Irarfoss is a waterfall in South Iceland, in the municipality of Rangárþing eystra. It sits off the main South Coast road, reached by an unpaved turn-off that ordinary cars can manage. The falls can be seen from the road, and you can walk up to them. There are no facilities of any kind on site. Most people stop here between the larger South Coast waterfalls.
Irarfoss Waterfall
Local name: Írárfoss
Irarfoss is in plain sight from the road, and almost every car on the South Coast drives straight past it.
- Parking
- Free car park at the falls.
- Difficulty
- About two minutes on foot from the car park to the falls.
- Transport
- No bus stop within 5 km — the only way in is by car.
- Address
- Írá, 861 (near Skógar)
What makes it special
Irarfoss can be seen from the road, and most traffic goes by without stopping. It is not a well-known name, and that is the reason to pull in. You can walk right up to the falls, close enough that the ground underfoot is wet, and on a sunny day the spray throws a rainbow. The place stays quiet. Drivers on South Coast day tours use it as a bonus stop between the bigger falls, and it holds up on its own.
Good to know
- No toilets. There are none at the falls, and none within 5 km.
- No water, no information board. Nothing on site — bring drinking water with you.
- Unpaved from the turn-off. The road stops being paved once you leave the main road.
Getting there
Irarfoss is reached by car. The turn-off from the main South Coast road is unpaved, but ordinary cars make the drive — no 4x4 needed, and drivers on South Coast day tours pull in here routinely. There is a car park by the falls, and the rest of the way is on foot.
Best time to visit
Best: a sunny day — the spray throws a rainbow across the falls.
Avoid: flat, overcast weather if the rainbow is what you came for.
Irarfoss does not draw crowds, so there is no need to plan around tour buses or to aim for early morning.
Sun & daylight
Nearby Places
Similar Places
Irarfoss Waterfall on the map
The ground close to the falls is wet and slippery. Wear waterproof boots with grip, and take care where you step near the water.
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Frequently asked questions
Do you need a 4x4 to reach Irarfoss?
No. The road is unpaved once you turn off the main road, but ordinary cars make the drive.Can you get close to the waterfall?
Yes. You can walk right up to the water. The ground there is wet and slippery, so waterproof boots are worth having.Are there toilets at Irarfoss?
No. There are no toilets at the falls, and none within 5 km.Is Irarfoss crowded?
No. It stays quiet and it is not a well-known stop — most traffic on the South Coast passes it by.