Waterfall connoisseurs agree it's not size that counts. The
biggest and the highest may be impressive, but when it comes to cascading
water, Iceland's Seljalandsfoss has style.
The sight of the Seljalandsá River dropping 62 meters down
the sheer cliff face has made it a must-see Iceland attraction. There's a path
that goes behind the cascade, so bring your waterproof camera.
Location :
Seljalandsfoss waterfall is located between Seljalandsmúli
and Hamragarðar. Turn off the main road at Seljalandsmúli and drive about one
kilometre to the waterfall.
Access :
Access to the waterfall is very good. There is plenty of car
parking, and footpaths in the surrounding area. Nearby is a good campsite at
Hamragarðar.
About the place:
Seljalandsfoss in the Seljalandsá river cascades 62 metres
off the cliff edge. Upstream the river flows through Tröllagil (Troll Gorge) to
Tröllagilsmýri (Troll Gorge Marsh), a lovely hollow with flourishing
vegetation, before tumbling down over a series of waterfalls, and finally off
the cliff edge at Seljalandsfoss.
In addition to the main cascade at Seljalandsfoss, smaller
streams tumble off the cliff at its western side. Seljalandsfoss stands in a
lovely location, surrounded by cliffs and green slopes. It is a landmark
visible from far away as a white streak against the dark cliff face. A footpath leads behind the waterfall (don’t
forget your raincoat!).
Nineteenth-century Romantic poet Jónas Hallgrímsson wrote
many poems which have become classics of Icelandic literature, among them
Dalvísa (Valley Poem), which is generally believed to refer to the Hamragarðar
area.
From the poem Dalvísa (Valley Poem) by Jónas Hallgrímsson
Chasm-dweller, ancient falls,
My gully in the rocks’ close walls!
Torrent of white, my blessèd pass,
Chasm-dweller, adorned with grass!
Friendship we have known together,
Friends we shall remain for ever;
Chasm-dweller, ancient falls,
My gully in the rocks’ close walls!
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