
Hraunfossar & Barnafoss
Witness Hraunfossar's surreal cascades from lava rock and Barnafoss's powerful currents. A must-see natural wonder in West Iceland.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
See the vibrant blue water

Hraunfossar & Barnafoss
Best Time
See the vibrant blue water
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Witness Hraunfossar's surreal cascades from lava rock and Barnafoss's powerful currents. A must-see natural wonder in West Iceland.
"The absolute best waterfalls we saw in Iceland! The water was unbelievably blue!"

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Explore all viewpoints; boardwalks have some steps. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Photos Don't Do Justice
The blue water and scale are breathtaking in person. :camerawithflash:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Hraunfossar's Cascading Lava Falls
Main viewing area
Unique waterfalls emerging from lava rock, creating a surreal, multi-tiered cascade of vibrant blue water.

Barnafoss's Powerful Currents
Adjacent to Hraunfossar
Witness the dramatic force of Barnafoss as it carves through a narrow canyon, a stark contrast to Hraunfossar's gentle flow.

Autumnal Color Spectacle
Surrounding landscape
Experience the breathtaking beauty of these falls framed by vibrant autumn foliage, a photographer's dream.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Accessibility & Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Hraunfossar: Where Waterfalls Meet Lava Like an Icelandic Love Story
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Explore all viewpoints; boardwalks have some steps. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Photos Don't Do Justice
The blue water and scale are breathtaking in person. :camerawithflash:
Starting in Snæfellsnes and ending in Reykjavik, is this too much to do in one day?
🚻 No On-Site Restrooms
Plan ahead; a cafe is nearby but not directly at the falls. :toilet:
🚗 Free Parking Available
Easy access to the falls with convenient, complimentary parking. :car:
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Explore all viewpoints; boardwalks have some steps. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Photos Don't Do Justice
The blue water and scale are breathtaking in person. :camerawithflash:
🚻 No On-Site Restrooms
Plan ahead; a cafe is nearby but not directly at the falls. :toilet:
🚗 Free Parking Available
Easy access to the falls with convenient, complimentary parking. :car:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Hraunfossar and Barnafoss for their spectacular and unique beauty, with many calling them the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland. The vibrant blue water and the way Hraunfossar emerges from lava rock are frequently highlighted as breathtaking. Some note the lack of on-site restrooms as a minor inconvenience.
"Beautiful blue water. Boardwalk with some steps leading to view points. Free parking. No toilets but there is a cafe nearby."
Ankita Aggarwal
"These waterfalls were quite pretty. It reminded me of certain areas of Plitvice, Croatia. No WCs. There is apparently a restaurant, but we didn't visit it."
Terri Sanne
"The most beautiful waterfall we saw in Iceland! Photos and videos can only capture a fraction of its beauty. You will be amazed by the waterfalls surrounded by the vibrant autumn colors. Highly recommended."
Daniel (暉記)
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Hraunfossar and Barnafoss are located in West Iceland, about a 1.5 to 2-hour drive from Reykjavik. Take Route 1 (Ring Road) north, then turn onto Route 50 and follow signs for Hraunfossar. The drive is scenic and relatively straightforward.
No, it's generally not difficult to get to Hraunfossar. The roads are well-maintained, and there's free parking available. It's a popular stop for those driving the Ring Road or exploring West Iceland.
Yes, you can visit in winter, but be prepared for potentially icy conditions on the paths. The unique beauty of the falls is still visible, though the surrounding landscape will be snow-covered. Check road conditions before you go.
Public transport directly to Hraunfossar is limited. It's best visited by car, either your own or a rental. Guided tours from Reykjavik often include this stop, which can be a convenient option.
While beautiful year-round, autumn offers stunning foliage that complements the falls' colors. Summer provides long daylight hours for exploration. Winter offers a unique, snow-dusted perspective.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no entrance fee to visit Hraunfossar and Barnafoss. Parking is also free, making it an accessible natural attraction.
Hraunfossar and Barnafoss are natural attractions and are open 24/7. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended to fully appreciate the scenery and for safety on the paths.
