Gljúfrabúi

South Coast

Gljúfrabúi — "canyon dweller" — hides inside a narrow slot in a basalt cliff roughly 150 meters north of Seljalandsfoss. Most people drive past without realizing it is there. To see the full 40-meter drop you wade a shallow stream into the canyon mouth, picking over wet uneven rocks until the walls close in and the falls appear ahead of you, crashing into a small pool ringed by moss. The roar fills the enclosed space. Morning light filtering through the canyon opening makes for better photography. Unlike Seljalandsfoss, fed by glacial meltwater, Gljúfrabúi flows from a spring, so its volume is fairly stable year-round. Waterproof shoes are not optional — your feet will get wet. Waterproof trousers are wise too, given the spray inside. A gap in the cliff at the canyon entrance lets you glimpse the falls from dry ground if you want to assess conditions first. The car park is shared with Seljalandsfoss off Route 1; parking costs a small fee, the falls are free. Budget 30 minutes and combine both waterfalls in the same stop.

Book & Explore

The links below are affiliate links. If you book through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you — it helps keep this guide free. See our about page for how we keep recommendations independent.