Iceland – Seljalandsfoss

Part of a series of posts about my travel in Iceland, including visits to eleven waterfalls.

Likely one of the most recognizable waterfalls in Iceland, at least outside those within the Golden Circle, Seljalandsfoss is a massive, free-falling, overhanging waterfall visible from 50km away as you drive the Ring Road.  An extensive (and crowded!) carpark corrals the tourists as they stream toward the short trail up to the falls.  I purposely arrived early, around 8:30am, in hopes I might beat most of the tourists coming from Reykjavik. I did, but there were nonetheless over one hundred people already there, each angling for a selfie or family photo.  This waterfall is especially exciting because one can walk up to, and behind, the waterfall. Read on!

Most people head up to the right of the falls, and a few brave souls complete the loop by returning on the path to the left of the falls, where spray from the falls drenches all but the best-prepared.  I wore my Arctic parka from the Greenland cruise, rainpants, wool socks, water sandals, and a Goretex ballcap.  It worked well, as I stood in the spray with tripod and camera, water dripping from the brim of my hat. I brought several microfiber towels to wipe my lens every few seconds, focusing and shooting quickly before the lens was covered in spray.  Though I was coated in spray, I stayed warm and dry.

Be sure to view the gallery for five more photos and one video, and watch for the next post, about my return to Seljalandsfoss at sunset!

Reference: I learned about this place from a guidebook, Photographing Iceland, by Einar Guðmann and Gyða Henningsdóttir; translated by Abigail Charlotte Cooper. JTV útgáfa 2019.