Seljalandsfoss

Seljalandsfoss is a waterfall in southern Iceland that drops from a 65-meter (213-foot) cliff that once formed part of the Icelandic coastline. The water from the Seljalandsá River flows over the edge, forming a narrow but powerful curtain that falls into a shallow basin and covers the surrounding landscape with fine spray.

The cliff formed when the sea retreated thousands of years ago, shifting the coastline further south. Meltwater from the Eyjafjallajökull glacier gradually carved the present shape of the waterfall, cutting deep into the porous volcanic rock.

The Icelandic name combines selja, meaning willow or farmstead, with foss, the common word for waterfall throughout the country. Visitors notice how the path behind the cascade connects them physically to the roaring water and mist that reshape the surrounding rocks.

The path behind the waterfall becomes slippery when wet, so waterproof clothing and footwear with good grip are recommended. The view from the rear path is best in clear daylight, when sunlight passes through the falling water.

At sunset, a double rainbow sometimes appears in the spray when light hits the falling droplets at the right angle. On clear winter evenings, the northern lights occasionally appear behind the waterfall, creating a rare combination of natural phenomena.