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Thorufoss (Þórufoss)

KjósWaterfallFree entryOpen all year
Written by locals at Iceland Travel Guide · Checked by Heiða · Updated October 2026
Þórufoss
Þórufoss
ÞÓRUFOSS IN SHORT

Þórufoss (Thorufoss) is a waterfall about 18 metres high on the Laxá í Kjós river, beside Route 48 in Kjósarskarð, a short detour from the Golden Circle road to Þingvellir. It is about 40 km and 40 to 50 minutes from Reykjavík, free to visit and open all year. The viewpoint is a few steps from the car park, so 15 to 30 minutes is enough.

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About Þórufoss

Þórufoss is the largest of the many rapids and small falls on the Laxá í Kjós, a river that runs north from the lake Stíflisdalsvatn to Hvalfjörður. The waterfall is only about 1.5 km below the lake. It drops roughly 18 metres over a rounded cliff about 30 metres wide, as a broad curtain of water that is roughly trapezoid in shape.

It is not as powerful as the big waterfalls on the Golden Circle, and that is part of the appeal. When the river is not swollen with snowmelt, the water spreads into thin white veils that stand out against the dark rock. The land around it is plain, open moorland, so the gorge comes as a surprise.

You cannot see the ravine from the car park. Walk a short distance towards the river and the waterfall appears below you, with a natural promontory on the canyon edge giving the best view.

The Laxá í Kjós is better known among anglers than sightseers. It is one of the salmon rivers closest to Reykjavík, with brown trout and sea trout as well, which is one reason the waterfall stays quiet even though it is close to the capital.

Þórufoss lies in the rural district of Kjósarhreppur and makes an easy stop on the way to or from Þingvellir, or on a drive through Kjós to Hvalfjörður. Fans of Game of Thrones will know it from the fourth season.

Quick facts

HeightAbout 18 m
WidthAbout 30 m
RiverLaxá í Kjós, flowing from Stíflisdalsvatn to Hvalfjörður
RegionKjósarskarð, Kjós district, north-west of Þingvallavatn
From ReykjavíkAbout 40 km, 40–50 minutes by car
RoadsRoute 1 to Mosfellsbær, Route 36 for about 17 km, then Route 48 for about 5.6 km
Waterfall (GPS)64.2607, -21.3698
ParkingSmall signposted car park beside Route 48, free
WalkA few minutes to the viewpoint on the canyon edge
EntryFree
Time needed15–30 minutes
Opening hoursOpen all year

Þórufoss in Game of Thrones

Þórufoss appears in season 4, episode 6 of Game of Thrones, "The Laws of Gods and Men". A young goatherd sits on the edge of the cliff looking out at the waterfall with his flock. Then Drogon, the largest of Daenerys's three dragons, rises out of the gorge and carries off a goat in flames.

It is a short scene, but the waterfall is easy to recognise when you stand on the promontory. The real place is far calmer than the one on screen: you are more likely to meet a few sheep and an angler than a dragon.

The river has a quieter claim to fame too. Iceland's first salmon hatchery, set up in 1884, used spawning salmon taken from the Laxá í Kjós.

How to get to Þórufoss

By car from ReykjavíkTake Route 1 north to Mosfellsbær and turn onto Route 36, the road to Þingvellir and the Golden Circle. Follow it east for about 17 km, then turn left onto Route 48 (Kjósarskarðsvegur). After about 5.6 km a sign marks the waterfall and a small car park.
From Þingvellir or HvalfjörðurComing back from Þingvellir on Route 36, Route 48 is a right turn before you reach Mosfellsdalur. From Hvalfjörður, Route 48 leaves Route 47 on the south side of the fjord and runs up through Kjós to the waterfall.
Parking and the walkParking is free in a small pull-in with room for a handful of cars. From there it is a few steps down to a promontory along the canyon, where you look straight at the falls.
By public transportThere is no regular public bus to Þórufoss, so a car is needed to visit.

Route 48 is a quiet country road and can be icy in winter. Check umferdin.is for conditions before you leave, and allow extra time in the dark months.

