Gljúfrabúi waterfall in Iceland flowing between steep green mossy canyon walls, with light streaming from above into the enclosed gorge.

    Gljúfrabúi waterfall hidden within a narrow moss-covered canyon in South Iceland, where sunlight filters through the cliff opening and illuminates the cascading water.

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    Gljúfrabúi

    Water Feature

    Gljúfrabúi is a concealed waterfall located adjacent to Seljalandsfoss on Iceland’s South Coast. The cascade descends within a narrow moss-lined gorge, partially hidden behind rock walls. Its enclosed setting creates a vertical composition defined by diffused light, foreground stone, and mist.

    63.61520, -19.98670

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    Gallery

    Gljúfrabúi waterfall in Iceland flowing between steep green mossy canyon walls, with light streaming from above into the enclosed gorge.

    Gljúfrabúi waterfall hidden within a narrow moss-covered canyon in South Iceland…

    Gljúfrabúi waterfall in Iceland flowing down steep green mossy cliffs inside a tight canyon, with silky water captured in long exposure.

    Gljúfrabúi waterfall cascading through a narrow moss-covered gorge on Iceland’s …

    Person in a yellow jacket standing inside the narrow gorge of Gljúfrabúi waterfall in Iceland, with water falling between tall green volcanic rock walls.

    A lone visitor stands at the base of Gljúfrabúi waterfall, framed by steep moss-…

    Person standing on a rock inside the moss-covered canyon of Gljúfrabúi waterfall in Iceland, with sunlight shining through the falling water.

    A lone traveler stands on wet volcanic rock beneath Gljúfrabúi waterfall, where …

    Quick Facts

    Access

    Short Walk

    0–5 min

    Elevation Gain

    60 m

    Best Light

    Overcast

    Light works best when diffused cloud cover reduces contrast because even illumination preserves detail within the enclosed rock walls and falling water.

    Why This Light

    Softens Contrast
    Low-Angle Relief

    Season

    Year-Round Stable

    In summer, access through shallow water allows entry into the gorge for interior viewpoints. In winter, ice and water levels may restrict movement while the waterfall remains structurally visible from the entrance.

    Crowds

    Often Busy

    Restrictions

    Fee Common

    Photography Notes

    The waterfall reads strongest from within the gorge, where the rock opening frames the vertical drop. Foreground stones can be used to anchor the composition and guide the eye toward the illuminated cascade. Exposure control is critical due to the bright water against darker enclosing rock.
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    Nearby Places

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    Seljalandsfoss — 0.1 kmSkógafoss — 25.3 kmKvernufoss — 26.8 kmSólheimasandur Plane Wreck — 33.8 kmDyrhólaey — 49.0 kmKirkjufjara — 51.1 kmReynisfjara — 51.7 kmHrafntinnusker — 53.1 km(Iceland Highlands)