After completing the full Snæfellsnes Peninsula loop (Route 574) in West Iceland (read about our drive in Part 1 and Part 2), we took advantage of the midnight sun and made one last stop at Hraunfossar before heading back to Reykjavik. And Wow…. we were so glad we did.
We left Ytri-Tunga around 6 pm and got to Hraunfossar just before 8 pm. The 2 hrs (140 km) drive didn’t feel long at all. It was a scenic drive, the green valleys, snow-capped mountains, purple lupine fields, calm lakes and open farmland along the way. Of course, this is Iceland, after all!
Just when we were starting to wonder where the waterfalls were hiding, the parking lot appeared. We could hear the sound of the falls from there, and it made us even more excited. A short, easy, and well-marked trail leads from the parking lot to several wooden viewpoints offering great views of Hraunfossar. After walking for just a couple of minutes, boom, there it was: Hraunfossar, a unique lava waterfall.
It is not the tallest, it is not the widest, it is not the loudest waterfall in Iceland. But it’s definitely one of the most unique waterfalls you will ever see.
What makes these falls so unique is that they don’t fall from a cliff in a big drop. Instead, hundreds of small streams gently pour right out of a wide lava field. They stretch for nearly a kilometer, all of them flowing into the turquoise water of the Hvítá River.
It is breathtaking…. the way nature paints here is incredible. The grey sky, green valleys, milky white waterfalls, black lava, and turquoise river all create the most stunning contrast. The whole natural setting felt magical. With gentle canyons and gorges, wooden bridges, no crowd, no noise, and just the soothing sound of water, it was the perfect ending to a long, unforgettable day.
Just a few minutes up the path is Barnafoss, a much more powerful waterfall rushing through a narrow rocky gorge. We had the whole area to ourselves, which made it even more special. When we left around 8:30 pm, a few people were just starting to arrive.
Then it was time for our final stretch, about 1.5 hrs (125 km), back to our stay in Reykjavík. It was a long day, but totally worth it.
Here are a few shots from our visit to Hraunfossar on June 18, 2025.
And don’t miss the Quick Facts and Tips below to help plan your visit!
Quick Facts and Tips:
- Best time to visit:
- June to September (summer and early fall): Best access, weather and colors.
- Winter (November to March): Visits are possible, less access, but trails can be icy.
- Check road conditions at road.is and weather forecasts at vedur.is.
- Hraunfossar is located in West Iceland, about 1.5 hours from Reykjavík, near the village of Reykholt. (View on Google maps).
- For more detailed information, visit the official West Iceland tourism.
- It is often combined with an extended Golden Circle route and pairs well with nearby stops like Deildartunguhver hot spring, and the Krauma Geothermal Baths.
- No entrance fee, no parking fee, and no ticket machine or app needed.
- Dress in layers, Weather can change quickly, be prepared and dress accordingly. Wear comfortable study walking shoes and bring a waterproof/windproof jacket even in summer.
- The walk from the parking lot to several viewpoints is short and easy, about 1 km round trip.
- The path is mostly flat, with a mix of wooden boardwalk, pavement and gravel, and gets a bit uneven near Barnafoss.
- In winter, the paths might be icy or covered in snow, so check conditions before you go.
- Early morning or late afternoon light really brings out the color of the water. A wide-angle lens works great here.
- Drones are allowed, but check local rules and fly respectfully.
- There are restrooms, picnic tables, and a small café on site (seasonal hours).
- The nearest gas station is located in Reykholt, just a few minutes drive away, it also has snacks and basic food options.
- Allow at least 30 to 45 minutes for a relaxed visit.
Conclusion
Hraunfossar is special. It doesn’t look like any other waterfall in Iceland, which makes it totally unique. It’s beautiful and relaxing. It is definitely worth the stop. Don’t skip it!
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