Best for
Power & drama
Seeing the raw force of water carved through rock.
Barnafoss Waterfall Iceland: Complete Visitor Guide
Children's Falls with dramatic blue glacial rapids churning through a narrow gorge. Steeped in tragic Icelandic folklore in West Iceland.
Region
West Iceland
Located next to Hraunfossar.
Just a short walk upstream from Hraunfossar, Barnafoss ("Children's Falls") is a violent, churning rapid that forces the glacial Hvítá river through a narrow, twisted rock gorge. It is as dangerous as it is beautiful, steeped in local folklore.
Sources and last reviewed
Last reviewed: 2026-02-01
Stay on marked paths. The rocks near the gorge edge are slick and unstable. The current is extremely powerful.
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Official sources to check
Access
Easy walk
Connected by path to Hraunfossar parking.
Pro tip
Look for the bridge
A pedestrian bridge over the gorge gives a great downward view.
What to Expect at Barnafoss
- A noisy, churning rapid compared to Hraunfossar's calm
- Twisted rock formations and potholes carved by water
- A safe pedestrian bridge crossing the gorge
Nearby Attractions to Barnafoss
- Hraunfossar (immediate neighbor)
- Krauma Geothermal Baths (nearby in Reykholt)
- Deildartunguhver (Europe's most powerful hot spring)
How to Get to Barnafoss
- Located in Borgarfjörður, about 130 km north of Reykjavik
- Drive time from Reykjavik is approximately 1.5-2 hours via Route 1 and 518
- Use the same free parking lot as Hraunfossar
- A 5-10 minute walk from parking, or 2-3 minutes from Hraunfossar
- Follow the well-marked trail connecting the two waterfalls
Best Time to Visit Barnafoss
- Visit year-round—each season offers different dramatic views
- Spring snowmelt creates the most powerful water flow
- Summer provides longest daylight for photography
- Autumn birch colors create beautiful contrast with blue water
- Winter ice formations are stunning but paths can be slippery
Planning help
Barnafoss FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.