Best for
Waterfall inside a cave
Wade into the canyon and see the falls from inside.
Gljúfrabúi (Canyon Dweller)
'Canyon Dweller': a 40-meter waterfall concealed inside a narrow canyon, 500 meters from Seljalandsfoss.
Region
South Iceland
You will get wet; waterproof everything.
Gljúfrabúi, meaning 'Canyon Dweller,' is a waterfall concealed inside a narrow canyon 500 meters from Seljalandsfoss. Visitors wade through a shallow stream into the cave to see the 40-meter falls pouring from above through a gap in the rock ceiling.
Sources and last reviewed
Last reviewed: 2026-03-03
This page is for trip planning, not emergency guidance. You will get wet inside the canyon, so waterproof your belongings. Rocks are slippery.
Pages are reviewed for practical usefulness, source quality, and volatile claims before publication.
Official sources to check
Access
Easy (500m from Seljalandsfoss)
Short walk, but you wade through a stream to enter.
Pro tip
Waterproof everything
Phone in a dry bag. Waterproof jacket and pants essential.
What to Expect at Gljúfrabúi
- Wading through a shallow stream into a narrow canyon
- 40-meter waterfall pouring through a gap in the rock ceiling
- Spray filling the cave; you will get thoroughly wet
Nearby Attractions to Gljúfrabúi
- Seljalandsfoss (500m walk, walk-behind waterfall)
- Skógafoss (30 min drive east)
- Eyjafjallajökull volcano views
How to Get to Gljúfrabúi
- Located just 500m east of Seljalandsfoss on Route 1
- About 120 km east of Reykjavik (1.5–2 hours drive)
- Share parking with Seljalandsfoss (fee may apply)
- Walk along the cliff base from Seljalandsfoss
- Look for the narrow opening in the rock face
Best Time to Visit Gljúfrabúi
- Open year-round
- Summer: warmest for wading, longest daylight hours
- Winter: ice can make stream crossing trickier
- Early morning or late evening for fewer crowds
- Combine with a Seljalandsfoss visit
Planning help
Gljúfrabúi FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.