Urriðafoss
Urriðafoss waterfall is located in south Iceland about 20 km east of the town Selfoss. The waterfall flows from the glacier river Þjórsá, the longest and one of the biggest river in Iceland. The waterfall is just around 10 meters high but very powerful.
Quick guide to Urriðafoss
| Location | Southwest Iceland, Golden Circle route area |
| Best for | Golden Circle waterfall route planning, photography and practical nature stops |
| Nearby places | Gullfoss, Geysir geothermal area, Þingvellir National Park, Kerið crater |
| Typical visit time | 20 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on access and photo stops |
| Best season | Year round for some routes, but winter roads, ice and daylight can change the plan |
| Good to know | Parking, paths and spray can vary by season; use marked access and avoid unsafe stopping on roads |
| Coordinates | 63.9253,-20.6728 |
Powerful flow close to the road
Urriðafoss does not need height to be interesting. Its identity is flow: a broad, forceful section of Þjórsá that feels different from the cliff waterfalls most travellers expect.
That makes it a useful page for travellers who want to understand South Iceland’s big river landscape, not only collect the famous names.
Urriðafoss is about river power more than height.
The waterfall many people drive past
Because Urriðafoss is close to common South Iceland routes, it can be a smart short stop when timing works. It should not replace the major waterfall icons, but it can break up a drive in a more local way.
It pairs naturally with Selfoss town, Þjórsá-area routes, Hjálparfoss and longer South Iceland plans.
A small stop with a big-river story
Urriðafoss works best when the copy is honest: not remote, not a dramatic hike, but a strong, accessible look at Þjórsá.
That makes it practical for travellers moving between Reykjavík, Selfoss, the Golden Circle edge and South Coast routes.
A flow story belongs here
Urriðafoss is a good place to talk about force without relying on height. The broad river, low drop and constant movement show a different kind of waterfall drama than the vertical South Coast cliffs.
That gives the page a clear purpose. Travellers who like rivers, hydropower debates or local South Iceland stops can understand why Urriðafoss is worth a short pause.
Short-stop strength is the point
Urriðafoss is not a long activity, and that is part of its value. It gives travellers a quick, strong river moment near the main route, especially when the day needs one more nature pause before or after Selfoss.
Best Urriðafoss South Iceland route choices
Urriðafoss is usually a flexible self-drive or private-route addition. Standard tours should keep the famous anchors first.
The simplest guided route for Golden Circle waterfalls, Geysir and Þingvellir.
A Golden Circle day with a geothermal-bathing extension and route variety.
Useful when travellers want more control over waterfall timing and detours.
A stronger guided format for travellers who want the classic route with adventure styling.
Places near Urriðafoss
Nearby stops should support the way Urriðafoss is actually visited: choose the base, activity or next landscape that matches your direction of travel.
Towns and villages near Urriðafoss
These are the most practical bases and service stops for planning the route.
Urriðafoss route ideas near Selfoss and Þjórsá
Use Urriðafoss as a short, powerful Þjórsá stop when the route already passes nearby.
Selfoss-area pause
Use Urriðafoss as a short stop before or after Selfoss.
Þjórsá waterfall thread
Continue toward Hjálparfoss or Þjófafoss if the day is about the river.
Simple local add-on
Keep it brief, useful and condition-aware.
FAQ about Urriðafoss
Is Urriðafoss worth visiting?
Yes, especially if you are near Selfoss or want a quieter waterfall on the Þjórsá river.
What makes Urriðafoss different?
Urriðafoss is wide and low rather than tall, so it feels more like river power than a vertical postcard drop.
How do you visit Urriðafoss?
Treat Urriðafoss as an easy but condition-dependent stop: use marked access, avoid unsafe road shoulders and watch winter ice.
What should you combine with Urriðafoss?
Urriðafoss works best with Selfoss, Gullfoss, Kerið.
What tour fits Urriðafoss?
Choose Compare Golden Circle and South Iceland tours when you want the wider route handled.
How long do you need at Urriðafoss?
Allow enough time for safe access, photos and route changes. A quick stop may be possible, but the day feels better when this waterfall is not squeezed in at the last minute.
Can you visit Urriðafoss in winter?
Urriðafoss can work outside summer when roads and paths are safe, but winter ice, wind and daylight should decide how ambitious the stop becomes.
Do you need a 4x4 for Urriðafoss?
Not always. Use current road conditions and local signs as the deciding factor, especially on gravel, highland-edge or winter routes.
Is Urriðafoss near Selfoss?
Yes. Selfoss is the main nearby service town.
Is Urriðafoss a famous waterfall?
It is less famous than Gullfoss or Skógafoss, but that quieter character is exactly why it can be worth adding.