Gljufrabui Waterfalls
Gljufrabui Waterfalls
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- eNXi5Budapest, Hungary9 contributions(Literally) Hidden GemReally amazing waterfall hidden in a rift. As we visited in a morning of late October, the environment was slippery due to frozen mist from the waterfall. You must wear appropriate waterproof clothes to walk close through the rocks on stones in the creek. You can park at Seljalandsfoss (ISK 900, pay-and-display) as there is no parking space nearby (all possible areas are fenced or blocked around!).Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 22 November 2023
- Bandit-OneLucerne, Switzerland10,512 contributionsA real highlightAfter visiting the famous Seljalandsfoss you really need to check out this waterfall just a short walk away. It's a bit hidden, but the footpath leads you right to it. No need to repark your car. It's 40m in height and hidden inside a small canyon. You need to walk through a short section of shallow water (depending on how much water the fall carries at the moment). You will stay with dry feet if you're well balanced and jump from stone to stone. But it really is just a few steps. It's popular, but we went there at around 5.30pm and there weren't many visitors anymore. The fall, the spray, the views up. It's an impressive sight. There is also a winding trail nearby and a wooden staircase to enable sightseers to climb roughly halfway up and view the falls from another perspective. A really fantastic fall. The south offers many amazing attractions. And this one here is one of them - and one you shouldn't miss.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 23 November 2023
- Cold and Quiet Fan83 contributionsHidden gem a few minutes walk away from SeljalandsfossA true hidden gem next to Seljalandsfoss. No need to move your car, it is a short paved walk away! In good weather conditions you can walk over a few rocks to get closer to it. A true gemVisited December 2023Travelled with familyWritten 3 February 2024
- anotheraeolistNew York City, New York233 contributionsMost scenic waterfall in IcelandThis was by and far my favorite attraction I visited in Iceland. Gljúfrabúi (Canyon Dweller) is literally a hidden gem near the famous Seljalandfoss, and is a waterfall hidden behind a cliff that you need to traverse a short stream to get to. The narrow valley is quite dark, but it is a short distance and if the water levels are low enough, you can step on rocks and not get your shoes wet. Once you past the cliff, the valley opens up and the majestic Gljúfrabúi stands in front of you with the open sky above. The views are quite breathtaking and the hidden nature of the falls, from the entrance to the actual canyon, makes the experience absolutely unforgettable. These days, Gljúfrabúi is not quite so hidden anymore, as there was a tour group waiting outside to enter behind me when I visited. The waterfall is accessible on the trail next to Seljalanfoss on the left.Visited August 2023Travelled with familyWritten 29 February 2024
- MichaelaWest Yorkshire, United Kingdom422 contributionsStunningWoah, this place is incredible. You can park at seljalandsfoss, see those then follow the path for a short walk here. You will need to step across some stones and might get your feet wet, it's so worth it as you turn the corner and see the absolutely beautiful falls inside the cave. You may get a bit of spray hit you if you stand on the rock and it's slippery so be careful. This was definitely one of the best things I saw in Iceland on my trip.Visited February 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 10 March 2024
- LisaMNUSASaint Paul, Minnesota1,120 contributionshidden waterfallsAfter visiting Seljalandsfoss, we walked to Gljufrabui Waterfall. To see it, you have to walk through a short, narrow passage with water flowing out from a cave-like space. The cave has a hole at the top from which the water pours down, creating a very interesting sight. I liked it a lot. Since the passage is narrow and the cave area is small, it could be frustrating if there are a lot of people there.Visited June 2024Travelled with familyWritten 4 July 2024
- Justin RLino Lakes, Minnesota372 contributionsDon't skip this!Located just a short walk from Seljalandsfoss away from the parking area is this gem of a waterfall within a crevice. It's stepping stones to get to the waterfall itself over the stream but easy enough. My young kids (3 and 6) did not go back in the crevice. My 6-year-old probably could have made it but was too scared.Visited June 2024Travelled with familyWritten 11 July 2024
- Chad2014Gainesville, Florida241 contributionsBest waterfall in IcelandSimply the best. It's different. It's tall. It's stunning. You get really close. Walking into the cave over the stream makes it adventurous and limits the number of people so this feels less crowded. Don't miss this but DO wait your turn before entering the cave. Even the walk here from the nearby larger waterfall is beautiful.Visited September 2024Travelled with familyWritten 18 September 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Antonije Nujić
Vinkovci, Croatia37 contributions
Jan 2020 • Friends
After Seljalandfoss visit just down the walk you can find this pearl of wonder. Don't be afraid to wet your shoes and get inside of cave. The sight and feeling is so refreshing. Would recommend dry clothes in reserve though cause believe me, you'll be soaked after this.
