Urriðafoss Waterfall
About Urriðafoss Waterfall
Urriðafoss is a broad waterfall on the Þjórsá river in South Iceland, a few minutes off Route 1 about 20 minutes east of Selfoss. It carries more water than any other waterfall in Iceland, even though the drop is only a few meters.
Height is not the point here. The whole glacial river, gray-green and fast, pours over a wide ledge of dark rock and splits around rocky islets, and the roar carries well beyond the viewpoint. Þjórsá is Iceland's longest river, and it holds the country's largest salmon stock, most of it still caught in nets.
The waterfall's future has been argued over for years, since a proposed hydropower plant on the lower Þjórsá would divert much of the flow through tunnels around the falls. For now it runs at full strength, and it makes an easy first or last stop on a South Coast drive.
To get to Urriðafoss, turn off Route 1 just west of the Þjórsá bridge and follow the short road to the parking area on the west bank. The lot uses license-plate cameras, so pay for parking online within 24 hours to avoid a late fee. A short path leads to the viewpoint and an information board, and 20 to 30 minutes is plenty.
It is about an hour and 15 minutes from Reykjavík, and the falls are worth seeing in any season, with the river at its fullest in summer. The viewpoint is on private farmland, and the owners ask visitors not to camp there.
Good to know
Where is Urriðafoss?
Urriðafoss is on the Þjórsá river in South Iceland, just off Route 1 about 20 minutes east of Selfoss. The parking area is on the west bank, a short drive from the main road.
How do you get to Urriðafoss?
Drive Route 1 east from Selfoss and turn off just before the Þjórsá bridge. A short road leads to the parking area, and the viewpoint is a few minutes' walk away.
Is there a fee to visit Urriðafoss?
There is no entrance fee to see the waterfall, but the parking lot is paid. Cameras read your license plate, and you pay online within 24 hours to avoid a late charge.
Why is Urriðafoss famous?
Urriðafoss is the waterfall with the greatest volume of water in Iceland. Its drop is small, but the whole width of the Þjórsá river pours over it.
How long do you need at Urriðafoss?
Most visitors spend 20 to 30 minutes walking from the parking area to the viewpoint and back. It is an easy stop on a drive along the South Coast.
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