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.
Quick Answer
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. The proposal does not establish an imminent deadline for seeing the falls.
Sources and page update
Updated: 2026-09-10
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.
For sourcing standards and how to report an error, see the editorial policy.
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
Keep the power proposal separate from a construction deadline
Landsvirkjun’s Urriðafossvirkjun description identifies a proposed development. The indexed operator text checked September 10, 2026 mentions design work; it does not establish an operating date. Claims about another Þjórsá power project are not evidence that this waterfall is about to disappear. Check the named project and its current notices when assessing changes to the river.
Planning help
Urriðafoss FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
Is Urriðafoss really the highest-volume waterfall in Iceland?
Urriðafoss has historically been considered the waterfall with the highest water volume in Iceland, fed by the Þjórsá river. However, a planned hydroelectric tunnel may divert much of the river's flow and significantly reduce the waterfall.
Will Urriðafoss disappear due to the hydroelectric project?
Landsvirkjun describes Urriðafossvirkjun as a proposed project. The project text retrieved on September 10, 2026 mentions design work, but does not establish an operating date. It does not justify a claim that the waterfall is about to disappear.
How do I get to Urriðafoss?
Urriðafoss is located just off Route 1 (the Ring Road) near Selfoss in South Iceland. A short walk from the road leads to the viewpoint. It is one of the most easily accessible waterfalls in Iceland.
How tall is Urriðafoss?
Urriðafoss is about 6 meters (20 feet) tall. It is notable not for height but for the volume of water flowing over it: the full force of the Þjórsá, Iceland's longest river.
When is the best time to visit Urriðafoss?
Urriðafoss is accessible year-round and flows strongly in all seasons. Spring and early summer bring the highest water volume from glacial melt. Check current access and weather when choosing a visit.
Country reference: Iceland statistics.