Vestdalsfossar is a group of waterfalls on the slope above Seyðisfjörður, in East Iceland. A gravel road runs to a car park across the road from the site, and a walk of about ten minutes reaches the first falls. Viewing platforms sit on two levels: the lower one for close views of the water, the upper one for the whole line of falls merging into a single river that runs down to the fjord. The path carries on uphill past more waterfalls, so the length of the walk is yours to choose.
Vestdalsfossar
From the upper level you can watch the separate falls merge into a single river that feeds the fjord.
- Entrance
- Free
- Accessibility
- No wheelchair-accessible entrance.
- Parking
- Free car park across the road from the falls, with a view over the fjord. Free street parking as well.
- Difficulty
- About a 10-minute walk uphill from the car park to the first falls; the path continues higher past the others. The lower trail towards the foot of the falls is slippery in wet weather.
- Transport
- Self-drive — trailhead just outside Seyðisfjörður
What makes it special
The falls come as a series, not a single drop. Several streams run down the slope and join into one river heading for the fjord. Two levels of viewing platforms show this differently. From the lower level you stand close to the water; from the upper level you see the whole system at once. The water collects in a canyon below. Sheep graze across the slope, and the car park itself looks out over the fjord. The site lies minutes from Seyðisfjörður and the crowds still miss it. How far you walk is up to you — the path keeps climbing past more waterfalls.
Good to know
- No facilities: there are no toilets and no bins at the falls. Take everything back out with you, tissues included.
- After rain: the lower trail towards the foot of the falls turns too slippery to walk, and the platforms are as far as you get.
- Sheep: the slope is grazed, and sheep wander across the path.
- Two levels: the lower platforms give the closest views of the water, the upper one shows the separate falls joining into one river.
- Open-ended walk: the path keeps climbing past more waterfalls, and the whole area can be walked from Seyðisfjörður.
Getting there
The road up from Seyðisfjörður is gravel but well kept, and an ordinary car handles it; the drive takes under five minutes. The car park sits across the road from the falls and looks out over the fjord. From there it is about a ten-minute walk to the first waterfall, and the path continues uphill past the others. The whole area can also be walked from Seyðisfjörður itself.
Best time to visit
Best: dry days, when the lower trail towards the foot of the falls is walkable and you can get close to the water.
Avoid: heavy rain — the lower trail turns too slippery, and the viewing platforms are as far as you get.
Rain does not spoil the falls themselves, it only closes off the bottom of the trail. Crowds are not an issue: even in July and August the path can be empty.
Sun & daylight
Nearby Places
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Vestdalsfossar on the map
In wet weather the lower trail towards the foot of the falls becomes too slippery to walk, and the water drops into a canyon below. After rain, stay on the viewing platforms.
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Frequently asked questions
Do you need a 4x4 to get there?
No. The road from Seyðisfjörður is gravel, but it is well maintained and an ordinary car manages it.How many waterfalls are there?
Several. One main fall with smaller ones around it, all draining into the same river. The lower platforms give the closest views, the upper level shows how they join.Are there toilets at the site?
No. There are no facilities of any kind at the falls, so plan accordingly and carry your rubbish back out.Can you walk there from Seyðisfjörður?
Yes. The area can be hiked from the town, and the path above the falls keeps climbing, so you decide how far to go.