Gljúfurárfoss in June 2012

If you’re visiting Iceland looking for waterfalls, then you have to visit Seljalandsfoss (and a bunch of other waterfalls too!). Seljalandsfoss is one of my favorites in Iceland, but it ends up that there are three other waterfalls right next door to Seljalandsfoss. (Actually, there’s a fourth just around the corner!)

The one that has a name is Gljúfurárfoss. I won’t even take a stab at how that’s said, but it apparently means “Canyon River Waterfall”, which makes sense when you realize that part of the waterfall is blocked off by some time of slot canyon. I have read about others who have tried to walk through the slot canyon to get a better view, but I didn’t even remotely think about trying. I was already somewhat wet from Seljalandsfoss, and didn’t really want to get any wetter.

Because it’s not as scenic as Seljalandsfoss, you will actually have a better chance of getting the falls without people in the view. You may notice there was a car parked right near the opening of the canyon. While it’s not one of my favorites, it’s still worth stopping to take a few shots because it’s so close to these other falls.

Directions:

1. Gljúfurárfoss is found off of the southern portion Ring Road, right next to Seljalandsfoss.  It is found east of Arborg.
2. If you are heading east, you will turn left onto Road 249 (Þórsmerkurvegur), and head just a short distance to the parking area for the falls.  It’s pretty hard to miss, as there are signs indicating the road to Seljalandsfoss, and then drive just a bit further down the road.

Accessibility: 10/10 (easy)
Length of Hike: roadside, can try to walk to the falls
Height: ~ 200′

Where in the World is Gljúfurárfoss?