A lesser known waterfall than the famous ones along the Golden Circle Route is named Þórufoss (Thorufoss). However it grows to fame after a Game of Thrones episode used it as a filming location. In fact, it’s not far out of the way if you’re heading towards Thingvellir National Park. Therefore today, we are going to give you all the need-to-know details today on where it is and how to hike to it!
Game of Thrones Filming Locations
Iceland is flooded movie and television filming locations. After all, it’s a pretty picturesque place to shoot in! One reoccurring series that spent time filming in Iceland is Game of Thrones (GOT). To illustrate here is a short list of some locations in Iceland that served as GOT backdrops:
- Dimmuborgir (North Iceland)
- Dyrhólaey (South Iceland)
- Fjaðrárgljúfur (South)
- Gígjökull (Highlands)
- Gjáin (South Central)
- Grjotagja Cave (North Iceland)
- Hengilssvæðið
- Höfði (North Iceland)
- Hverir Geothermal Area (North Iceland)
- Kirkjufell Mountain (Snaefellsnes Peninsula)
- Lake Myvatn (North Iceland)
- Myrdalsjokull Glacier (South Iceland)
- Reynisfjara (South)
- Skogafoss (South)
- Stakkholtsgjá Canyon (Highlands)
- Svinafellsjokull Glacier (South East Iceland)
Thingvellir National Park (South Iceland) - Þjórsárdalur (Central Iceland)
- Þórufoss (Thorufoss) -Today’s fabulous featured Iceland Wedding Planner hike!
Likely you’re wondering now what season and scenes is Thorufoss used for? Great question, it is seen in Game of Thrones Season 4 and in Episode 6. Maybe you’ll recall the moment when the Daenerys’ dragon Drogon swoops down in front of a waterfall and gobbles up a goat! That’s it! Now go back and re-watch it after you visit this iconic spot!
Where is Thorufoss?
The direct translation of Thorufoss is Thora’s Waterfall. How beautiful, right? She is a ~60 foot tall waterfall along the Laxá í Kjós River. If you’re heading towards Thingvellir National Park it is advantageous to stop here on the way. Don’t miss it!
Meanwhile, now that you’re sold on visiting it during your Iceland self-drive journey… Where is Thorufoss and how do you get there? Good question and our Iceland Wedding Planner team is thrilled to give you all of the details! Here is a quick rundown from popular regions:
- Thingvellir National Park: 15 minute drive (or less)
- Downtown Reykjavik: 45 minute drive
- From Selfoss: ~ 1 hour drive
- From KEF International Airport: 1 hour 15 minute drive
- Driving from North Iceland in Akureyri: 4 hours and 45 minute drive
Next, basic driving directions from Iceland’s famed Ring Road would be as follows (coming from Reykjavik). First, take Road #49 (Hringbraut) out of the city limits and it transitions to Route 1 North or South. Second, you’ll drive through the village of Mosfellsbær (on Route 1). Third, after leaving you’ll turn RIGHT onto Route #36 which is also called Þingvallavegur. Fourth, once you’ve gone ~17km get ready to turn LEFT onto Route #49, called Kjósarskarðsvegur. Fifth, stay on here for 5.7km and be on the lookout on the RIGHT for the sign for Þórufoss and parking lot below.
Þórufoss Hike Details
Woohoo you made it to Thorufoss parking lot! Now it’s time to choose what view point you want to see it from. For example, the top viewpoint or hike down to the bottom. However, why choose? We will share info on both and encourage you to do both too as they are very different.
- Distance: ~.4 miles
- Hike Times
- Top Viewpoint: 5-10 minutes depending on pace.
- Bottom Viewpoint: 10-15 minutes depending on pace
- Terrain: Large rocks, dirt, mud, stone, loose rocks, and grass in parts.
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate for some folks heading down to the lower viewpoint in parts! But if you’re an unsure hiker, it’s best to bring hiking poles.
- Elevation Gain: ~80 feet
- Tröllafoss Hike Parking Lot: Google Map
- Best Time to Hike: April – October. Outside of this time frame be aware of snow and have micro-spikes / crampons with you.
- What to Pack: Checkout our IWP Amazon Shop for a guide on what to buy and / or bring!
- Special Note: Please respect the area and LEAVE NO TRACE!
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Step by Step Guide to Hiking to Thorufoss (Þórufoss):
Firstly, we will highlight how easy the hike is to the top viewpoint (white track above). Second, we will share with you what the hike down in front of the waterfall looks like (red track on the map above). That way, if you’re pressed for time, you can choose your favorite in advance!
Thorufoss Top Viewpoint Hike:
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- From the þórufoss Parking Lot, you’ll hike along the rocky edge for 5 minutes or so.
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- Next, you’ll be greeted with this fantastic view ! The same view as the GOT episode!
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- And if you’re brave enough you can hike down to this rock platform spot for an iconic Instagram shot!
Lower Viewpoint of Thorufoss Waterfall
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- Rocky path you need to hike down first to go down in front of the waterfall.
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- Looking back on the slightly steep rocky area you need to hike down first. This is the hardest part just take it slow if you’re an unsure hiker.
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- After you get through the rocky bits the trek smooths out to this.
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- Looking back opposite to the waterfall. Note: If getting married in Iceland you could find a secluded spot towards that area if the waterfall is too busy.
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- View of the next rocky part heading closer to the waterfall.
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- Close up of Thorufoss Waterfall.
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- The final hiking path heading towards the lower viewpoint of Thorufoss.
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- Showing scale of Thorufoss Waterfall.
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- When you’re ready to hike back out this is the view.
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- Heading back up towards the slightly steep part after completing the Thorufoss waterfall hike.
Iceland Waterfall Wedding at Thorufoss
Interested in having an Iceland waterfall wedding at Thorufoss and being based in Reykjavik? Then we encourage you to checkout our DIY Iceland Wedding Guide to pair the location with! Lastly, if you’re on the hunt for a private property waterfall and not sharing a location with tourists, feel free to contact us to plan an adventure wedding or luxury elopement in Iceland!
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