What can you expect at Selfoss?
- A wide horseshoe-shaped cascade across the river
- Powerful glacial water churning into multiple channels
- Quieter atmosphere compared to Dettifoss downstream
Selfoss Waterfall
A wide, horseshoe-shaped waterfall on the Jökulsá á Fjöllum river: 11 meters tall and 100 meters wide, just 1 km upstream from Dettifoss.
Region
North Iceland
Less visited than Dettifoss. Broad horseshoe shape.
Selfoss is a wide, horseshoe-shaped waterfall on the Jökulsá á Fjöllum river, about 1 km upstream from the famous Dettifoss. At 11 meters tall and roughly 100 meters wide, it looks quite different from its downstream neighbor. Named after the old Norse word for 'waterfall,' it should not be confused with the town of Selfoss in South Iceland.
| Fact | Detail | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Wide horseshoe, fewer crowds | Less crowded than Dettifoss, a short walk upstream. |
| Access | 1 km walk from Dettifoss | Marked trail upstream, 15–20 min each way. |
| Pro tip | Combine with Dettifoss | Walk the trail between the two falls along the river. |
Sources and page update
Updated: 2026-09-10
This page is for trip planning, not emergency guidance. Slippery rocks and a powerful river; stay on marked paths and keep well back from the edge.
For sourcing standards and how to report an error, see the editorial policy.
Official sources to check
What is near Selfoss?
- Dettifoss (1 km downstream, Europe's most powerful)
- Hafragilsfoss (further downstream)
- Ásbyrgi canyon (horseshoe-shaped glacial canyon)
How do you get to Selfoss?
- Access from either Dettifoss east or west parking areas
- The park lists D2 as a 2.5 km, one-hour west-side circuit; verify the current route following the Fosshvamm closure
- East side (Route 864): gravel; slow travel and seasonal closure
- West side (Route 862): paved, with limited winter service
- Both sides offer views of Selfoss and Dettifoss
When is the best time to visit Selfoss?
- Check both approach roads before choosing a riverbank
- Summer has the longest daylight for the walk
- Early morning or evening for fewer crowds
- Route 864 closes with autumn snow and reopens after conditions dry in spring
- Midnight sun in June/July allows late visits
West-side route change: The park’s 25 May 2026 notice permanently closes Fosshvamm near Dettifoss after rockfall and hidden cracks. Views remain available, but paths are being relocated. Follow current signs rather than an older map into Fosshvamm; confirm the open connection before extending a walk to Selfoss.
Planning help
Selfoss Waterfall FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
How tall and wide is Selfoss?
Selfoss is about 11 meters (36 feet) tall and approximately 100 meters (330 feet) wide, and forms a horseshoe shape on the Jökulsá á Fjöllum river.
How far is Selfoss from Dettifoss?
Selfoss is about 1 km upstream from Dettifoss. You can walk between them on a marked trail in about 15–20 minutes.
Is this the same as the town Selfoss?
No. Selfoss waterfall in North Iceland should not be confused with the town of Selfoss in South Iceland. The waterfall's name comes from the old Norse word for 'waterfall.'
Is Selfoss free to visit?
Yes, there is no entrance fee. The waterfall is in Vatnajökull National Park and is accessed from the Dettifoss parking areas.
When is the best time to visit Selfoss?
June through September, when the access roads are fully open. The waterfall flows year-round, but winter access can be limited.
Country reference: Iceland statistics.