Seljalandsfoss – Behind the Falls

Seljalandsfoss drops 60 metres over a cliff on Iceland's south coast, and a path circles behind the curtain of water into a small chamber that lets photographers shoot outward through the falling water toward the surrounding lowland landscape. This is the defining shot of the site: standing in the alcove behind the falls with the cliff framing the sides and the green farmland or setting sun visible through the veil of falling water in the background. Because the viewpoint faces roughly southwest, mid-morning through late afternoon on a sunny day brings direct sun through the water, which frequently produces a visible rainbow inside the cave; evening light on clear days can backlight the falls in warm tones for the same effect from outside. The site draws heavy year-round tourist traffic and the narrow, slippery path behind the falls becomes a bottleneck, so arriving at opening time or in the last hour before dark gives more room to set up a tripod without other visitors in frame. There is no entrance fee and a paid car park serves the site. A tripod is usable on the path though space is tight in the wet alcove. Drones can be flown here but pilots should be cautious of constant spray affecting equipment and should stay clear of the crowded walkway. Heavy spray reaches well beyond the falls themselves, so camera gear needs protection throughout the visit, not only inside the cave.