11-10-2023
A jewel of Iceland’s Southern Coast, Gljufrabui Waterfall is one not to miss on your Iceland road trip. Hidden by a dramatic cliff, this impressive and little-known Iceland waterfall is missed by most travelers, many of whom pass within a kilometer of Gljufrabui when heading to the nearby tourist site of Seljalandsfoss Waterfall.
Let’s learn more about Iceland’s beautiful Gljufrabui Waterfall, including how to find this underrated waterfall, how high Gljufrabui is and some stunning hikes you can take around this picturesque area of Iceland’s South Coast. Ready? Let’s go!
Nestled behind a cliff facing out towards the Atlantic Ocean, the relatively hidden Gljufrabui Waterfall cascades down into a river within a canyon. Gljufrabui translates as ‘one who dwells within a canyon or gorge’, accurately describing the location of this spectacular waterfall in a cave-like rocky structure.
Gljufrabui Waterfall is fed by meltwater from the ice cap topping the infamous Eyjafjallajökull Volcano, which caused widespread air travel disruption across Europe when it erupted in 2010. There is a lot of vegetation around Gljufrabui Waterfall due to the constant moisture in the canyon and surrounding rocks from the falls.
We recommend wearing good-quality, waterproof hiking boots to visit Gljufrabui Waterfall, as this cascading waterfall can only be accessed by walking by the river and potentially navigating slippery rocks if you wish to go into the canyon itself. You’ll also need a waterproof coat as the spray from the falls can feel like a shower on a windy day!
Bonus fun fact about Gljufrabui Waterfall: The cliff that conceals Gljufrabui Waterfall from view is called Franskanef, which means ‘the French nose’ in Icelandic.
Gljufrabui Waterfall stands at 40 meters (just over 130 feet) tall, cascading over the green hills of the Eyjafjoll mountains into a narrow ravine.
Located on Iceland’s South Coast, Gljufrabui Waterfall is less than a kilometer away from the famous Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, which attracts thousands of visitors each day. The lesser-known Gljufrabui Waterfall can be found by taking a 2-minute drive or 11-minute walk northwards from Seljalandsfoss.
If you’re planning to visit the popular coastal village of Vik and its black sand beaches during your time exploring Iceland's South Coast, you’ll be happy to know that Vik is only a further 45 minutes along the Ring Road from Gljufrabui Waterfall.
Taking the main Ring Road in Iceland, also known as Route 1, from the Icelandic capital of Reykjavík towards the south of the country for around 1 hour and 45 minutes will lead you almost directly to Gljufrabui Waterfall.
Reaching Gljufrabui Waterfall by car is an easy drive on the paved Icelandic Ring Road, with only a short left turn off this main road required to reach the waterfall. From Reykjavík, you’ll pass through the towns of Hveragerdi, Selfoss, Hella and Hvolsvollur respectively.
When you reach a bridge over a river after the town of Hvolsvollur, start looking for signs for Route 249, which is the left turn you need to take to reach Gljufrabui Waterfall. You’ll first come across signs for Seljalandsfoss, which you can drive past until you see the parking lot marked Gljufrabui. Now, let’s go explore!
Walking from the designated parking lot to Gljufrabui Waterfall takes less than five minutes and is an easy route, as long as you’re confident on your feet.
The Gljufrabui hike from above allows you to enjoy an amazing view of the waterfall from the top of the cliff. You can take the path along the hillside to reach the top, holding onto the provided chains to support you on the steepest parts.
If you’re scared of heights or just want to experience the waterfall in closer proximity, we recommend taking the Gljufrabui hike from below to reach the base of the canyon where the falls are located. This route requires you to wade across the river, which is usually easy enough to do, although you’ll need to be careful of ice in the winter months.
All of these Gljufrabui hikes are short routes that you can easily do during a quick pit-stop at Gljufrabui Waterfall during your Icelandic South Coast tour.
Want to know how to make the most of your visit to Gljufrabui Waterfall? Here are our top travel tips for the best Gljufrabui experience:
Put your electronics in waterproof cases – When admiring the incredible views of Gljufrabui Waterfall, we’re sure you’re going to want to take a photo (or twenty!). However, the spray from the falls can easily soak your camera or phone if you’re not careful. For this reason, we highly recommend packing your valuable electronics in waterproof cases when visiting Gljufrabui.
Wear waterproof clothes and shoes – Similarly to protecting your electronics, it’s also important to protect yourself by wearing waterproof clothes, including a waterproof coat, trousers and sturdy hiking boots. This get-up will ensure you stay warm, cozy and dry during your trip to Gljufrabui Waterfall.
Check the weather forecast beforehand – As the weather in Iceland is famously changeable, it’s always a good idea to check the Icelandic weather forecast before heading out on your trip. Make sure to check the weather in the local area you plan to visit, as weather conditions can vary from place to place across the island.
Who’s feeling excited for their very own Iceland road trip adventure? With a whole country of incredible landscapes to discover, including cascading waterfalls, fiery volcanoes, expansive glaciers and steaming geothermal lagoons, Iceland is an amazing vacation location for every season.
Get started on the planning process for your Iceland adventure by checking out our range of affordable and reliable car rentals in Iceland, perfect for a scenic road trip around this incredible Nordic nation. We can’t wait to welcome you to our beautiful island in the near future – happy traveling!