Svöðufoss Waterfall
About Svöðufoss Waterfall
Svöðufoss is a 10-meter waterfall on the river Hólmkelsá, just south of the village of Rif on the north side of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula in West Iceland. It pours over a cliff of dark basalt columns into a small green valley, and on clear days the white cap of Snæfellsjökull rises behind it.
The waterfall is small, but the setting does a lot of work. The columns beside the falls stand in neat vertical rows, and a second, smaller cascade tumbles over boulders just downstream. Since it is only a few minutes off the main road between Hellissandur and Ólafsvík, it makes an easy break on a drive around the peninsula.
To get to Svöðufoss, take the signposted turnoff from Route 574 near Rif and follow the gravel track to the parking lot, driving slowly because of potholes. From the lot, a path with mats and metal walkways leads to the waterfall and is suitable for strollers and wheelchairs. Reykjavík is about three and a half hours away by car.
Allow 30 minutes for the walk and the view, or a little longer if you want photos from the viewing platform below the falls. Summer and early fall bring the greenest valley and the best odds of seeing the glacier, and the site is open in every season. Keep back from the cliffs, where loose rock can fall.
Good to know
Where is Svöðufoss?
Svöðufoss is just south of Rif on the north side of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula in West Iceland, between Hellissandur and Ólafsvík. It sits on the river Hólmkelsá below the slopes of Snæfellsjökull.
How tall is Svöðufoss?
Svöðufoss is about 10 meters tall. It drops over a cliff of basalt columns, which is what makes it stand out.
How do you get to Svöðufoss?
Turn off Route 574 at the sign near Rif and follow the gravel track to the parking lot. A short, easy path leads from there to the waterfall.
Is there parking at Svöðufoss?
Yes, there is a parking lot near the waterfall at the end of the access track. The track is gravel and can be potholed, so drive slowly.
Is Svöðufoss wheelchair accessible?
Yes, mats and metal walkways run from the parking area to the waterfall, so the path works for strollers and wheelchairs.
Can you see Snæfellsjökull from Svöðufoss?
Yes, on clear days the glacier is visible behind the waterfall. Cloud often covers the summit, so the view is more likely in good summer weather.
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