Selfoss Waterfall, North Iceland: Self-Drive Guide, Parking and Hike

For independent travellers planning a self-drive road trip around North Iceland, the magnificent Selfoss Waterfall is a must-see stop on the famous Diamond Circle. Often confused with the southern town of the same name, this breathtaking glacial cascade lies tucked inside the wild, dramatic Jökulsárgljúfur canyon. Because reaching this remote geological masterpiece requires careful preparation, choosing the right vehicle and understanding the local roads is key. In this guide, we uncover how to safely navigate the terrain, locate the best viewpoints, and plan an unforgettable adventure. Let’s Go!

Selfoss Waterfall vs Dettifoss: Which Should You Visit?

When comparing Selfoss vs Dettifoss, most travellers wonder if they need to choose one over the other. Fortunately, because these two giants share the same river canyon, you can easily experience both spectacular waterfalls during a single, convenient stop. While Dettifoss commands global attention as Europe’s most powerful waterfall by sheer volume, the nearby Selfoss Waterfall offers a more elegant, artistic, and serene spectacle. Here, the water pours over a wide, curved series of basalt cliffs, creating a beautiful, photogenic veil of mist that stretches far across the canyon. 

Viewpoints, Walking Distance and How to See Both Waterfalls

Visitors can view both of these natural spectacles from either the east or west bank of the canyon. A well-marked walking path connects the two sites, making it incredibly easy to see both waterfalls in a short amount of time. The walking distance between them is only about 1 kilometre (0.6 miles) each way. Th

How to Get to Selfoss Waterfall by Car

Reaching the majestic Selfoss Waterfall by car is a straightforward experience if you plan your route. To organise this scenic journey alongside other incredible northern destinations, such as those on the Diamond Circle, creating a complete multi-day self-drive itinerary is highly recommended. For detailed information on navigating this region, consult our North Iceland travel guide.

Driving from Dettifoss, Mývatn, Ásbyrgi and the Diamond Circle

To help you estimate your driving times and plan your Diamond Circle itinerary efficiently, you can use this quick-reference table showing the distances and average driving times to the Dettifoss/Selfoss parking areas:

Starting Location	Distance	Approximate Driving Time	Primary Route
Akureyri	133 km	1 hour 50 minutes	Route 1 to Route 862/864
Lake Mývatn	60 km	45-60 minutes	Route 1 to Route 862/864
Húsavík	70 km	1 hour	Route 85 to Route 864
Ásbyrgi Canyon	30 km	30 minutes	Route 862 or 864

To see how these two waterfalls fit into the grander scheme of the north, reviewing our detailed Hertz Iceland Detifoss Waterfall North Iceland travel guide will give you a complete logistical overview of the area. By planning a custom self-drive adventure, you gain the ultimate freedom to explore at your own pace.

Selfoss Waterfall Parking and Trail Access

When preparing your journey, understanding the layout of the Selfoss waterfall parking areas is essential for a smooth visit. The canyon offers two separate parking lots on opposite sides of the glacial river. You cannot cross between them by car, so your choice of road is final. Finding the correct parking zone depends entirely on which route you choose to drive. Both locations provide direct trail access but offer vastly different viewpoints, facilities, and seasonal conditions.

• The West Side Parking Lot: This modern, fully paved parking area features public restroom facilities. It connects directly to Route 862, which is paved and remains open throughout the summer.
• The East Side Parking Lot: This smaller, rugged gravel parking area sits at the end of Route 864, placing you closer to the water’s edge for a more intimate view.

East Side vs West Side Access and Seasonal Conditions

Choosing between the east and west sides of the Selfoss Waterfall depends on the season and your preferred viewing experience. The west side is highly accessible and family-friendly, offering paved roads and flat walking paths. The east side, accessible via the gravel Route 864, provides a more dramatic, raw perspective of the cascades but requires careful driving due to potholes and loose stones. During winter, heavy snow frequently closes Route 864 entirely, making the west side the only viable option. Always check the official weather forecast and road status on safe.hertz.is daily to ensure a safe journey.

