The Majestic Gljúfrabúi: A Comprehensive Guide to Its Hikes and Surroundings

With over 10,000 waterfalls in the country, plenty are so striking that they are more or less mandatory on an Iceland Holiday Itinerary. There are a couple of hidden gems in Iceland that are not very well-known but should be a part of a holiday in this magic country, and Gljúfrabúi is one of them.

Join us as we go chasing waterfalls (against TLC’s advice) and discover the hidden potential of this cascading marvel. In this article, go through, under, and behind waterfalls on the hunt for a not-so-elusive hidden gem in Iceland. Welcome to your guide to Gljúfrabúi.

Gljúfrabúi – Why this Waterfall is Such a Hidden Gem in Iceland

There are plenty of hidden gems in Iceland, but few are literally hidden. Most people would overlook this stunning waterfall for two very good reasons:

1. It is not far away from the well-known waterfall Seljalandsfoss.

2. Gljúfrabúi Waterfall is hidden behind a veil of mossy cliffs.

   
   

This secret nature of the Gljúfrabúi Waterfall will make you feel like you’re stepping into a fairytale setting where you’re visiting a magic cave. After a couple of minutes at the waterfall, you will feel compelled to take out a phone or camera to immortalize the moment, but be careful with electronics since everything in this waterfall cave gets wet.

Another reason Gljúfrabúi is such a hidden gem is the tricky and slippery path that leads to it. When you get there, you will have to climb a large boulder to see the entire waterfall, so it’s best suited for those with the right equipment.

Where is Gljúfrabúi?

You will find Gljúfrabúi in the southern part of the country, not far away from Seljalandsfoss Waterfall. Both waterfalls are just 150 meters away from each other, making it a perfect duo for a quality visit. They are also located almost smack-dab right on the Ring Road, so the effort of adding it to an Iceland South Coast Drive is close to zero.

How High is Gljúfrabúi?

Even though Gljúfrabúi doesn’t measure up to the largest waterfalls like Dettifoss and Gullfoss, it has an impressive 40-meter drop into the small pool at the bottom. The waterfall cascades over a sharp edge with multiple small streams to accompany the main fall and fills the cavern with cold mist.

What Does Gljúfrabúi Mean?

Gljúfrabúi is a conjunction of the two words “gljúfur” and “búi”. Gljúfur is an Icelandic word for ravine, gorge, or canyon, and “búi” is what you call an inhabitant. The name "Gljúfrabúi" roughly translates into “The one who lives in the canyon”, which makes perfect sense when you visit.

The name is also connected to the river that feeds it: Gljúfurá – which means “Canyon River”. The origin of the name Gljúfrabúi can, therefore, be derived from both the river that feeds the waterfall and the scenery.

How Much Time Should I Spend at Gljúfrabúi?

You can honestly spend an entire day at Gljúfrabúi if you want to, but including the hike back and forth, a solid 30-60 minutes should hit the spot. If you are really into photography, there are plenty of spots in the surroundings that are perfect for scenic pictures with the waterfall, river, or volcanic plains as a backdrop.

How to Get to Gljúfrabúi

Since Gljúfrabúi is right on the Ring Road, it’s as easy as pie to get there from pretty much anywhere in Iceland. The drive from Reykjavik to Gljúfrabúi is a short 1.5 hours and only requires you to drive the Ring Road east until you reach the exit on Road 249. That road will take you first to Seljalandsfoss and then further to the Gljúfrabúi parking lot.

From the Ring Road, it’s not more than a kilometer to Gljúfrabúi, which is another good reason why it fits well with an adventure on the south coast of Iceland.

Hiking to Gljúfrabúi

From the parking lot, it is a short 4-minute walk to Gljúfrabúi, and it is pretty much the easiest hike in the world. All you need to do is follow the small river and either rest your eyes on the waterfall from the riverbanks or take the plunge and peer behind the stone curtains. A fair warning, though: walking into the gorge will make you wet.

The enclosure from the moss-covered cliffs and the cascading waterfall create a whirlwind of misty water. On days when the wind picks up, it’s like standing in an out-of-control shower, so make sure to have waterproof clothes and protection for the electronics.  

When is the Best Time to Visit Gljúfrabúi?

We are all for adventures and making the most of all seasons, but we have to say that the Gljúfrabúi Hike is the best (and safest) in the summer in Iceland. Spring and fall come with larger water volumes, so the waterfall will be extra majestic, but it is much harder to reach. In the winter in Iceland, the rocks around Gljúfrabúi will be icy and extra slippery, so the only guarantee you have is that you will slip and fall.

If you want to get a good mix of pleasant weather and large volumes of water, visiting Gljúfrabúi late in May in Iceland is a good option. The meltwater of spring will still increase the water flow, and the weather will start to get warm.

What to Do Close to Gljúfrabúi

Due to the location of Gljúfrabúi, there are many things to do in the nearby area. Below are some of the things you can do close to the waterfall:

• Visit Seljalandsfoss

• See the DC-3 Airplane wreck at Eyvindarholt

• Visit Reynisfjara, Reynisdrangar, and Dyrhólaey close to Vík í Myrdal

• See the black desert Sólheimasandur

• Explore the Solheimajökull Glacier

Make a Hidden Stop at Gljúfrabúi

If you want to find hidden gems in Iceland that are off the beaten path, visiting Gljúfrabúi must be on your list of places to see. This hidden waterfall is gaining in popularity, and it’s easy to understand why with the unique setting and surroundings.

With easy access, making this a stop on your way along the Icelandic Ring Road is almost a must. When you go on your adventure, ensure you rent a campervan in Iceland so you can park next to these nature scenes and not worry about booking expensive accommodation in advance. Strap in; adventure awaits!