Written 10 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
adolfo o
Santa Maria, CA63 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
We visited a few waterfalls on this trip and I liked this one the best. You can walk through a small cavern to reach where the falls land. Make sure your boots are above the ankle and waterproof as you will definitely submerge your foot/feet on some parts of the water if you want to go through the cavern. Our boots have crampons so it was definitely an advantage as it helps when stepping on stones or Icy surfaces as it will not slip and lose your footing. We didn’t stay long inside the cavern as the splash of the waterfalls creates a steady stream of mist that will make you wet and so does your phone and cameras. But in any case, it was beautiful. There are also 2 other falls beside that both of which are also beautiful but since it’s snowed in, you can’t get near the other 2. The other waterfalls name is Seljalandfoss, I’ll also include that picture here
Written 9 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tom J
London, UK1,852 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
We have visited Gljufrabui waterfall a couple of times over the last 2 summers and I can safely say it is not a "hidden gem" anymore. In actual fact when you arrive at Seljalandsfoss there is sign posts indicating exactly where it is from the car park.
It is about 600m from Seljalandsfoss so it does require a little walk - if you are visiting as part of a larger tour group you may be pushed for time to see it as they don't always stop for long enough so be prepared.
That being said, the waterfall is truly stunning, from the outside of the cliff you can get a subtle view of the falls through the crack in which the stream trickles through. To get to the base of the waterfall you do have to navigate a "stepping stone" style approach skipping over the larger rocks to avoid getting your feet wet in glacially cold water (trust me...its COLD).
When you are at the base of the waterfall - there is no staying dry! Be sure to have a waterproof jacket at least as the spray from the falls is contained in the cauldron that you have clambered into. This can make it particularly difficult for photography as you will have a split second before your lens is covered in mist!
Whilst you are going to get wet, the feeling of the cold mist on your face whilst your stood at the base of this waterfall is a feeling like no other, grounding and energizing, truly remarkable!
We actually visited it this summer over 2 days, the first day we arrived at around 14:00 and there was a QUEUE of people about 30 people long outside the canyon waiting their turn to go in and take photos (not so hidden right!). We then visited the next morning at about 7am and had the whole place to ourselves for about 30minutes.
It is definitely worth a stop if you can, walking up the stream through the cliff face is a remarkable experience and this is by far the most accessible waterfall of its kind in Iceland!
It is about 600m from Seljalandsfoss so it does require a little walk - if you are visiting as part of a larger tour group you may be pushed for time to see it as they don't always stop for long enough so be prepared.
That being said, the waterfall is truly stunning, from the outside of the cliff you can get a subtle view of the falls through the crack in which the stream trickles through. To get to the base of the waterfall you do have to navigate a "stepping stone" style approach skipping over the larger rocks to avoid getting your feet wet in glacially cold water (trust me...its COLD).
When you are at the base of the waterfall - there is no staying dry! Be sure to have a waterproof jacket at least as the spray from the falls is contained in the cauldron that you have clambered into. This can make it particularly difficult for photography as you will have a split second before your lens is covered in mist!
Whilst you are going to get wet, the feeling of the cold mist on your face whilst your stood at the base of this waterfall is a feeling like no other, grounding and energizing, truly remarkable!
We actually visited it this summer over 2 days, the first day we arrived at around 14:00 and there was a QUEUE of people about 30 people long outside the canyon waiting their turn to go in and take photos (not so hidden right!). We then visited the next morning at about 7am and had the whole place to ourselves for about 30minutes.
It is definitely worth a stop if you can, walking up the stream through the cliff face is a remarkable experience and this is by far the most accessible waterfall of its kind in Iceland!
