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Content updated: 2026-09-10

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# Gljúfursárfoss Waterfall

Updated September 10, 2026 · [Published by Iceland.org](<https://www.iceland.org/about-us>) · [Writing & review](<https://www.iceland.org/editorial-policy#credits>)

Gljúfursárfoss drops into a ravine on the southern shore of Vopnafjörður, in East Iceland. The [regional destination guide](<https://www.east.is/en/place/gljufursa-river>) places it on Road 917 and gives its height as approximately 45 metres. Check that location before saving a map pin: similar waterfall names can lead to the wrong part of Iceland.

## Choose the waterfall viewpoint or the coast walk

The [municipality’s Gljúfursá and Drangsnes route](<https://vopnafjardarhreppur.is/thjonusta/umhverfi/gonguleidir#gljufursa-og-drangsnes>) starts at the parking area above the waterfall. The marked continuation follows the river toward the sea and Drangsnes, reaching Krummsholt. Its coastal cliffs require care; you do not have to complete that walk to make a waterfall stop.

## The old bridge is a separate direction

Walk upstream from the parking area to see the historic bridge site, rather than downstream toward the coast. The municipality records masonry from a bridge built around 1900. It also describes how difficult and dangerous the river had been for earlier travellers. Treat this as a history stop, not an invitation to cross the water.

## Build a Vopnafjörður detour

Use [East Iceland](<https://www.iceland.org/east>) as the wider planning area. Visit Austurland’s [August 31, 2026 Vopnafjörður guide](<https://www.east.is/en/travel-blog/vopnafjordur-where-the-road-less-travelled-leads>) suggests combining the waterfall with local coastal walks, Bustarfell and Selárlaug. Check road conditions before taking the Hellisheiði eystri approach and confirm opening hours for any indoor or bathing stop.

There is no verified current fee, walking-duration or winter-access guarantee in the sources used here. Read the parking and trail signs on arrival, and allow extra time if you choose the coast walk rather than the waterfall view.

Planning help

## Questions before you go

Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.

**Where is Gljúfursárfoss?**

On the southern side of Vopnafjörður in East Iceland. Visit Austurland lists Road 917. It is not a waterfall near Kirkjubæjarklaustur on the South Coast.

**How tall is Gljúfursárfoss?**

Visit Austurland describes the waterfall as about 45 metres high.

**Is the waterfall visit the same as the Drangsnes walk?**

The waterfall lies below the parking area. Continuing downstream on the marked path toward Drangsnes and Krummsholt is a longer coastal outing; choose your turnaround according to conditions and available time.

**Can I cross the river at the old bridge?**

The local guide describes a walk upstream to historic bridge remains. That description does not verify the bridge as a currently safe crossing. Follow local signs and do not ford the river to complete a route.

[Explore Iceland’s waterfalls](<https://www.iceland.org/waterfall>)

Country reference: [Iceland statistics](<https://www.iceland.org/statistics>).