Selfoss (waterfall)Selfoss (waterfall) at a Glance
About Selfoss (waterfall)
Selfoss is a wide waterfall on the Jökulsá á Fjöllum river in northeastern Iceland, situated just upstream from the better-known Dettifoss. The fall forms part of the powerful glacial river system that drains Vatnajökull and presents broad cascades across a rocky ledge.
Viewing points and short walking trails give access to vantage spots along the river bank and allow visitors to see both Selfoss and Dettifoss in sequence. Conditions can be wet and paths may be rough; access commonly uses highland roads that may be seasonal.
The waterfall and its river basin are the product of glacial meltwaters and the region is characterized by volcanic and glacial geomorphology typical of northeast Iceland. The site is remote from major towns and is visited as part of regional nature excursions from Iceland’s Ring Road corridor.
- Nearby Dettifoss: Located immediately upstream from Dettifoss on the same river, it is commonly visited together with Iceland’s more powerful Dettifoss waterfall.
Best Time to Visit Selfoss (waterfall)
Best visited in summer for easiest access and long daylight; winter offers dramatic ice and snow but can limit safe access.
Weather & Climate near Selfoss (waterfall)
Selfoss (waterfall)'s climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cold summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -6°C to 12°C. Moderate rainfall (502 mm/year).
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -6° - 0° | -9° | 38 mm | overcast | 94% | 6.2 m/s | 0.0 low | 4.4h |
| February | Poor | -6° - -1° | -9° | 30 mm | overcast | 93% | 6.0 m/s | 0.0 low | 8.0h |
| March | Poor | -5° - -1° | -9° | 34 mm | overcast | 92% | 6.1 m/s | 0.2 low | 11.5h |
| April | Poor | -4° - 1° | -7° | 23 mm | overcast | 91% | 5.5 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 15.0h |
| May | Poor | 0° - 5° | -2° | 29 mm | overcast | 89% | 5.0 m/s | 1.1 high | 18.6h |
| June | Acceptable | 4° - 10° | 4° | 41 mm | overcast | 86% | 4.7 m/s | 1.2 high | 21.3h |
| July | Acceptable | 6° - 12° | 7° | 55 mm | overcast | 87% | 4.4 m/s | 1.0 moderate | 19.8h |
| August | Acceptable | 6° - 11° | 6° | 53 mm | overcast | 88% | 4.3 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 16.3h |
| September | Poor | 2° - 7° | 1° | 57 mm | overcast | 91% | 4.8 m/s | 0.3 low | 12.8h |
| October | Poor | -1° - 3° | -3° | 59 mm | overcast | 93% | 4.9 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.3h |
| November | Poor | -4° - 1° | -7° | 49 mm | overcast | 94% | 5.1 m/s | 0.0 low | 5.7h |
| December | Poor | -6° - 0° | -9° | 34 mm | overcast | 93% | 5.7 m/s | 0.0 low | 2.8h |
How to Get to Selfoss (waterfall)
Selfoss (the waterfall on the Jökulsá á Fjöllum in NE Iceland) is reached by car from the Mývatn/Reykjahlíð area - roughly 40-60 km and about 45-60 minutes’ driving depending on route and conditions, following Route 1 and the local access roads toward Dettifoss/Selfoss.
There are marked parking areas for Dettifoss/Selfoss; from the car parks a well-marked footpath leads to the Selfoss viewpoint (allow about 10-20 minutes on foot). Note that the west-side access road (Route 862) is rough and often needs a 4x4, while the east-side approach (Route 864) is generally more accessible; always check current road conditions.
Tips for Visiting Selfoss (waterfall)
- Combine Selfoss with a Dettifoss visit but start early or late in the day - many coach trips stop only at Dettifoss around midday, so arriving at opening or toward evening gives quieter viewing of the broader, stepped Selfoss upstream.
- Park at the signed Dettifoss/Selfoss car park and follow the short rim trail upstream to multiple viewpoints; the best perspectives are along the canyon edge rather than from the main car park, and these are often missed by people who stay at the first viewpoint.
- Check local information points for seasonal access notes - weather and river conditions can affect the rim paths, so prefer daylight hours when trails and viewpoints are open and staffed.