Iceland South Coast Waterfalls: How to Visit?

Iceland South Coast Waterfalls: How to Visit?

Iceland South Coast Waterfalls are a landscape of stark beauty and raw power. Here, amidst the rugged terrain, waterfalls cascade with a majesty that captures the essence of the wild. These natural wonders are not just sights to behold. They are stories of the earth’s unbridled energy and the silent resilience of nature. Each of South Iceland waterfalls, from the thunderous roar of Skógafoss to the serene Stjórnarfoss, tells a tale of millennia.

This land, where fire meets ice, is home to some of the most iconic waterfalls in the world. Iceland South Coast waterfalls are a testament to the island’s geological dynamism. Born of ancient glaciers and volcanic landscapes, these water cascades are a window into the island’s soul. They stand as natural monuments, drawing travelers from across the globe, eager to witness their splendor.

As we embark on this journey to explore the cascading wonders of Iceland’s South Coast, we are reminded of the sheer power of nature and its ability to awe and inspire. Through the mist and the roar of the water, we connect with a part of the world that remains untamed, a reminder of the planet’s beauty and its enduring mysteries.

Skógafoss: A Giant Among Giants

Skógafoss, one of Iceland’s largest and most majestic waterfalls, cascades from a height of 60 meters (200 feet) and stretches 25 meters (82 feet) across. It’s not just the size that captivates visitors, but also its accessibility and the folklore surrounding it. Legends say a Viking named Þrasi Þórólfsson buried a treasure in a cave behind the waterfall. Supposedly part of the treasure is on display at the Skógar Museum. This waterfall is not only a spectacle of nature but also a doorway to the Waterfall Way Hike.

• Best Time to Visit: The waterfall is accessible year-round, but the best time to visit is during the summer months (June to August) for milder weather and longer daylight hours. Winter visits offer the chance to see the waterfall framed by snow, with the possibility of northern lights in the background.
• How to Get There:
  • By Yourself: Skógafoss is located on the Ring Road (Route 1), making it easily accessible by car. The drive from Reykjavik takes about 2 hours.
  • Tour Price: Tours to Skógafoss are often part of a larger South Coast tour, with prices starting around $90 to $150, depending on the length of the tour and additional stops.
• Entrance Fee: There is no entrance fee to visit Skógafoss.

Seljalandsfoss: A Walk Behind the Curtain

Seljalandsfoss offers an experience like no other. It allowing visitors to walk behind its 60-meter high curtain of water, a feature that makes it one of the most photographed waterfalls in Iceland. The path leads you around and behind the waterfall, offering a perspective that few waterfalls in the world can. Remember to wear a raincoat, as the mist from the falls guarantees a soaking experience​​.

• Best Time to Visit: Like Skógafoss, the optimal time to visit Seljalandsfoss is during the summer for warmer weather and extended daylight. Winter visits are also magical, offering stark contrasts and fewer crowds.
• How to Get There:
  • By Yourself: Seljalandsfoss is also on the Ring Road, about a 1 hour and 45-minute drive from Reykjavik. It’s very close to Skógafoss, making it convenient to visit both on the same trip.
  • Tour Price: Being a popular destination, it’s commonly included in South Coast tours. Prices are similar to those for Skógafoss, around $90 to $150.
• Entrance Fee: There is no entrance fee for Seljalandsfoss itself, but parking fees apply, which are used for maintenance of the site.

Gljúfrabúi: The Hidden Gem

Adjacent to Seljalandsfoss lies Gljúfrabúi, a less known but equally mesmerizing waterfall. Hidden within a narrow canyon, Gljúfrabúi can be reached by wading through a stream or hiking up the canyon’s side. This Iceland hidden waterfall offers a more intimate experience with nature, surrounded by moss and lichen, with sunlight filtering through the mist​​.

• Best Time to Visit: Summer is the best season for visiting Gljúfrabúi due to easier access and the chance to explore the hidden canyon without the constraints of ice and snow.
• How to Get There:
  • By Yourself: Located near Seljalandsfoss, Gljúfrabúi is accessible by the same route. A short walk from Seljalandsfoss’s parking area leads to this hidden gem.
  • Tour Price: Since it’s close to Seljalandsfoss, tours that include Seljalandsfoss usually cover Gljúfrabúi without additional cost. Expect to pay the standard South Coast tour prices.
• Entrance Fee: No separate entrance fee, but the parking fee at Seljalandsfoss covers this area as well.

Rauðárfoss and Systrafoss: The Beauties of Kirkjubæjarklaustur

Rauðárfoss, with its distinctive russet columnar basalt, is a stunning sight. It’s a lesser-known waterfall, offering a serene experience for those who seek it out. Systrafoss, located in the village of Kirkjubæjarklaustur, tells a tale of history, named after a convent that stood there from 1186-1550. Its dual cascades, visible in the right conditions, add a tranquil beauty to the village​​​​.

• Best Time to Visit: The ideal time for these waterfalls is the summer months, when access roads and trails are most passable and the surrounding landscapes are at their most vibrant.
• How to Get There:
  • By Yourself: Located near the village of Kirkjubæjarklaustur, access to these falls requires a bit more effort, involving a drive on the Ring Road and local roads, followed by a short hike. Kirkjubæjarklaustur is about a 3-hour drive from Reykjavik.
  • Tour Price: Tours specifically focusing on these waterfalls are less common, but they may be included in custom or private South Coast tours. Prices for private tours vary widely, starting from $200 to $400.
• Entrance Fee: No entrance fees are required for Rauðárfoss and Systrafoss.

Stjórnarfoss: A Peaceful Retreat

Stjórnarfoss, near Kirkjubæjarklaustur, is noted for its calming ambiance. The waterfall creates a picturesque scene as it flows into a crystal-clear pool, surrounded by lush vegetation and blooming lupines during the summer. It’s an ideal spot for a picnic or simply to bask in the tranquility of Iceland’s nature​​.

• Best Time to Visit: Summer offers the best conditions for visiting Stjórnarfoss, with easier access and the lush, green surroundings providing a stunning backdrop.
• How to Get There:
  • By Yourself: Stjórnarfoss is also near Kirkjubæjarklaustur, making it accessible via the same route used for Rauðárfoss and Systrafoss. It’s a short detour from the Ring Road.
  • Tour Price: Like Rauðárfoss and Systrafoss, Stjórnarfoss is more likely to be included in private or customized tours, with prices depending on the tour’s scope and length.
• Entrance Fee: There is no entrance fee for Stjórnarfoss.

Tips for Visiting Iceland South Coast Waterfalls

• Wear Waterproof Gear: Always come prepared with a rain jacket and waterproof shoes to fully enjoy the waterfalls without the discomfort of getting wet.
• Early Morning or Late Evening Visits: To avoid the crowds, especially at popular spots like Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss, plan to visit early in the morning or late in the evening.
• Check Weather and Road Conditions: Iceland’s weather can be unpredictable. Always check the current conditions and plan accordingly.
• Respect Nature: Stay on marked paths and follow local guidelines to protect both yourself and the environment.

Iceland’s South Coast waterfalls are a marvel of nature’s architecture, each with its own story and beauty. Whether it’s the towering presence of Skógafoss, the behind-the-scenes view at Seljalandsfoss, the hidden depths of Gljúfrabúi, or the serene beauty of Rauðárfoss and Systrafoss, these waterfalls invite adventurers to witness the unmatched beauty of Iceland. A visit here is not just a journey through a landscape but a voyage into the heart of nature itself.