south iceland
Urriðafoss Waterfall
About Urriðafoss Waterfall
Urriðafoss is located about 20 km east of Selfoss, just off Route 1. The falls span nearly 100 metres in width and drop about 6 metres, creating a thunderous roar as glacial meltwater from the Highlands rushes over the basalt ledge. The waterfall is easily accessible from a small parking area with a short walk to a viewing platform. The best time to visit is late spring or early summer when snowmelt makes the falls especially powerful. Urriðafoss is less visited than Gullfoss or Skógafoss, making it a peaceful stop for photography and nature observation.
📖 Story
Urriðafoss drops about 6 metres, but the Þjórsá River carries so much water that the falls are incredibly powerful, especially during spring melt. The name comes from Icelandic folklore: urriði means 'trout,' and the falls were once famous for salmon fishing.
✈️ Why Visit
Witness the raw power of Iceland's longest river as it crashes over a wide basalt ledge.
💡 Did You Know?
Urriðafoss has the highest volume of any waterfall in Iceland, though it's not the tallest.
Key Facts
On the Þjórsá River (Iceland's longest)
~6 metres tall, ~100 metres wide
Highest water volume in Iceland
Easy roadside access from Route 1
Best in spring/early summer
📍 GPS Location
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