Kolufoss

North Iceland

Kolugljúfur is a narrow gorge cut by the Víðidalsá river in northwest Iceland, about 15 minutes off the Ring Road on Road 715. The canyon runs roughly a kilometre, reaches around 40 metres deep, and holds a series of waterfalls called Kolufoss that drop into the tight slot from multiple angles — more enclosed and dramatic than a single-drop fall. A bridge at the parking area gives an immediate overview, and a short path follows the rim to several vantage points. The local legend holds that a giantess named Kola lived here, catching salmon from the river and cooking them in nearby hot springs. The canyon and falls are named after her. The Víðidalsá is still a salmon river today. Road 715 is gravel and connects back to Route 1 after a short drive. A standard 2WD car handles it fine in summer; check road.is before coming in winter. The whole stop takes well under 30 minutes. No fees, no facilities at the site.

Book & Explore

The links below are affiliate links. If you book through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you — it helps keep this guide free. See our about page for how we keep recommendations independent.