Gljúfrafoss

Waterfall Secluded Icelandic waterfall near Seljalandsfoss

A narrow waterfall set inside a short canyon on Iceland’s south coast near Seljalandsfoss; visitors enter the gorge for close viewpoints, wet footing and dramatic spray, often paired with nearby waterfalls and coastal drives.

Main image

Gljufrafoss is a small waterfall on Iceland’s south coast in the Southern Region, notable for being partially concealed inside a narrow cliff recess near Seljalandsfoss. It is a compact site rather than a large falls and is commonly visited as part of south-coast sightseeing.

The cliff recess creates a narrow canyon that frames the stream as it drops; visitors can walk a short path and sometimes wade a little to reach a viewpoint inside the cleft. The setting provides close-up views rather than long panoramic vistas.

The waterfall is a natural feature formed by the local river cutting into the coastal cliffs; it has no known built structures or formal historical uses. Its popularity has grown with increased tourism to the south coast.

The site sits on the south side of Iceland close to the Ring Road, immediately north of Seljalandsfoss in the Southern Region. It is reached from the main coastal route that serves the villages and sights along that stretch of coastline.

  • Proximity: Located a short walk from the popular Seljalandsfoss waterfall, often visited on the same stop along Iceland's south coast Ring Road.
  • Access note: The waterfall sits inside a narrow cliff recess so views require walking on a short, sometimes wet path and may be slippery in winter.
Gljúfrafoss
Near Seljalandsfoss, South Iceland (no formal street address)
63.6213, -19.9881
Open year-round (access depends on weather)
Free (waterfall in a natural area)

How to Get to Gljúfrafoss #

The falls are reached from the Ring Road (Route 1) near the Seljalandsfoss car park. Park at Seljalandsfoss - Gljufrafoss is a short walk (5-10 minutes) north along a signposted path and then a small scramble down a narrow gorge entrance.

Tips for Visiting Gljúfrafoss #

  • Wear waterproof footwear - the trail into the gorge can be wet and slippery.
  • Approach the waterfall via the small path north of Seljalandsfoss; there's a narrow gorge entrance that requires a short scramble.
  • Bring a waterproof camera cover - mist from the falls will coat lenses.

Best Time to Visit Gljúfrafoss #

Best visited in late spring to early autumn for safe footing and long daylight; winter visits deliver dramatic ice sculptures but require care.

Summer
Jun-Aug · 5-12°C
Longest daylight and easiest access; can be crowded but great light for photography.
Winter
Dec-Feb · -5-5°C
Icy and atmospheric; access to the gorge may be hazardous, and crampons are recommended.

Weather & Climate near Gljúfrafoss #

Climate

Gljúfrafoss's climate is classified as Subpolar Oceanic - Subpolar Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -3°C to 13°C. Abundant rainfall (1397 mm/year), wettest in October, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.

Best Time to Visit
JulyMayJune
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
18°
Warmest Month
-12°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coldest month with highs of 2°C and lows of -3°C. Significant rainfall (125 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

24 Poor

Comfort

-1°
Feels Like Freezing
-1°C
Temperature
-3°
87%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

125 mm
Rainfall
9.3 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.0
UV Index
Low
5.4h daylight

February

February is cold with highs of 2°C and lows of -2°C. Significant rainfall (134 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

32 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-2°
87%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

134 mm
Rainfall
9.6 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.0
UV Index
Low
8.4h daylight

March

March is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -2°C. Significant rainfall (126 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

32 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-2°
86%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

126 mm
Rainfall
9.0 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.2
UV Index
Low
11.5h daylight

April

April is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 1°C. Regular rainfall (96 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

38 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
86%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

96 mm
Rainfall
8.0 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.5
UV Index
Low
14.7h daylight

May

May is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 4°C. Regular rainfall (96 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

48 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
84%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

96 mm
Rainfall
6.8 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.9
UV Index
Moderate
17.8h daylight

June

June is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 6°C. Regular rainfall (86 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

48 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
11°
86%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

86 mm
Rainfall
6.2 m/s
Wind
Breezy
1.1
UV Index
High
19.8h daylight

July

July is cool with highs of 13°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (92 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

52 Acceptable

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
13°
87%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

92 mm
Rainfall
5.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.0
UV Index
Moderate
18.8h daylight

August

August is cool with highs of 13°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (131 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

48 Poor

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cool
10°C
Temperature
13°
86%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

131 mm
Rainfall
6.1 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.7
UV Index
Moderate
15.9h daylight

September

September is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (120 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

48 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
10°
87%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

120 mm
Rainfall
7.2 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.3
UV Index
Low
12.8h daylight

October

October is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 2°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (136 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

38 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
87%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

136 mm
Rainfall
7.8 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.1
UV Index
Low
9.6h daylight

November

November is cold with highs of 3°C and lows of 0°C. Significant rainfall (126 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

36 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-1°
87%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

126 mm
Rainfall
8.3 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.0
UV Index
Low
6.4h daylight

December

December is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -2°C. Significant rainfall (129 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

26 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Freezing
C
Temperature
-2°
87%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

129 mm
Rainfall
9.4 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.0
UV Index
Low
4.2h daylight

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