Barnafossar
Waterfall Series of rapids and waterfalls in West Iceland.
Near Hraunfossar in west Iceland, Barnafoss features rapid falls and walking tracks; visitors combine it with nearby lava-field streams and Borgarfjörður viewpoints.
Barnafossar is a narrow, fast-flowing waterfall in western Iceland, located in the Borgarfjörður area on the Hvítá river. The falls pass through a rock-formed channel and are directly adjacent to the more diffuse Hraunfossar waterfalls.
A short network of paths and a footbridge provide close viewing points over the falls and the river gorge. The falls are compact rather than high but are visually dramatic because of the confined channel and turbulent flow.
Local folklore and place names are associated with the site, but the primary contemporary use is recreational viewing and short walks. The falls are about 100 kilometres northwest of Reykjavík and are commonly visited from nearby Borgarfjörður settlements.
The setting combines lava-formed rock with a river gorge, making the pair of Hraunfossar and Barnafossar a distinct example of volcanic landscape interacting with river flow.
- Paired waterfalls: Close to the neighbouring Hraunfossar waterfalls; many visitors combine both sites on the same visit to see contrasting lava-formed and river-carved falls.
- Viewpoints: A short viewing path and bridge provide close vantage points; the site is easily visited on a day trip from Borgarfjörður area towns.
How to Get to Barnafossar #
Barnafossar sits in the Borgarfjörður district about 100-120 km north of Reykjavík (roughly a 1.5-2 hour drive on Route 1 and then Route 50). The falls are a short walk from the main parking area near Hraunfossar and are well signposted from the main road.
Tips for Visiting Barnafossar #
- Walk the short trail from Hraunfossar to Barnafossar to see the contrast - it's only a 10-15 minute stroll and provides two entirely different kinds of water features.
- Visit early morning to avoid day-trip coach crowds from Reykjavík; light is best for photographing the churning turquoise water.
- Read the plaque with the old folktale about the two children - it gives the place an uncanny layer that locals still mention.
- Wear a windproof layer; the spray and wind across the gorge can be surprisingly chilly even in summer.
Best Time to Visit Barnafossar #
Barnafossar is accessible year-round but summer gives the easiest roads and longest daylight for exploring the nearby Hraunfossar as well.
Weather & Climate near Barnafossar #
Barnafossar's climate is classified as Subarctic - Subarctic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -4°C to 13°C. Moderate rainfall (741 mm/year).
January
January is the coldest month with highs of 1°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (69 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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February
February is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (71 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (71 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (41 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (48 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 13°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 1°C. The wettest month with 77 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 2°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (68 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (73 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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