Selvallafoss below the Selvallavatn viewpoint

Selvallafoss drops through a grassy gully beside Vatnaleið, the Road 56 crossing of Snæfellsnes. The rest area above it looks over Selvallavatn toward Berserkjahraun.

The main cascade and smaller falls below it make a compact waterfall scene, hidden from the road. The lake and lava-field outlook gives the stop a second reason to pause, including when wet or icy ground makes the walk down a poor choice.

The stop is strongest when paired with Berserkjahraun, Bjarnarhöfn, Ölkelda, Ytri Tunga Beach, or Kirkjufellsfoss Waterfall. It is weaker when your day is already stretched around Kirkjufell, Arnarstapi, Búðir, and the west-side coast.

Arriving at the Road 56 rest area

Use the rest area overlooking Selvallavatn as the arrival point. The waterfall is below the road and requires a walk from the parking area.

The rest area was built for Vegagerðin when Vatnaleið opened in 2001. Basalt seats and tables are a useful landmark. Park within the rest area rather than on the road shoulder; a map pin at the waterfall is not a vehicle entrance.

From the rest area, the walking approach descends toward the lake and waterfall gully. Do not rely on prominent waterfall signs. Follow any marked route and barriers, keep to the established path, and allow for the climb back to the car.

Selvallafoss rewards a short walk because the main cascade is hidden below the Road 56 landscape.
Selvallafoss dropping over dark rock into green mossy ground on Snæfellsnes.

Selvallafoss rewards a short walk because the main cascade is hidden below the Road 56 landscape.

Vatnaleið rest-area context

What the short walk and cascades feel like

Expect a compact waterfall scene with close spray, uneven footing, and more texture than its size suggests.

The waterfall is commonly described as a set of cascades rather than one huge vertical fall. That makes it better for slow looking, photos, and a short leg-stretch than for travelers chasing the biggest waterfall names.

  • Allow about 20–45 minutes for the walk and views, with extra time for slow footing or photography.
  • The downhill path is uneven and the return climbs back to the road; it is not a step-free waterfall viewpoint.
  • Keep to the existing path, stay back from drops, and turn around if mud or ice makes firm footing difficult.

Vegetation around the falls is vulnerable to trampling. Avoid shortcuts across moss and grass, even when other footprints lead that way. You can enjoy the lake and lava-field view from the rest area if the waterfall approach is too wet or fragile to use.

The visit is about the gully, the smaller cascades, and the close footing as much as the main drop.
Selvallafoss cascades through a narrow green gully below Road 56 on Snæfellsnes.

The visit is about the gully, the smaller cascades, and the close footing as much as the main drop.

Close views are possible, but spray and wet rock are part of the experience.
Close view of Selvallafoss spray and dark rocks below the main cascade.

Close views are possible, but spray and wet rock are part of the experience.

Where to place Selvallafoss in a Snæfellsnes day

The stop works best as a hinge between the lava-field approach and the north-coast waterfall or mountain stops.

If you are coming from the south side, Selvallafoss can sit near the move toward Berserkjahraun and Bjarnarhöfn. If you are looping from the north, it can become a quick nature pause before the route drops back toward the south side.

Do not let it crowd out the stronger decisions nearby. Ytri Tunga Beach is the better wildlife pause, Bjarnarfoss Waterfall has a taller cliff setting, and Kirkjufellsfoss Waterfall carries the more famous mountain-photo context.

The wider view shows the waterfall gully and the sloping ground around the walking approach.
Wide panorama of Selvallafoss, the walking ground, and the surrounding Snæfellsnes valley.

The wider view shows the waterfall gully and the sloping ground around the walking approach.

What to check before making it a fixed stop

Check Road 56 conditions and the local forecast before the crossing. Snow, ice and thaw can make the short downhill walk much harder than its length suggests.

Respect signs, barriers and any local restrictions. Close or behind-waterfall photographs do not establish a safe path on the day: spray can make the ledges slippery, and ice can form around the overhang. Stay with the wider view if reaching the water would require uncertain footing.

Useful checks

  • Use for Iceland travel alerts and safety guidance before exposed walks.

  • Use for Road 56 and wider Snæfellsnes driving conditions.

  • Use for wind, rain, visibility, and warning checks.

Is Selvallafoss a major Snæfellsnes stop?

No. It is best treated as a small hidden waterfall walk that improves a Road 56 day when the route already passes nearby.

Can you walk behind Selvallafoss?

There is a recess behind part of the cascade, but spray, slippery rock and ice can make it unsafe to enter. Stay on the existing approach, respect barriers and choose a wider view when footing is uncertain.

How long should I allow for Selvallafoss?

Allow about 20–45 minutes for the downhill walk, views and uphill return from the Road 56 rest area. Take longer for photos or slow footing; skip the descent if conditions are poor.

By ThorPublished Updated