Best for
Photography & geology
Black lava, green moss, and blue water in one frame.
Hraunfossar Waterfalls
A gentle series of rivulets streaming out of a lava field into the turquoise Hvítá river in West Iceland.
Region
West Iceland
Easy boardwalk access. Great for families.
Quick Answer
Cold, clear springs seep through the porous lava fields of Hallmundarhraun and emerge as a long series of small rivulets that cascade into the turquoise Hvítá river.
Sources and page update
Updated: 2026-09-10
This page is for trip planning. Trails are well-marked. In winter, wooden paths can be slippery; microspikes are helpful.
For sourcing standards and how to report an error, see the editorial policy.
Official sources to check
Access
Very easy
Flat viewing platform near the parking lot.
Pro tip
Autumn colors
The surrounding birch scrub turns red and orange in fall.
What to Expect at Hraunfossar
- A wide view of the long line of small waterfalls
- Turquoise glacial water in the river below
- Easy walking paths connecting to Barnafoss
Nearby Attractions to Hraunfossar
- Barnafoss (2 min walk)
- Húsafell (popular resort area nearby)
- Víðgelmir Lava Cave (lava tube tour)
How to Get to Hraunfossar
- Located in Borgarfjörður, about 130 km north of Reykjavik
- Drive time from Reykjavik is approximately 1.5-2 hours via Route 1 and 518
- Free parking lot directly at the site
- The viewing platform is just 1-2 minutes from parking
- Well-maintained boardwalk path connects to Barnafoss
Best Time to Visit Hraunfossar
- Autumn (September-October): Fall colors in the birch scrub
- Summer has the longest daylight and mildest temperatures
- Winter sets the blue water against snow and ice
- Morning visits generally less crowded than afternoon
- Overcast days reduce glare and deepen the water colors
Reading the river from the viewing path
Hraunfossar is spring-fed water emerging beneath Hallmundarhraun and flowing into the Hvítá. The conservation agency describes how the river itself changes colour with rainfall and temperature. A clear cascade beside a cloudier main channel is part of that water system, rather than a guarantee that all the water will look blue on your visit.
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
Hraunfossar FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
How tall is Hraunfossar?
Hraunfossar is not a single tall waterfall but rather a series of rivulets streaming through the lava field over approximately 900 meters. The individual streams drop about 1-2 meters into the Hvítá river.
Is Hraunfossar free to visit?
Yes, Hraunfossar is completely free to visit. There is no entrance fee, and parking is also free.
Can you swim at Hraunfossar?
No, swimming at Hraunfossar is not permitted. The glacial river is extremely cold and the current is dangerous.
How long is the walk to Hraunfossar?
Hraunfossar requires almost no walking; the viewing platform is just 1-2 minutes from the parking lot. A short trail connects to Barnafoss (about 5-10 minutes).
Is Hraunfossar wheelchair accessible?
The conservation agency describes wheelchair access on part of the Hraunfossar–Barnafoss area, with defined paths and viewpoints. That does not establish that every path or the entire connection is step-free. Choose a suitable viewpoint for your equipment and current surface conditions.
Where does the water come from?
It looks like it comes from nowhere! The water actually flows from the Langjökull glacier, seeps into the porous lava field (Hallmundarhraun), and re-emerges here as crystal-clear springs.
Can I see Barnafoss too?
Yes, they are practically neighbors. A short, easy walking trail connects the viewing platforms of Hraunfossar and Barnafoss. It's worth visiting both.
Is Hraunfossar open year-round?
Yes, it is accessible in winter, when the blue water stands out against white snow and black lava. Just watch for ice on the walking paths.
Country reference: Iceland statistics.