Vik > Seljalandsfoss > Gljúfrabúi > Raufarhólshellir Lava Tunnel > Kerið Crater

The morning sky glowed with soft, beautiful hues. Moments like this make me wish I could stay in a place so close to nature, just without the freezing temperature.

Seljalandsfoss & Gljúfrabúi, The Duo Waterfall Wonders

Seljalandsfoss is one of the most breathtaking waterfalls along Iceland South Coast and one of its most iconic. Fed by the Seljalandsá River, it plunges dramatically over a 60m high cliff, creating a stunning curtain of water that mesmerizes all who visit. What sets Seljalandsfoss apart is the wide cavern tucked behind the falls, allowing visitors to walk a full circle around the waterfall. This rare and exhilarating experience offers a unique perspective from behind the cascading water. Just be prepared to get a little damp from the mist, and watch your step as the trail can be quite slippery. When we visited, a thin layer of ice had formed along the path, making each step a cautious one.

Good footwear and steady footing were essential to safely enjoy this incredible spot. We were fully geared up with waterproof jackets and pants, ready to face the mist and spray from both waterfalls.

Just a short walk away lies another hidden paradise: Gljúfrabúi, a lesser known waterfall that feels like a secret waiting to be discovered. Though it is close to the popular Seljalandsfoss, the crowds here are noticeably fewer.

Gljúfrabúi is partially concealed behind a narrow cliff opening. To reach it, you wade along a shallow stream into a tight gorge and within seconds, you are transported into a magical world. The waterfall reveals itself in a moss-covered chamber, where the sound of falling water echoes off the rock walls and the mist lingers like something out of a fairytale. You will definitely get wet, but every drop is worth it for such an unforgettable, otherworldly experience.

For lunch, we made a delightful stop at Hipstur, a cozy café tucked inside the Greenhouse Hotel. It was the perfect place to stretch our legs, recharge, and enjoy a relaxed meal in a stylish, welcoming atmosphere. A great spot for both a satisfying bite and a refreshing break during the drive.

Exploring the Raufarhólshellir Lava Tunnel : A Journey Beneath Iceland

While we have explored few limestone caves in the past, Iceland offered us something entirely different. The rare chance to venture into a lava cave, a surreal and unforgettable experience. We joined a guided tour of Raufarhólshellir Lava Tunnel, one of the longest and most famous lava caves in the country.

Formed about 5,200 years ago during the Leitahraun eruption, Raufarhólshellir is a textbook example of a lava tube. These tunnels are formed when the surface of a lava flow cools and hardens, while molten lava continues to flow beneath it and eventually leaving behind an empty channel. The tunnel stretches an impressive 1,360m, with the main accessible section running around 900m. At its widest, the tunnel spans up to 30m, and the ceiling soars up to 10m high, making it one of the most expansive lava tunnels in Iceland.

As we stepped into the tunnel, we were immediately reminded that this was no ordinary cave. The terrain was rugged and uneven, and the entrance was especially dramatic. The roof partially collapsed, creating three large openings where sunlight poured in. These natural skylights connected the underground world to the surface, casting soft, ethereal beams across the jagged lava floor.

Inside, the walls were lined with extraordinary rock formations sculpted by ancient lava flows. Each twist and ripple told a story of the fiery river that once surged through this space. Some sections still bore swirling textures and molten patterns, etched into the stone like nature own artwork. In parts of the cave, the walls glistened with a glassy sheen, remnants of lava that had cooled so rapidly it left behind a smooth, polished surface, hauntingly beautiful and like nothing we had ever seen before.

It felt truly amazing to stand inside a real lava tunnel formed by an eruption thousands of years ago. To walk where molten lava once flowed, surrounded by walls shaped by raw volcanic power, was both humbling and awe-inspiring. Oh ya, before the tour began, we had a pleasant surprise which is we bumped into four fellow Singaporeans and had a great chat. It’s always heartwarming to meet people from home while abroad. One thing for sure: Singaporeans really do love to travel.

Kerið Crater – A Splash of Color in the Golden Circle

Formed around 6,500 years ago, Kerið Crater is one of the most striking volcanic features in Iceland’s Golden Circle. Measuring approximately 170m wide and 55m deep, this ancient caldera is instantly recognizable by its vivid red slopes, colored by iron-rich volcanic rock that contrasts beautifully with the surrounding landscape. Unlike typical volcanic craters formed by explosive eruptions, Kerið is believed to have formed when a cone volcano erupted and then emptied its magma chamber. Without support beneath, the structure collapsed inward, creating the dramatic crater we see today.

At the bottom lies a stunning aqua-blue lake, its vibrant hue enhanced by minerals in the surrounding soil and rock. A walking path winds around the crater rim, offering breathtaking panoramic views into the heart of this volcanic marvel. For those who want a closer look, a trail also leads down to the lake edge, where the colorful terrain and tranquil waters create an almost otherworldly scene. The chance to witness and explore volcanic craters like Kerið is something truly special. It’s difficult to put into words the feeling of standing inside a collapsed volcano. A surreal and humbling experience that left us in awe of Iceland raw and powerful natural beauty.

Overnight Stay at Hotel Gullfoss and witness Aurora Magic Again

We spent the night at Hotel Gullfoss, a cozy retreat surrounded by wide open landscapes that offer a 360 degree panoramic view of the Icelandic countryside. Once again, we chose to have dinner at the hotel, enjoying a warm meal while watching the daylight slowly fade.

After dark, we were treated to yet another incredible moment, a truly grand and untamed display of the aurora borealis. Compared to what we had seen before, this one felt more vivid, more wild, as if the sky itself had come alive in waves of green. Green Yellow ribbon waving and dancing across the sky. It was one of those unforgettable nights that made us pause in awe, grateful to witness nature magic once again.