow.

Svartifoss

Svartifoss looks completely unlike other falls. The waterfall tumbles down 20 metres (80ft) over a cliff which is bordered on both sides by tall black basalt columns, resembling pipes of a giant organ, which is where the waterfall gets its name.

Gljúfrafoss

Gljúfrafoss (“one who lives in the canyon”) is a small hidden waterfall next Seljalandsfoss. Hikers can follow a trail to enter the narrow canyon where the water plummets to a small pool.

Seljalandsfoss

Magnificent view! It cascades over steep cliffs, which makes it possible for you to walk behind the waterfall.

Make sure to bring a waterproof layer if you plan on walking behind the waterfall. Otherwise you will get wet. It’s quite slippery walking behind the falls and it has a lot of black mud.

Short walk from the car park to the falls

Peaceful bench indeed.

Skogafoss

Simply Breathtaking!! I have seen bigger and higher waterfalls but somehow the combination of the landscape, sun light and the presence of rainbow makes this my favourite among all. The mist generated from the falls is so intense and powerful. As we get closer we can feel the power of water and mist flying towards us. To be honest, I have never felt so excited seeing a waterfalls. I cannot resist chasing the rainbow. In the end, I’m totally wet from head to toe. What an experience! The waterfall lies south of the Eyjafjallajökull glacier volcano, which made news worldwide for halting international flights across Europe in 2010 due to the ash and smoke that filled the air and area around the falls.

There is a path on the right side which allows you to see the falls from the top.

You could feel the energy of the falls from afar.

Chasing the Rainbow

Double rainbow!! So surreal.

I’m all wet but I dont care.

This is mine. I’m bringing it back home.

Kissing under a double rainbow! So romantic.

Gljúfrafoss

To reach the fall, you have to cross a small narrow gap. You will be wet here if you do not have waterproof shoes. A truly hidden waterfall.

Climbing the Falls

Climbing to the top of Gljúfrafoss and Seljalandsfoss

There is a winding trail nearby to enable sightseers to climb up. At the top the scenery is spectacular and you will be able to see the top of both Gljúfrafoss and Seljalandsfoss.

It’s an easy climb up the falls although it is quite slippery. The color of the grass seems to be greener in Iceland.

The scenery though, is stunning. The colors of the rocks, plants and falls blended perfectly to create stunning images.

It seems like we all dress in blue today.

Scenery at the top

The scenery above the falls is spectacular. Didnt realize the little change in height could add some much colors and feels to the scenery.

Brilliant color

Dangerous spot!

Seljalandsfoss from the above.

View at the top of Seljalandfooss. We saw our car from here.

Nice path between the falls.

That guy is standing dangerously close at the edge of the falls.

Sat there for quite some time, admiring the scenery and atmosphere. Iceland has unique feel that is very different from other countries. Everywhere you look is beautiful.

Svartifoss

A short walk into Skaftafell National Park in South Iceland provides visitors with a breathtaking view of Svartifoss (Black Falls). Ice-cold meltwater from the Svinafellsjokull glacier feeds the famous Svartifoss waterfall. From the Skaftafell Visitor centere there is an 8 km trail that takes you up 390 meters to the falls and then to a high overlook above the Skaftafellsjökull glacier and its lagoon.

Driving to Skaftafell National Park and saw this beautiful unknown waterfall. There are waterfalls everywhere and each one is special.

Petite waterfall. There are so many of them everywhere in Iceland.

Starting our hike from Skaftafell visitor centre

Small waterfall but no less stunning with its unique surrounding.

The glacier seems to be part of the road. Give the impression I could drive on it

Svartifoss from afar

Svartifoss side view.

Skaftafellsjökull Glacier

From Svartifoss, it is just a 40 mins hike to the glacier tongue of Skaftafellsjökull. It is one of many tongues stretching from the largest glacier in Europe, Vatnajökull. Vatnajökull is the largest ice cap in Europe by volume, covering 8% of Iceland’s landmass.