Iceland Travel Guide logo Iceland Travel GuideLOCAL TRAVEL AGENCY IN ICELAND My trip Talk to a local

Rauðárfoss waterfall

South IcelandWaterfallFree entryNear Kirkjubæjarklaustur
Written by locals at Iceland Travel Guide · Checked by Heiða · Updated October 2026
RAUÐÁRFOSS IN SHORT

Rauðárfoss is a waterfall of about 20 m on the Rauðá river, close to Kirkjubæjarklaustur on the South Coast of Iceland. It is free to visit and shaped like a bridal veil. It is a short stop, around 20 minutes, and easy to combine with other sights in the village.

ON THIS PAGE
Quick factsGetting thereBest time to visitSafety tipsFacilitiesMapNearbyWhere to stayFAQ

About Rauðárfoss

Rauðárfoss means the waterfall of the red river. The Rauðá takes its colour from iron-rich soil and rock, which give the water and the banks a reddish, rusty tone. The fall is about 20 m high and spreads out in a veil shape.

It is not one of the famous South Coast waterfalls, and that is the reason to stop. Many travellers pass close by on a Ring Road or South Coast trip without knowing it is there. It is usually quiet, and it is close to Kirkjubæjarklaustur, so it fits easily into a walk or a short drive around the village.

Kirkjubæjarklaustur, often called Klaustur, has several other waterfalls and natural sights close together, including Systrafoss, Stjórnarfoss and Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon.

Quick facts

HeightAbout 20 m
RiverRauðá, the red river
RegionSouth Iceland, near Kirkjubæjarklaustur
From ReykjavíkAbout 260 km, around 3 hours 20 minutes by car
EntryFree
Opening hoursNo gate and no set hours. Easiest in summer; one travel listing gives it as a summer-only stop
Time neededAbout 20 to 30 minutes

How to get to Rauðárfoss

By carFollow Route 1 to Kirkjubæjarklaustur and turn onto Klausturvegur (Road 205), the road through the village. Keep going to Systrastapi, the rocky hill west of the village, and turn left there towards the waterfall. Use a map app with the waterfall's name to be sure of the exact turn.
On footThe waterfall is within walking distance of Kirkjubæjarklaustur, out past Systrastapi. Ask at your accommodation for the best route and how the path is on the day.
On a guided tourSouth Coast tours that continue past Vík sometimes stop at Klaustur, but Rauðárfoss is normally a self-drive stop.

Best time to visit Rauðárfoss

Summer (June–August)The easiest time, with dry paths, green moss and long light.
Winter (November–March)The waterfall is still there, but paths may be icy and days are short. Take care on wet rocks.

Safety and practical tips

  • Stay on any marked path and off the moss where you can.
  • Keep back from the edge. Rocks near waterfalls are slippery.
  • Do not drink the red water or bathe in it.
  • Combine it with Systrafoss and Stjórnarfoss nearby.
  • Check road conditions on umferdin.is in winter, as the South Coast can have ice and strong wind.

Facilities and accessibility

There are no facilities at the waterfall. Kirkjubæjarklaustur has a campsite, hotels and guesthouses, cafés and restaurants, a shop, a swimming pool and fuel.

On the map

Open in Google Maps →

Nearby places worth a stop

KirkjubæjarklausturKirkjubæjarklausturThe village nearby, with several waterfallsSystrafossSystrafossWaterfall above the villageStjórnarfossStjórnarfossWaterfall beside the Ring RoadFjaðrárgljúfurFjaðrárgljúfurDeep canyon about 10 minutes awayDverghamrarDverghamrarBasalt columns near the villageFagrifossFagrifossWaterfall on the highland roadFoss á SíðuFoss á SíðuTall, thin waterfall beside the Ring Road east of the village

Where to stay near Rauðárfoss

Kirkjubæjarklaustur has hotels, guesthouses and campsites, and is the natural overnight stop between Vík and Skaftafell.

Rauðárfoss FAQ

Why is it called Rauðárfoss?

It means the waterfall of the red river. The Rauðá is coloured by iron-rich soil.

How tall is Rauðárfoss?

About 20 m.

Is it free?

Yes. There is no entry fee.

Can I walk there from Kirkjubæjarklaustur?

Yes, it is close to the village, so guests staying in Klaustur can walk.

How far is it from Reykjavík?

About 260 km, or around 3 hours 20 minutes by car via Route 1.

More places in South IcelandWaterfalls in Iceland