Geological Escarpment Formations
Separated by roughly thirty kilometers along Iceland's Route 1 (the Ring Road), Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss share an identical geological ancestry. The precipitous cliffline over which both rivers plunge marks Iceland’s ancient marine shoreline, which receded thousands of years ago as the landmass rebounded following the retreat of the main ice sheet.
Both cascades are fed directly by meltwaters escaping the Eyjafjallajökull ice cap. At Skógafoss, the Skógá river maintains an almost uniform, rectangular curtain of water 25 meters across. The sheer volume produces continuous mist clouds that frequently create vivid single and double rainbows when direct sunlight strikes the spray.
Walking Behind Seljalandsfoss
While Skógafoss is renowned for monumental kinetic weight, Seljalandsfoss is famous for its unique recessed geology. The softer volcanic hyaloclastite rock at the base has eroded significantly faster than the harder basalt overhang above, creating a broad amphitheater behind the plunging curtain.
A stabilized footpath permits hikers to loop completely behind the falling water. The experience is sensory and intense: visitors are enveloped by thunderous sound reverberating off the rock chamber and fine aerosol spray that requires full waterproof outer garments. During freezing weather, spray instantly builds dense glaze ice on the trail, causing local authorities to close the rear traverse for safety.
Expedition Advantages
- Immediate access directly from Iceland’s primary asphalt Ring Road.
- Seljalandsfoss offers rare 360-degree walking access behind the cascade.
- Skógafoss serves as the trailhead for the world-famous Fimmvörðuháls trail.
Logistical Considerations
- High visitor volume during summer peak travel hours (10:00 to 16:00).
- Waterproof shells and camera moisture protection are non-negotiable.
- Winter conditions create severe black ice across footpaths and viewing decks.
The Waterfall Way (Fimmvörðuháls Connection)
Adjacent to Skógafoss, a steel staircase of roughly 500 steps climbs to the cliff rim. Beyond this observation deck begins the "Waterfall Way"—the initial section of the legendary Fimmvörðuháls mountain pass heading between Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers toward Þórsmörk.
Hiking upstream along the Skógá River reveals more than twenty distinct secondary waterfalls and steep gorges carved through layered volcanic tephra, making it one of the densest hydrological corridors on the North Atlantic island.