No advance booking is necessary as there is no admission fee. You can visit Hraunfossar and Barnafoss spontaneously.
The main restriction is to respect the natural environment. Stay on marked paths and boardwalks to protect the fragile lava formations and vegetation.
While technically accessible, visiting at night is not recommended due to safety concerns on the paths and the inability to fully appreciate the visual beauty of the falls.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The main activity is admiring the unique waterfalls. Walk the boardwalks to see Hraunfossar's multiple cascades and the powerful flow of Barnafoss. The surrounding area is also great for short walks and photography.
There are no restrooms directly at the Hraunfossar and Barnafoss viewing areas. However, there is a cafe nearby that may offer facilities. It's advisable to use restrooms before you arrive or at your last stop.
The main paths are boardwalks with some steps, making them generally accessible. However, comfortable walking shoes are recommended, especially if you plan to explore all vantage points.
Swimming is not permitted in Hraunfossar or Barnafoss. The water is very cold, and the currents, especially at Barnafoss, are dangerous. Stick to admiring the falls from the designated viewing areas.
Absolutely! Hraunfossar and Barnafoss are incredibly photogenic, especially with the unique blue water and the surrounding landscape. Autumn colors enhance the photographic opportunities.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe located near Hraunfossar that offers refreshments. It's a convenient spot to grab a bite or a warm drink after viewing the falls.
While there are no designated picnic areas, you can find spots to enjoy a packed lunch. Please ensure you clean up after yourselves and take all trash with you to preserve the natural beauty.
The cafe typically offers light meals, snacks, and beverages. Options might include soups, sandwiches, pastries, and coffee. It's a good place to refuel.
The closest towns with grocery stores would be Borgarnes, which is a significant drive away. It's best to stock up on picnic supplies before heading to Hraunfossar if you plan to eat there.
Prices at tourist-area cafes in Iceland can be on the higher side. It's advisable to check menus or have a general idea of Icelandic pricing for cafes.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Key tips for families: Bring snacks and drinks as amenities are limited. Ensure children stay on the boardwalks and are supervised near the water, especially at Barnafoss where currents are strong. The nearby cafe can be a good spot for a treat after exploring. The free parking and no-entry fee make it a budget-friendly stop.
🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
For day-trippers: Combine your visit with other nearby attractions like Deildartunguhver hot spring or the historic Reykholt. Pack a picnic to maximize your time exploring the natural wonders rather than searching for dining options.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Geology of Hraunfossar
The adjacent Barnafoss, or 'Children's Falls,' offers a dramatic contrast. Here, the Hvítá river is forced through a narrow, rocky gorge, creating powerful, turbulent rapids. The name 'Children's Falls' is said to originate from a tragic legend involving two children who fell into the rapids. The juxtaposition of Hraunfossar's gentle, widespread beauty and Barnafoss's raw power makes for a compelling visit.
Exploring the area involves walking along well-maintained boardwalks that provide excellent vantage points for both falls. These paths allow visitors to get close to the water's edge while protecting the delicate lava formations. The accessibility, combined with the sheer natural beauty, makes Hraunfossar and Barnafoss a must-see for many travelers in Iceland.
Capturing the Magic: Photography Tips
When photographing Hraunfossar, consider using a wider lens to encompass the full sweep of the falls emerging from the lava. For Barnafoss, a telephoto lens can help isolate the powerful currents as they churn through the gorge. Experiment with different shutter speeds; a slightly longer exposure can smooth out the water's movement, creating a dreamy effect, while a faster shutter speed will freeze the dynamic action of Barnafoss.
Don't forget the surrounding landscape, particularly in autumn when the foliage adds a spectacular splash of color. Look for compositions that include the lava rock formations, the blue water, and the vibrant greens, yellows, and reds of the vegetation. Remember to bring a tripod for sharper images in lower light conditions and a polarizing filter to enhance the blues of the water and sky.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit