Þórufoss
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About Þórufoss
Þórufoss is a waterfall on the Laxá í Kjós river in the Kjós district, roughly 45 minutes' drive from Reykjavík on the slow road toward Þingvellir. The river drops about 18 meters over a curved ledge into a small canyon of dark rock and moss, and on most days you share the viewpoint with a handful of people at most.
From Route 36, the main road toward Þingvellir, turn onto Route 48 (Kjósarskarðsvegur) and follow it for about 5.6 kilometers to a small parking lot beside the road. It is a short, easy walk from there to the canyon rim.
The Þórufoss waterfall had few visitors until it appeared as a filming location in HBO's Game of Thrones. Fans still come for that, but the real draw is the width of the curtain after rain or snowmelt, when the river runs full. In a dry spell the flow drops noticeably, and in winter the falls often freeze into a wall of ice.
Parking is free and there are no facilities, so plan on 20 to 30 minutes and bring what you need. Summer gives the easiest driving; outside it, check the official road-conditions map and weather warnings before you go. Keep well back from the canyon edge, which gets slippery when wet or icy.
Most people pair Þórufoss with Þingvellir National Park, about 15 minutes further on. With a longer day, continue around Hvalfjörður to the trailhead for Glymur, one of the tallest waterfalls in Iceland.
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Good to know
Where is Þórufoss waterfall?
Þórufoss is on the Laxá í Kjós river in the Kjós district, about 5.6 kilometers along Route 48 from its junction with Route 36. It is roughly 45 minutes' drive from Reykjavík.
How tall is Þórufoss?
The waterfall drops about 18 meters into a small canyon of dark volcanic rock.
Was Þórufoss in Game of Thrones?
Yes, Þórufoss was used as a filming location for HBO's Game of Thrones.
Is there parking at Þórufoss?
Yes, there is a small free parking lot right beside Route 48, a short walk from the viewpoint. There is no entrance fee and no facilities.
Can you visit Þórufoss in winter?
Yes, when Route 48 is passable, and the falls often freeze over. Check the official road-conditions map and weather warnings first, and take care on the icy path near the edge.
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