Written 5 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Megan K
Chicago, IL45 contributions
Jul 2022
After Seljandsafoss, when looking at the parking lot, walk to the right. You will walk down a path until you meet a river. Look right down the river and you'll see a waterfall inside a cave. You can walk through the river and go into the cave for an up close view of the waterfall. It was so cool! I highly recommend!
The only frustrating part is that everyone tends to walk in and out of the cave on the right hand side, as that side has some rocks that you can step on. So we waited for a bit as a bunch of people exited the cave before we could enter.
*Make sure that you have sturdy, waterproof shoes. People without waterproof shoes were either very scared about falling off the higher rocks and getting their shoes wet, or were taking off their shoes and walking through the river barefoot. Waterproof hiking boots make this a much more enjoyable experience.
**Also, having waterproof pants and jacket are clutch as you will get wet. You're literally walking through a river to be right next to a waterfall.
The only frustrating part is that everyone tends to walk in and out of the cave on the right hand side, as that side has some rocks that you can step on. So we waited for a bit as a bunch of people exited the cave before we could enter.
*Make sure that you have sturdy, waterproof shoes. People without waterproof shoes were either very scared about falling off the higher rocks and getting their shoes wet, or were taking off their shoes and walking through the river barefoot. Waterproof hiking boots make this a much more enjoyable experience.
**Also, having waterproof pants and jacket are clutch as you will get wet. You're literally walking through a river to be right next to a waterfall.
Written 8 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amjschmitz
Chicago, IL261 contributions
Sept 2021 • Friends
While visiting the big waterfall you can walk behind, this one is a 5 minute walk to the left. It’s not as big or impressive but there is a very cool crevice you can walk through to get right to the spot where it crashes down. Just know that to reach that point the most spray is heavy and you will get pretty wet. You can still see all the way in without actually walking in all the way though. Don’t miss it!
Written 24 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Travel Couple - Chathu & Ishanka
Kalutara, Sri Lanka1,629 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
Another very unique waterfall located just by the famous seljalandsfoss. Just a 500m walk from there. This waterfall cannot be seen from the outside. It falls inside a cave and you need go inside to see the waterfall. You will get so wet by the splashing water. So wear a rain coat or something waterproof.
Written 23 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carrie0693
Madison, AL2,032 contributions
Aug 2021
This hidden gem is located next to the big waterfall, Seljalandsfoss and not many take the time to walk down to it. And there's even a parking lot for it and it's free while the other parking lot charges. This waterfall was our favorite. It is inside a cave and it was just unexpected and made it a wonderful surprise for our day. Make sure you are wearing waterproof shoes. This is a MUST!!!! So glad we took the time and walked the entire pathway. And I saw a pretty bird near the entrance of the cave.
Written 30 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Roy K
Groningen, The Netherlands144 contributions
Nov 2022 • Family
Gljufrabui waterfall is beautiful not so much because of its size but because of the place where it is located. If you are standing right in front of Sjeljalandsfoss, you will find this waterfall on the right after about a 10-minute walk. The waterfall is hidden between a gorge, which creates a magical atmosphere. One of the most beautiful secret places in Iceland.
Recommended!
Recommended!
Written 1 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christopher Fowler
204 contributions
May 2022
This is our favourite waterfall in Iceland and we've seen a few. Be prepared to get wet as you get up close and personal with this amazing waterfall. The walk up the stream into the gorge is worth getting wet for. Just make sure you have good footware and waterproofs or change of clothing. Did I mention that you're going to get wet.
A major highlight of our trip.
A major highlight of our trip.
Written 20 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
eNXi5
Budapest, Hungary9 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Really amazing waterfall hidden in a rift. As we visited in a morning of late October, the environment was slippery due to frozen mist from the waterfall. You must wear appropriate waterproof clothes to walk close through the rocks on stones in the creek. You can park at Seljalandsfoss (ISK 900, pay-and-display) as there is no parking space nearby (all possible areas are fenced or blocked around!).
Written 22 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is the hike through the creek easy enough for a 6 year old boy?
Written 17 June 2018
Depends if you want to keep him dry or not. The distance between stepping stones is probably farther than he can easily manage. The water, however, is not deep...5 or 6 inches.
Written 18 June 2018
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