Gljúfrabúi waterfall (or Gljúfurárfoss) is at Hamragarðar. It is close to its famous neighbor, Seljalandsfoss waterfall. The name Gljúfrabúi literally means the one that lives within the canyon. The name of the waterfall and the landscape invoke something out of The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien. You enter, and you are half expecting an angry dwarf challenging you to a duel, or perhaps there is a dragon guarding its hoard.

Be careful when you enter the hidden waterfall

Gljúfrabúi is 40 meters high and partially hidden behind a large cliff, which gives it a mystical aura. It can be seen in all it’s splendor by wading the river into a narrow opening in the cliff or by climbing a steep path up the cliff. Both acts can be hazardous so please exercise extreme caution.

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Gljúfrabúi Waterfall hiding right next door to one of Iceland´s most famous waterfalls, Seljalandsfoss.
Gljúfrabúi Waterfall is hiding right next door to one of Iceland´s most famous waterfalls, Seljalandsfoss.

You can watch a video from our friend Ásgeir of Do More Ásgeir fame, enter this hidden gem of a waterfall.


Let me warn you, fellow traveler. Wading into the stream flowing gently between the cliffs is not easy. I highly recommend wading shoes or boots to protect you from the cold water and the rocky river bottom. You should also be wary of moisture in the water if you are carrying a camera. It’s wet in there.

Up close and personal with Gljúfrabúi waterfall.
Up close and personal with Gljúfrabúi waterfall.

The trouble is worth it. Once you’ve made it inside, the view is breathtaking. This is not your everyday sightseeing, let me tell you.

Getting to Gljúfrabúi waterfall

Gljúfrabúi is a close neighbor of Seljalandsfoss. When you’ve taken the right turn from Route 1 to Seljalandsfoss, and you see the majestic waterfall on your right side, drive on. Gljúfrabúi is the next waterfall on the right. You can’t miss it.