Urriðafoss Waterfall in Iceland

Urriðafoss Waterfall in Iceland: Height, Flow, Location, and Tours

Urriðafoss waterfall is another one of the falls located on the Þjórsá river. The Urriðafoss Waterfall in Iceland might not feature the significant drops and falls associated with some of the awe-inspiring waterfalls of Iceland. However, it still sets quite a scene for those traveling along the river’s edge. It is a vast waterfall with a series of drops and rapids that make it stunning, particularly during the verdant summer months. It is located at the coordinates N63° 55′ 28.731″ W20° 40′ 19.063″.

What are the Tourist Activities for Urriðafoss Waterfall?

Urriðafoss is not very far from Reykjavik. There are plenty of things you can do in this area and several other nearby waterfalls. For example, the famed Selfoss waterfall is only a short drive East on the Ring Road from Urriðafoss. There are also plenty of horseback riding tours around the falls for tourists.

Another one of the more popular activities in this area is hiking. Thingvellir National Park is close by, as is Kerid Crater and the Caves of Hella.

What are the Hotels for Urriðafoss Waterfall?

Many hotels in Iceland are available because of your proximity to Reykjavik and the Ring Road. For example, Julia’s Guesthouse, 360 Hotel & Spa, and Heima Holiday Homes are all close to the waterfall. 

What are the Facts about Urriðafoss Waterfall?

Urriðafoss might not be the tallest waterfall or feature the most drops. It still has a claim to fame, though! This waterfall is the most voluminous waterfall in Iceland. It has earned this title because of the river‘s width once it hits the falls. The river, Iceland’s longest, drops over the waterfall’s edge at 360 cubic meters per second. 

The falls also demarcate the edge of the Þjórsárhraun lava field. This lava field is the largest lava flow in Iceland. It was formed during a single eruption during the Holocene period and carved its way through a large swath of southern Iceland. 

Urriðafoss is the beginning of one edge of this lava flow, having been one of the edges where the lava carved away part of the earth.

Is there a National Park for Urriðafoss Waterfall?

Thingvellir National Park is the closest national park in Iceland to this waterfall. Once you have visited the waterfall, you will need to return to the Ring Road until reaching Route 35. Then, once on Route 35, you will need to turn right onto Route 36, which will take you around Thingvallavatn until you see the signs directing you to the national park entrance.

Which Canyons are Connected to the Urriðafoss Waterfall?

There are no canyons in Iceland connected to the Urriðafoss Waterfall. It is such a broad, low-lying waterfall that no canyons have formed around it.

What are the Towns near Urriðafoss Waterfall?

Selfoss is the closest substantial town near Urriðafoss Waterfall in Iceland. It also contains a campsite if you prefer to camp instead of staying in indoor accommodation.

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Staff Writer