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.

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.

Last reviewed March 3, 2026By the Iceland.org travel deskEditorial policy

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.

Sources and last reviewed

Last reviewed: 2026-03-03

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.

Pages are reviewed for practical usefulness, source quality, and volatile claims before publication.

Official sources to check

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.

What to Expect at Selfoss

A wide horseshoe-shaped cascade across the river
Powerful glacial water churning into multiple channels
Quieter atmosphere compared to Dettifoss downstream

Nearby Attractions to Selfoss

Dettifoss (1 km downstream, Europe's most powerful)
Hafragilsfoss (further downstream)
Ásbyrgi canyon (horseshoe-shaped glacial canyon)

How to Get to Selfoss

Access from either Dettifoss east or west parking areas
Walk upstream along the marked trail (1 km, 15–20 min)
East side (Route 864): paved road, easier access
West side (Route 862): gravel, different viewpoint angle
Both sides offer views of Selfoss and Dettifoss

Best Time to Visit Selfoss

June–September: both access roads fully open
Summer has the longest daylight for the walk
Early morning or evening for fewer crowds
Winter: east road (864) may be open but check conditions
Midnight sun in June/July allows late visits

Planning help