Selfoss (waterfall)

Overview

About Selfoss (waterfall)

Selfoss is a broad, multi-ribbon waterfall perched just upstream of Dettifoss in the Jökulsárgljúfur canyon. Fed by the glacial Jökulsá á Fjöllum, it spreads in a graceful horseshoe over dark basalt cliffs—less tall than its famous neighbor, but wonderfully wide and photogenic. Most travelers pair the two on the same outing.

Why stop

Short, signed walk from Dettifoss with sweeping canyon views
Wide, horseshoe-shaped cascade that photographs beautifully from the east side

Heads up

Views are more distant from the west side
Spray and slick rocks can soak you and your gear

Map

Where it is

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Full map

SightSelfoss (waterfall)65.79837, -16.38272

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Local know-how

Tips for visiting Selfoss (waterfall)

Pick the east side for the closest, most dramatic views; west is easier driving.
Read parking signs and pay as instructed—fines have been reported.
Arrive early in peak season; the east lot is smaller and fills fast.
Wear grippy, waterproof footwear and pack a rain layer to handle spray.
Check seasonal road reports and respect any temporary viewpoint closures.

Plan your stop

Before you go

Best time to visit

Summer offers the most reliable access, especially for the east side (Road 864 typically closes from early October to late May). Even the west side can see winter closures. For photography and fewer people, aim for early morning or late afternoon; wind direction matters for spray, so be ready to adapt viewpoints.

Facilities and parking

Both sides have established parking areas used for Dettifoss and Selfoss. Several recent visitor reports note regulated/paid parking—read the signs and pay as instructed to avoid fines. Basic toilets are available at/near the main lots, with no services at the viewpoints themselves. Bring water and snacks.

1 active Vatnajökull alert

ClosureFosshvammur permanently closed at DettifossFosshvammur at Dettifoss is permanently closed to all traffic; do not enter.Official details

Vatnajökull alerts

A park ranger sits on a dash-mounted phone, talking, as Parkwolf’s Tour Guide plays “Army Cutworm Moths: A Grizzly Bear Buffet” on Grand Loop Road below Dunraven Pass in Yellowstone — Parkwolf Tour GuideThe highest, rockiest slopes around here are a summer buffet for grizzly bears.

Vatnajökull Tour Guide

Your drive to Selfoss (waterfall), narrated.

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Wildlife heatmapsfor Grey Seal, Harbor Seal, Caribou, and 13 more
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CarPlay readysimple controls built for the drive

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Guide

More about Selfoss (waterfall)

East vs. West: Which side to chooseEast side (Road 864): Closer, more dramatic angles on Selfoss and the chance to feel the power…

East side (Road 864): Closer, more dramatic angles on Selfoss and the chance to feel the power up close. The trail is rockier with minor scrambling in spots. Seasonal road, typically open late May–early October, and the lot can fill early.
West side (Road 862): Paved approach and larger infrastructure, but Selfoss views are more distant and partially limited compared to the east. Good for quick visits or if rough roads aren’t your thing.

The walk and viewpointsFrom the Dettifoss area, it’s roughly 10–20 minutes on foot to Selfoss (about 1 km between the…

From the Dettifoss area, it’s roughly 10–20 minutes on foot to Selfoss (about 1 km between the falls, varying by side and current trail endpoints). Trails are stony and can be muddy. Expect some spray near viewpoints; bring layers and protect your camera.

Safety and current conditionsCliff edges are exposed, undercut, and can be slick.

Cliff edges are exposed, undercut, and can be slick. Obey barriers and respect temporary closures. A mid-2025 cliff collapse led to a lower platform closure on one side—expect conditions to change and follow on-site guidance.

Geology backdropYou’re standing in a canyon shaped by the tug-of-war between volcanic activity and glacial ice.

You’re standing in a canyon shaped by the tug-of-war between volcanic activity and glacial ice. The river has carved Jökulsárgljúfur into stark, columnar basalt, and the waterfalls here (including power-house Dettifoss) are part of a dynamic, ever-evolving landscape.

Make a day of itCombine Selfoss with Dettifoss and then venture to other canyon highlights like Hljóðaklettar…

Combine Selfoss with Dettifoss and then venture to other canyon highlights like Hljóðaklettar and Hólmatungur for varied lava formations, quieter trails, and big canyon vistas.

Wildlife

Wildlife in Vatnajökull

All Vatnajökull wildlife maps

22 sightingsGrey SealMost seen around 5 AMSighting map

258 sightingsHarbor SealMost seen around 11 AMSighting map

184 sightingsCaribouMost seen around 7 PMSighting map

62 sightingsArctic FoxMost seen around 8 PMSighting map

168 sightingsWhooper SwanMost seen around 5 PMSighting map

68 sightingsAtlantic PuffinMost seen around 7 PMSighting map

Sighting maps show where each species has been reported across Vatnajökull. Wildlife moves, so no sighting is guaranteed.