Selfoss Waterfall Hike

The scenic Selfoss waterfall hike provides an excellent opportunity to stretch your legs and immerse yourself in Iceland’s raw volcanic wilderness. Because the trail runs parallel to the flowing glacial river, you will enjoy spectacular canyon views during the entire walk. The path is well-marked with wooden posts, ensuring that hikers stay on the safe trail and avoid stepping on the fragile moss that covers the surrounding basalt lava fields. The sheer scale of the canyon and the thunderous sound of the water make this a truly memorable experience.

Trail Length, Difficulty, Safety and Photography Tips

The hike from the west side parking lot to the Selfoss Waterfall is an easy, flat trail spanning approximately 2.5 kilometres (1.5 miles) round trip. The path consists of packed gravel, dirt, and some rocky sections, taking most visitors about 45 minutes to complete. To ensure a safe hike, follow these essential tips:

• Wear sturdy hiking boots with good grip to handle the uneven basalt rock surfaces.
• Keep a safe distance from cliff edges, as wet moss and loose gravel can easily give way.
• Pack windproof and waterproof clothing, as the heavy mist from the nearby Dettifoss can quickly soak you.
• Bring a microfiber cloth to constantly wipe your camera lens from the heavy water spray.
• Use a wide-angle lens to capture the full, panoramic width of the beautiful horseshoe-shaped cascades.

Best Rental Car for Visiting Selfoss Waterfall

Choosing the right rental car is the most critical decision for your North Iceland self-drive adventure. If you are travelling with family or carrying multiple suitcases, booking a spacious family-friendly rental car in Iceland is the perfect starting point to guarantee optimal passenger comfort on your northern journey.

• Summer West Side Travellers (Route 862): If you plan to stick strictly to the paved west side during the summer, a standard 2WD economy car or a compact hatchback will suit your needs perfectly. These smaller vehicles offer excellent fuel efficiency and easy manoeuvrability.
• Adventurous East Side Explorers (Route 864): If you plan to tackle the rough, unpaved gravel road on the east side, we highly recommend renting a robust 4×4 for Iceland roads. It provides the necessary ground clearance and all-wheel-drive traction needed to handle loose stones and potholes safely.
• Winter Travellers (October to April): A 4×4 vehicle equipped with high-quality winter tyres is absolutely mandatory for any winter trip to North Iceland. Sudden snowstorms, icy roads, and strong winds require a heavy-duty vehicle for safe navigation.

4×4 Rental Cars Recommendation

Selfoss Waterfall: Common Questions Before You Go

Ready to hit the road to the spectacular Selfoss Waterfall? Here, we’ve gathered the essential answers to help you navigate your adventure to this magnificent northern cascade.

Where is Selfoss Waterfall?

This Selfoss Waterfall in North Iceland is in the northeastern region of the country, just a few hundred metres south of Dettifoss inside the Jökulsárgljúfur canyon in Vatnajökull National Park.

Is Selfoss waterfall the same as Selfoss town?

No, they are entirely different and located in opposite parts of the country. The magnificent Selfoss Waterfall is located in North Iceland near Dettifoss. The large residential and commercial hub of Selfoss town is located in Southwest Iceland, about a six-hour drive away.

How do you hike from Dettifoss to Selfoss?

You can easily complete the hike by following the clearly marked trail along the canyon rim. The walk takes about 15 minutes each way and is relatively flat, though the terrain can be rocky.

Where do you park for Selfoss Waterfall?

You must use the official Dettifoss parking lots, as there is no separate lot for Selfoss. You can choose between the west side parking lot (paved Route 862) or the east side parking lot (rugged Route 864).

Which is better, Selfoss or Dettifoss?

Both waterfalls are spectacular and should be visited. Dettifoss impresses with its sheer volume and raw power, whereas the Selfoss Waterfall charms visitors with its wide, elegant curtain of multiple graceful streams.

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