Selfoss, Waterfall in Jökulsárgljúfur canyon, Iceland
Selfoss is a waterfall in the Jökulsárgljúfur canyon in northeastern Iceland, fed by the Jökulsá á Fjöllum river and measuring 44 meters in height across a width of roughly 100 meters. The cliff runs in a curved line, so the water drops over several parallel sections and produces a broad roar as it falls.
The canyon formed through repeated glacial outburst floods from Vatnajökull over thousands of years, with meltwater eroding the basalt layers. The Jökulsárgljúfur national park was later incorporated into the larger Vatnajökull National Park to protect the geologically connected areas together.
The name translates as seal falls in Icelandic, though the origin of this term remains tied to local naming traditions rather than any reported presence of seals in the river. Visitors often walk here as an add-on before or after seeing Dettifoss, making it a quieter stop along the same canyon route.
The trail leads from the parking areas near Dettifoss along marked paths that can be rocky and slippery when wet. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear and watch for wind, which often blows hard across the open canyon.
The horseshoe-shaped edge splits the river into several narrow streams that fall side by side, creating a wide pattern rather than a single large cascade. This arrangement means the spray spreads over a larger area and can form several small rainbows in the right light.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
