Best for
Sheer water volume
The full force of Iceland's longest river in a single drop.
Urriðafoss Waterfall
Iceland's highest-volume waterfall: a 6-meter cascade on the Þjórsá river near Selfoss, threatened by planned hydroelectric development.
Region
South Iceland
Easy access off Route 1. Highest volume in Iceland.
Once considered the waterfall with the highest water volume in Iceland, Urriðafoss thunders on the Þjórsá river just off Route 1 near Selfoss. A planned hydroelectric tunnel threatens to divert the river and drastically reduce the falls. Many visitors are making a point to see it while it still runs at full power.
Sources and last reviewed
Last reviewed: 2026-03-03
This page is for trip planning, not emergency guidance. The river bank can be slippery; stay back from the edge. Check weather and road conditions before driving.
Pages are reviewed for practical usefulness, source quality, and volatile claims before publication.
Official sources to check
Access
Very easy
Short walk from Route 1 near Selfoss. No hike needed.
Pro tip
Visit soon
Hydroelectric plans may reduce the falls. See it at full power.
What to Expect at Urriðafoss
- A massive volume of glacial water thundering over a 6-meter drop
- The full power of the Þjórsá, Iceland's longest river
- A quiet, less-visited stop compared to the main South Coast falls
Nearby Attractions to Urriðafoss
- Selfoss town (shops, restaurants, services)
- Þjófafoss (another waterfall on the Þjórsá)
- Kerið crater lake (volcanic crater with turquoise water)
How to Get to Urriðafoss
- Located just off Route 1 (Ring Road) near Selfoss
- About 1 hour drive from Reykjavik
- Short walk from the road to the viewpoint
- No special vehicle needed; accessible by regular car
- Free to visit with informal parking near the road
Best Time to Visit Urriðafoss
- Accessible year-round with easy road access
- Spring and early summer bring peak water volume from glacial melt
- Visit sooner rather than later due to hydroelectric plans
- Quiet even in peak season, rarely crowded
- Works well as a quick stop on Route 1 between Reykjavik and the South Coast
Planning help
Urriðafoss FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.