Seeing the waterfall and getting down to the river

The promontoryThe easy view is from the grassy edge of the canyon, a few minutes from the car. There are no railings and the paths are informal, so stay back from the lip, especially when it is wet or windy.
Down to the baseYou can scramble down to the river and stand close to the falls. The slope is very steep, with loose rock and boulders, and it gets slippery fast. Only try it in dry conditions with solid boots, and never in ice or snow.
Photography and lightThe waterfall faces north and the cliff beside it keeps part of it in shade in the morning. The light is most even around the middle of the day. Overcast days work well too, because the white water does not burn out.
The riverThe Laxá í Kjós below the falls is a salmon river and fishing is by permit only. Give anglers space and keep out of the pools they are working.

Attractions near Þórufoss

Þórufoss is a short stop, so most people pair it with something else. These are all within a short drive.

Þingvellir National ParkA UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the three main stops on the Golden Circle. Lava fields covered in moss, clear spring-fed water and a ring of old mountains surround the site of Iceland's ancient parliament.
AlmannagjáThe gorge inside Þingvellir that marks the edge of the North American tectonic plate. A path runs along the bottom of the rift between two walls of lava.
MóskarðshnúkarPale rhyolite peaks beside Mount Esja, visible from Reykjavík. A popular hiking route in summer and known for backcountry skiing in winter.
HengillAn active volcanic area south-west of Þingvallavatn that last erupted about 2,000 years ago. Steam vents and hot springs show the heat below, and it feeds the Nesjavellir and Hellisheiði geothermal power stations.

Best time to visit Þórufoss

SummerEasiest access, long daylight and green slopes around the falls. The river is fullest in spring and early summer during the snowmelt; later in summer the flow drops and the falls split into finer veils.
WinterQuiet, and the falls can freeze partly or completely into curtains of ice. Route 48 and the canyon edge can be icy, so bring ice grips and keep well back from the edge.

Safety and practical tips

  • The viewing paths are informal and unfenced. Take care near the edge of the canyon.
  • Only scramble to the base in dry conditions and with sturdy boots. The slope is steep and loose.
  • Come around midday for the most even light on the falls.
  • This is a quiet stop with no facilities. Bring what you need.
  • Combine it with Þingvellir on a Golden Circle day, or with a drive through Kjós to Hvalfjörður.
  • In winter, check road conditions for Route 48 and carry ice grips for the short walk.
  • The river is private salmon fishing water. Do not fish without a permit.

Facilities and accessibility

None at the site: no toilets, shop or shelter. The nearest services are in Mosfellsbær, or at the visitor centre at Þingvellir.

On the map

Open in Google Maps →

Nearby places worth a stop

Þingvellir National ParkÞingvellir National ParkGolden Circle stop, a short drive eastAlmannagjáAlmannagjáThe rift gorge at the edge of the North American plateHelgufossHelgufossA small waterfall in Mosfellsdalur, on the way from Reykjavík
TröllafossA waterfall on the Leirvogsá river below EsjaGlymurGlymurOne of Iceland's tallest waterfalls, in nearby HvalfjörðurHvalfjörðurHvalfjörðurThe fjord where the Laxá í Kjós meets the seaEsjaEsjaReykjavík's home mountain, next to Móskarðshnúkar

Where to stay near Þórufoss

Most visitors see Þórufoss as a stop on a day drive from Reykjavík rather than staying overnight nearby.

Þórufoss FAQ

Is there an entry fee?

No, Þórufoss is free to visit and parking is free.

How high is Þórufoss?

About 18 metres, and roughly 30 metres wide.

How far is it from Reykjavík?

About 40 km, or 40 to 50 minutes by car, on Route 36 and then Route 48.

Was Þórufoss in Game of Thrones?

Yes. It appears in season 4, episode 6, in the scene where the dragon Drogon takes a goat from a young herder.

How long is the walk to the waterfall?

Only a few minutes. The viewpoint on the canyon edge is a short walk from the car park.

Can you walk to the base of the falls?

It is possible, but the way down is steep and loose. Only try it in dry weather with good boots.

Is Þórufoss on the Golden Circle?

Not on the main route, but it is a short detour: Route 48 turns off Route 36 between Mosfellsbær and Þingvellir.

Is it a well-known waterfall?

No, it is little-visited compared with the main waterfalls of South Iceland, which is part of its appeal for a quiet stop.

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