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.
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 last reviewed
Last reviewed: 2026-03-03
This page is for trip planning. Trails are well-marked. In winter, wooden paths can be slippery; microspikes are helpful.
Pages are reviewed for practical usefulness, source quality, and volatile claims before publication.
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
Planning help
Hraunfossar FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.