Tumbling over the Þjórsárhraun lava field, Urriðafoss is a spectacular sight. Broad and powerful, the water that cascades over the rock has the highest flow rate in the country, yet compared to popular stops like Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss, relatively few visitors are aware it exists. Urriðafoss encapsulates Icelandic nature at its most raw, so if you’re planning a South Coast road trip and are keen to shake off the crowds, why not add this delightful waterfall to your itinerary?
When is The Best Time to Visit Urriðafoss?
Urriðafoss is a year-round destination, so in that respect there’s no bad time to visit. However, there are some advantages to timing your visit for summer or winter. In peak season, many of the standout spots along the south coast get extremely busy; as Urriðafoss flies under the radar, you can expect a more intimate experience yet it is still a waterfall with the wow factor.
Winters at Urriðafoss are also remarkable. After dark, under the Northern Lights, you can’t fail to be entranced by the waterfall’s beauty. By day, this is also a heavenly place to visit. Snow and ice shroud the surrounding landscape, especially on a sunny day when the soft light creates a magical effect.
In fact, after significant snowfalls, blocks of compacted snow can even make it look like the edge of a glacier. Wait until spring and you might see large floes of ice accumulate downstream of Urriðafoss waterfall; in these canyons, some collapse spectacularly into the river as the powerful flow forces its way through.
What Kind of Weather Can You Expect at Urriðafoss?
There’s no bad time to visit Urriðafoss waterfall. However, what you’ll see depends a lot on the weather, both on the day and in the weeks leading up to your visit.
Spring
Unsettled weather is common in spring; though the days are lengthening, even as late as May the weather can feel more like winter. If you want to experience several seasons in one visit, try coming in spring. A trip at this time of year is a bit of a gamble weather-wise, yet on a calm day, this is a super time to come to South Iceland.
Summer
From June to August, temperatures in this part of Iceland typically hover in the fifties (between 10 and 15°C) but can be considerably higher which is why summer is by far and away the most popular season to come. You’ll have a much lower chance of being caught in a shower at this time of year, but even on a sunny day it can be windy.
Fall
Temperatures tail off very quickly and fall conditions can feel quite wintry. It’s often still in the forties (typically 5 to 10°C) but by late October it can be closer to freezing, especially overnight. Stormy unsettled weather is the norm, though you’ll still have fine days in between.
Winter
By November, winter has set in. Despite Iceland’s latitude, temperatures usually don’t fall significantly below freezing, but strong winds coupled with an exposed site can make places like Urriðafoss feel cold. The sun has little strength when it makes an appearance as days are short.
A Note About Fishing at Urriðafoss
The clue’s in the name, remember? Urriðafoss is a super place to catch wild salmon, with significant stocks of trout and eels also found in the River Þjórsá. Here, the species has evolved to boast a long tailfin which gives it the strength to swim upstream. Fighting the current, it can jump up the 20 foot high waterfall and access areas of the river further inland.
Since 2017, it’s been possible to fish at Urriðafoss with a rod. The Þjórsá River is one of the best in Iceland for wild salmon stocks; June is the peak month. You’ll need a license, of course, and stick to the published limits. There are four rods, two at the falls and two below; many anglers book out all four. There’s a strictly enforced quota: five fish can be caught per rod per day. The season lasts from early summer until September.
How Do You Get to Urriðafoss?
The proximity of Urriðafoss to Iceland’s ring road means you’ll have no trouble reaching – or finding – it. The waterfall is situated midway between Selfoss and Hella, and you should allow 15 to 20 minutes from either. Turn off the main road southbound onto Urriðafossvegur and your destination is about half a mile further along this road.
Public transportation out into the Icelandic countryside is sketchy. A couple of services pass by on the main road – bus #52 that connects Reykjavik and Höfn and bus #53 bound for Landeyjahöfn. However, there’s little flexibility in the schedule and buses aren’t daily. In practice, you’ll need a rental car to get here.
Fortunately, parking is easy at Urriðafoss as it has a spacious and well-maintained parking lot. Download the Parka app to pay for your parking; it costs 750 ISK for a two-hour stay which is plenty for anyone hoping to enjoy the views of the waterfall and read about it on the information board at the viewing point.
How Accessible is Urriðafoss?
And what about the last stretch, on foot? Well-maintained paths run alongside the bank of the Þjórsá River so you can reach Urriðafoss easily. The short walk from the parking lot to the viewpoint means that it’s accessible for most travelers. The first section is smooth tarmac, which leads to an overlook where the whole waterfall is laid out before you.
From this main viewpoint, a gravel path slopes gently down to the lower viewing platform. However, the rope will give you something to grab hold off if you need it. The river bank is roped off, but you can still get an uninterrupted view of the river downstream of the waterfall from here.
Safety Tips: How to Make Sure Your Visit to Urriðafoss is Trouble-Free
No matter where you are in Iceland, it’s wise to be cautious on uneven ground, especially if you find yourself on your own. Due to the volume of water at Urriðafoss, it’s not safe to stand in the river; even relatively shallow water can be dangerous if it’s fast-flowing. The powerful Þjórsá River is best viewed from the safety of the viewing platforms and you should never clamber over the fence or the rope in order to get to the river bank.
Pay particular attention to where you place your feet if you’re here in winter when ice can make the gravel and tarmac a little slippery or at night if you’ve come in the hope of witnessing the ethereal Northern Lights. In such conditions, you might feel more confident if you wear crampons over the soles of your boots to give you extra grip.
As with any outdoor pursuits in Iceland, you’ll also want to dress appropriately for the weather. The country’s south coast can get windy, which makes the temperature seem colder than it actually is. Layer up: if it’s milder than you expect you can always take off items of clothing to feel more comfortable.
