ICELAND

FALLS

Tröllafoss

ABOUT TRÖLLAFOSS:

Tröllafoss is a beautiful hidden waterfall located in a small gorge in the Mosfellsdalur Valley. It is one of the few prominent waterfalls in the Capital Region.

Tröllafoss is only about 36 minutes from Reykjavík. Despite being a short drive from the capital, Tröllafoss remains relatively obscure. However, it is a favorite amongst locals, and you may see them take a dip into the pools below the waterfall.

As mentioned before, the area around Tröllafoss is a rocky gorge that the Leirvogsá river cuts through. Leirvogsá has its origins in Leirvogsvatn and makes its way down into the ocean at the, appropriately named, Leirvogur bay. The river is also a popular spot for trout and salmon fishing.

You may have been able to guess, but the name Tröllafoss translates to Troll Waterfall. Many online resources confuse Tröllafoss with Tröllafossar, which is located on the Grímsá river.

History of TRÖLLAFOSS:

The origin behind the name Tröllafoss is unknown, but it is a nod to Icelandic folklore. Trolls in Icelandic tales were giant people who lived in caves and rocky regions. Trolls could only go out during the night, as sunlight would turn them to stone. Large rock formations in Iceland are often referenced as trolls in folklore. Perhaps the rocky gorge surrounding Tröllafoss is a testament to that. Some say that you can even see a troll’s face formed within the rocks by the waterfall.

Directions to TRÖLLAFOSS:

Tröllafoss is not viewable from the road. To access the waterfall, you will be required to hike and travel on a gravel road. A 4WD vehicle is recommended. Parking is available at the trailhead; see the hiking section below.

To get to Tröllafoss, head north on Route 1, aka the Ring Road. In the Mosfellsdalur area, turn right onto Route 36. From there, you will head east for 4.5 mi (7.2 km) and make a left onto the gravel road Tröllafoss slóði. The road turns right sharply, and you will want to be on the lookout for the parking area from here. The route is east of Skeggjastaðir farm for reference.

Google maps do have Tröllafoss listed, but it’s listed as Troll Waterfall. The map does an excellent job of getting you to the waterfall. Still, it’s recommended to park at the marker listed below.

hiking TRÖLLAFOSS:

As mentioned, Hiking is required to view Tröllafoss, and there is little to no signage to point the way. From the parking lot, the hike should be around 2 miles out and back. There are a few paths that lead to the waterfall. If you head east and follow the Leirvogsá river, you will be sure to find it. Be careful as the trail is not well maintained and can become slippery around the river and waterfall.

For this hike, we’ve created a map for you on AllTrails. Please add it to your favorites before your hike. Feel free to review, add photos, and make suggestions on this AllTrails app.

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Djúpavíkurfoss 

Djúpavíkurfoss is a hidden gem nestled in the rugged landscape of the Westfjords region of Iceland. This breathtaking waterfall tumbles down over a cliff, ending approximately 160 meters below before it flows into the Atlantic Sea. From the seaside at Djúpavík, you can get a stunning view of the waterfall with the small town of Djúpavík in the foreground. The river Djúpavíkurá, which feeds the falls, originates from a plateau with several small lakes and mountains reaching up to 524 meters. Djúpavíkurfoss is located directly on road 643 in the village of Djúpavík, near the Reykjarfjörður fjord. If you’re looking for a unique and off-the-beaten-path destination, Djúpavíkurfoss is definitely worth a visit.

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