Best for
Powerful glacial rapids
Blue-green water carving through narrow rock channels.
Barnafossar Rapids
A series of glacial rapids on the Hvítá river in West Iceland, adjacent to Hraunfossar and named after a dark local legend.
Region
West Iceland
Easy access. Pair with Hraunfossar for a complete visit.
Quick Answer
A series of rapids and small waterfalls adjacent to Hraunfossar on the Hvítá river. The name means "Children's Falls" from a tragic legend about two children who fell into the river from a now-destroyed natural bridge. The blue-green glacial water carves through narrow rock channels.
Sources and page update
Updated: 2026-09-10
Stay behind barriers. Water is extremely powerful despite appearing calm. This page is for trip planning, not emergency guidance. Check official forecasts and road status before you drive.
For sourcing standards and how to report an error, see the editorial policy.
Official sources to check
Access
Easy
Short walk from Hraunfossar car park. Adjacent to Hraunfossar.
Pro tip
Visit in autumn
Golden birch trees contrast with the glacial water.
What to Expect at Barnafossar
- A series of turbulent rapids with blue-green glacial water
- Narrow rock channels carved by centuries of powerful flow
- Dark folklore about the tragic legend of the children
Nearby Attractions to Barnafossar
- Hraunfossar (lava field springs, adjacent)
- Deildartunguhver (Europe's most powerful hot spring)
- Reykholt (historical site of Snorri Sturluson)
How to Get to Barnafossar
- Located in Borgarfjörður, about 125 km north of Reykjavik
- Drive via Route 1 north, then Route 518 inland
- Approximately 1.5 hours drive from Reykjavik
- Free parking at Hraunfossar car park
- Short, easy walk from parking to the viewing platforms
Best Time to Visit Barnafossar
- Year-round: Barnafossar is accessible in all seasons
- Autumn: Golden birch trees against the blue water
- Summer: Longest daylight hours and easiest road conditions
- Winter: Ice formations appear, but paths may be slippery
- Always pair with a visit to adjacent Hraunfossar
Reading the river from the viewing path
For a visit, use the signed Hraunfossar–Barnafoss site. The conservation agency describes the spring-fed Hraunfossar and the river constriction at Barnafoss as neighbouring features in the same protected area. The plural name used on this page should not be read as a separate excursion with another entrance.
The conservation agency’s site guide confirms toilets, year-round ranger oversight and wheelchair access on part of the area. Use the defined paths and viewpoints; that partial accessibility description does not cover every route.
Planning help
Barnafossar FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
What is Barnafossar?
Barnafossar is a series of rapids and small waterfalls on the Hvítá river in West Iceland, adjacent to Hraunfossar. The name means 'Children's Falls' and comes from a tragic legend about two children who fell into the river from a natural stone bridge that has since been destroyed.
What is the difference between Barnafossar and Barnafoss?
Barnafossar refers to the series of rapids and small cascades in the area, while Barnafoss is the main waterfall. They are essentially the same location, with Barnafossar describing the broader collection of falls and rapids along this stretch of the Hvítá river.
Is Barnafossar free to visit?
Yes, Barnafossar is completely free to visit. There is no entrance fee. Parking is available at the Hraunfossar car park, which serves both Hraunfossar and Barnafossar.
Is Barnafossar dangerous?
The water at Barnafossar is extremely powerful despite sometimes appearing calm. Always stay behind the barriers and railings. The glacial water is very cold and the currents are deceptively strong. Keep children supervised at all times.
When is the best time to visit Barnafossar?
Barnafossar is accessible year-round. In autumn, the surrounding birch trees turn golden and orange against the blue-green glacial water. Winter brings ice formations, but paths may be slippery.
Country reference: Iceland statistics.