Skip to main content

Gljúfrabúi

Road 1 open8°C · breezy40 m drop800 ISK parkingSouth Coast, Iceland

About

The hidden waterfall. Tucked inside a canyon near Seljalandsfoss — you have to wade through a stream or climb through rocks to see it. Feels like discovering a secret.

Entering the canyon is like stepping into another world. The walls close in, the sound of water echoes, and then — a hidden 40-meter falls. You feel like you found something special.

The name means 'canyon dweller.' While crowds flock to Seljalandsfoss next door, this one stays relatively quiet. The canyon entrance is narrow enough to hide the treasure inside.

Wear waterproof boots — you'll wade through water to get inside. Not much view from outside the canyon. Don't force it if the water is high. 5-minute walk from Seljalandsfoss parking.

Driving conditions
Road conditions
Check live
Road · From Reykjavík to the foss
Drive: Good
Visit now
30 min stop
Ring Road 1Checking…
F-roadsClosed (winter)
ClosuresNone nearby
Wind
Visibility
Prices
Cost to visit
800 ISK
Parking only · entry free
Entry: Free
Parking: 800 ISK
No booking
Entry feeFree
Parking800 ISK
BookingNot needed
Getting thereCar recommended
Forecast
Today
Loading…
Northern lights
Tonight
/9
No data
22:00 – 02:00
Face north
Loading…
0
9
Activity peak23:42
MoonWaxing crescent
Light pollutionRural dark sky
Sun & light
Today
Today
Sunrise
Golden hour AM
Golden hour PM
Sunset
Blue hour

Cars & campers

−15%exclusive discountFree cancellationKEF airport pickup 24/74.8

Tours near Gljúfrabúi

−10%exclusive discountFree cancellationSmall groups4.8

Photos

Gljúfrabúi waterfall front view
Anja M.
Gljúfrabúi sunset behind falls
Daniel P.
Gljúfrabúi close up
Sofia L.
Gljúfrabúi visitors path
Marco R.
Gljúfrabúi waterfall Iceland
Elena K.
Gljúfrabúi aerial view
Tómas V.

Videos

Seljalandsfoss WaterfallJared Dillingham
Walk Behind the WaterfallPlanet Earth
Behind Seljalandsfoss at SunsetThe Powers Couple
Seljalandsfoss in One ShotCandace Cabrera
Waterfalls of IcelandDutch Angles
Behind a Beautiful WaterfallJerad Gardner, MD

Reviews

Anja Müller
Mar 28, 2026 · Sightseeing
Unique experienceWet & mistyParking availableFamily friendly

Walking behind a 60-meter waterfall is something you don't forget. We went at sunset and the light through the curtain was absolutely magical. Bring proper rain gear — you WILL get soaked through. The path is well-maintained but rocky.

Conditions: Wet, misty spray, soaked path
Parking: Paid, 800 ISK, large lot
Difficulty: Easy
Daniel Park
Feb 14, 2026 · Photography
Great light at sunriseCrowded in summerGljúfrabúi nearby

Best light at sunrise before the tour buses arrive. The path behind is slippery in winter but doable with spikes. Don't skip Gljúfrabúi next door — most tourists walk right past it, but it's a hidden waterfall inside a cave. Spectacular.

Conditions: Icy path, cold spray
Parking: Paid lot, small fee
Difficulty: Easy
Sofia Lindström
Jan 6, 2026 · Road trip
Winter closed behindIcyGreat views

Stopped here on a Ring Road trip in early January. The path behind the waterfall was closed due to ice — check conditions before you go if walking behind is the main reason. Still stunning from the front though.

Conditions: Snow, ice, closed path
Parking: Free in winter (closed booth)
Difficulty: Easy (front only)

Frequently
asked
questions

How do you get into Gljúfrabúi?
Wade through a stream into the canyon. Water is usually ankle to knee deep. Waterproof boots essential.
Is Gljúfrabúi near Seljalandsfoss?
Yes! 5-minute walk north. Same parking lot. Most people miss it.
Can you see Gljúfrabúi without getting wet?
You can peek through the canyon entrance, but for the full view you'll get wet feet.
Is Gljúfrabúi worth visiting?
Absolutely. The hidden nature makes it special. Way less crowded than Seljalandsfoss.
How tall is Gljúfrabúi?
About 40 meters, falling into a narrow canyon. The enclosed space makes it feel bigger.
Get directions to Gljúfrabúi