Strutsfoss Waterfall Travel Guide

The Strutsfoss waterfall, spelled Strútsfoss in Icelandic, is two-tiered. It's one of the tallest waterfalls in Iceland and is located in East Iceland along the Strutsa River.

You can visit Strutsfoss waterfall on a waterfall tour package, and it also makes for a great stop-off on a self-drive Ring Road tour, thanks to its stunning beauty.

While Iceland is home to many breathtaking waterfalls, the Strutsfoss Waterfall is a hidden gem, off the beaten track and away from the usual tourist trail. The Strutsfoss waterfall overlooks beautiful cliff-like rock formations. Nature lovers and sightseers will love spending time here.

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Photo from Flickr by Gunnar Gunnersson No edits made.

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Features and Nature of the Strutsfoss Waterfall

Aside from being one of the tallest waterfalls in Iceland, the Strutsfoss waterfall is also one of the most beautiful to photograph. Its two tiers stand at around 65.6 feet (20 meters) and 328 feet (100 meters). The red strata of the cliffs beneath the waterfall make it a sight to behold.

The Strutsfoss Waterfall forms as the Strutsa River falls into the Strutsgil Gorge below. It drops down the mountain in two stages. The cascading water combines with the beautiful scenery surrounding it for a magical experience.

You can find Strutsfoss, where the river Strutsa joins the Villingadalur area of the Sudurdalur valley. People travel from all over the world to view the natural geology on show here.

Along with grassy trails and basalt strata formations, the Strutsfoss waterfall and surrounding areas are also home to various rivers, lakes, rolling hills, and valleys.

Getting to the Strutsfoss Waterfall

Strutsfoss waterfall is near one of Iceland's newest towns, Egilsstadir. While the settlement is small, visitors and travelers wanting to explore East Iceland consider the town a central location. It's an ideal place to rest and refresh while traveling Iceland's Ring Road.

Many tourists skip the trip east due to the time it takes to drive there from Iceland's capital city Reykjavik. If an eight-hour drive doesn't appeal to you, a one-hour flight option is available for those who still want to see East Iceland's attractions. Egilsstadir is approximately 394.5 miles (635 kilometers) from Reykjavik by car.

To reach Strutsfoss waterfall, drive 14 miles (23 kilometers) south from Egilsstadir to Hallormsstadhur. Follow the 931 road south along the lake, then turn onto the 933 road and continue south.

Continue driving for around three miles (five kilometers). Then take a left turn onto road 935 to Sturluflot Farm, where you can hike to the waterfall.

Hiking to the Strutsfoss Waterfall

The hike from Sturluflot Farm to the waterfall and back is approximately 4.6 miles (7.4 kilometers). It's a mostly flat and easy walk, except for the steep climb once you reach the trail's end.

The trail takes approximately two hours to complete (one hour each way). It winds through the beautiful highlands of Iceland, so you'll enjoy plenty of nature on your way.

Starting on the banks of the Fellsa river, you'll walk through the Strutsgil canyon. You can enjoy a couple of easy river crossings during your trek, and the majestic waterfall becomes visible as you walk further into the valley.

Anyone visiting the falls should wear suitable hiking boots because of the rocky and sometimes challenging terrain. During some months of the year, the trails are often muddy and wet, so travelers should ensure that their footwear is waterproof.

Nearby East Iceland Attractions

The region of East Iceland is also known as Austurland. It is home to some stunning natural features, including coastlines, fjords, waterfalls, mountains, and small villages.

Take time to appreciate the serenity of Lagarfjlot lake. It's a place of outstanding beauty and the supposed home of the Lagarfljot Wyrm, a serpent-like monster reported to live in its waters.

Don't miss a visit to Hallormsstadaskogur, Iceland's largest National Forest. This protected area is home to native birch trees and many international species. Hallormsstadaskogur and Lagarfjlot are on the drive between Egilsstadir and the Strutsfoss waterfall, so you could easily make a day trip including these three attractions.

Whether you're planning a day trip or looking for a complete tour package, you won't want to miss out on the beauty, captivating scenery, and hands-on experience with nature at the Strutsfoss Waterfall in East Iceland.