Þórufoss Waterfall

Þórufoss is a compact but characterful waterfall on the Laxá í Kjós river, in the quiet countryside north-east of Reykjavík. The water drops between dark rock walls into a small gorge, making this an easy, rewarding stop for travellers who want a real waterfall experience without committing a whole day to the road. It is close to road 48, with a short walk from the parking area.

Its setting is part of the appeal. Salmon run through Laxá í Kjós, and the low, open valley gives the waterfall a very different mood from Iceland’s giant south-coast landmarks. Þórufoss can also freeze around the edges in winter, when the usual access route and footing need more care. It was used as a filming location for Game of Thrones, but it works just as well as a peaceful stop on a self-drive day.

Quick guide to Þórufoss

A waterfall close enough for a Reykjavík day out

Þórufoss is one of the most convenient rural waterfalls to add to a capital-area itinerary. Rather than trying to turn it into a rushed tick-box stop, allow time to step away from the car, listen to the river and take in the shape of the gorge. The scale is intimate: you are looking at a waterfall and river valley, not a large visitor complex. That is exactly why it suits a slower self-drive day.

It pairs naturally with other Mosfellsbær and Kjós-area stops, including Helgufoss, or with a route between Reykjavík, Hvalfjörður and Þingvellir. Build the day around the conditions rather than an overfull list. A clear, bright morning is lovely for the valley, while overcast weather can make the basalt and moving water especially textured.

What makes Þórufoss memorable

The Laxá í Kjós is a salmon river, and Þórufoss feels shaped by that living waterway rather than staged for visitors. The river gathers above the fall, drops through a broad rock lip and continues into a narrow, dark-sided channel below. Views change quickly as you move a few careful steps along the established ground: one angle emphasises the cascade, another the surrounding valley.

Film fans may recognise the waterfall as the home of the Children of the Forest in Game of Thrones. The reference is a nice extra, but the practical reason to visit is simpler: it gives a day near Reykjavík a quiet, distinctly Icelandic landscape moment. Please keep drones, loud filming setups and off-trail scrambling out of the experience for other visitors and for the land.

Planning the stop

Road 48 runs beside the approach, so Þórufoss is best treated as a short detour rather than a hike. Bring waterproof footwear with grip, particularly after rain or during icy periods. Edges near fast water can be unstable, and the best-looking angle is never worth stepping beyond a safe viewing point. Children should stay close to an adult.

There are no services at the waterfall itself. Fill up on water, use facilities before leaving larger settlements, and take all litter away with you. In winter, daylight is limited and the waterfall may be partly frozen; check the forecast and road information on the day, and be prepared to skip the stop if conditions are poor.

Photography and a respectful visit

Þórufoss is well suited to a wide composition that includes the river above and gorge below. A short telephoto lens can isolate the falling water and dark lava textures. In softer weather, use a tripod only where it does not block the path or encourage a risky position near the edge. Avoid climbing down into the riverbed for a different angle.

This is a working countryside landscape, not an urban attraction. Park only where designated, close gates if you pass through one, and follow any current local signage. A calm, low-impact visit helps keep small places like Þórufoss enjoyable for everyone.

Þórufoss FAQ