Iceland is home to waterfalls of all sizes, and Seljalandsfoss is one of the most unique spots, as it allows visitors to go behind the waterfall.
At this location, visitors can appreciate the waterfall from a different angle than usual.
In this article, I will introduce Seljalandsfoss, provide detailed information about the waterfall, and recommend ways to enjoy it.
What is Seljalandsfoss?
Iceland is home to many waterfalls that originate in rivers fed by melting glaciers, and Seljalandsfoss is one of them.
Located approximately 120 km south of Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, it can be reached by following the “Ring Road,” which is Iceland’s equivalent of National Route 1.
Seljalandsfoss is a relatively large waterfall among Icelandic waterfalls, with a drop of about 60 meters.
The most unique feature of this waterfall is that visitors can walk behind it and photograph it from the backside, making it a rare spot in Iceland and a popular destination for many tourists due to its easy accessibility.
Features a hollow area behind the waterfall basin
When viewed from the front, Seljalandsfoss is a powerful waterfall, but there is actually a cave-like hollow in the rock wall behind the waterfall basin that visitors can enter.
Over the years, the rock wall has been eroded by the water flow of the waterfall, creating a large, cave-like depression.
A boardwalk has been built to make it easy to walk through this area.
The view from the back side of Seljalandsfoss is said to be different from that of a normal waterfall, with a vast blue sky and the North Atlantic Ocean in the background and a powerful curtain of water spreading out before your eyes.
However, the cave behind the waterfall basin is covered with splashing water, so waterproof clothing is required to visit.
Japan also has several waterfalls where visitors can go behind the waterfall basin.
For example, Ryutogataki Falls and Dannoura Falls in Shimane Prefecture, and Tanashita Fudo Falls in Gunma Prefecture are well known for this unique feature.
Scenery in harmony with nature is also an attraction
Seljalandsfoss is not only unique for allowing visitors to enjoy the waterfall from the backside but also for its beautiful harmony with the natural environment of Iceland.
The area around the waterfall basin is a meadow of colorful flowers and grasses, with different types of flowers blooming as the seasons change from spring to fall.
In the extremely cold winter, visitors can also enjoy the fantastic scenery surrounded by snow and ice.
Conclusion
Seljalandsfoss is one of the few waterfalls in Iceland where visitors can walk behind the waterfall basin.
The view of the waterfall against the blue sky from behind the curtain of water is unique and can only be seen here.
Furthermore, the contrast between the rugged rock surface, grasslands, and clear blue waterfall is an important element that forms the landscape of Seljalandsfoss.
If you want to experience a different kind of waterfall in Iceland, be sure to visit Seljalandsfoss.
