Hraunfossar Waterfall
Series of waterfalls streaming from lava field into river
Hraunfossar in west Iceland comprises dozens of small cascades where water seeps from a lava field into the Hvítá; visitors follow boardwalks and viewpoints along the river.
Hraunfossar at a Glance#
Address: Hraunfossar, Borgarfjörður, Western Iceland
Hours: Open access (no gate)
Admission: Free
About Hraunfossar#
Hraunfossar is a series of waterfalls in western Iceland where groundwater and spring water seep out from beneath the Hallmundarhraun lava field and flow into the Hvítá river. The result is a wide, braided set of cascades that pour directly out of the lava rock along the river bank.
The site is complemented nearby by Barnafoss, a narrow, powerful rapid that has cut a striking gorge through the same lava formations. Both features are accessed by short walks from a parking area with viewing platforms that allow visitors to follow the line of falls and to photograph the contrasting water formations.
Hraunfossar and Barnafoss lie in the Borgarfjörður region of western Iceland, near the small settlements and visitor routes that connect to the wider ring-road network.
- Visitor access: Walkways and viewing platforms provide close views of the braided falls and of ice formations in winter, and the site is commonly visited on day trips from western Iceland towns.
What to See#
- Hraunfossar falls: A series of parallel falls where clear spring water emerges from the base of an old lava field and spills into the Hvítá river across a stretch of rock.
- Barnafoss: A short distance downstream, a narrow and turbulent gorge known as Barnafoss cuts through the lava, forming fast rapids and a contrasting, more powerful cascade.
How to Get to Hraunfossar#
From Reykjavík drive north on Route 1 to Borgarnes (about 70-80 minutes), then follow signs east on Route 50 and local roads to Hraunfossar (roughly 1.5-2 hours total). There is a small paid car park and short paved paths to the main viewpoints. Regular tourist buses from Reykjavík and Borgarnes stop seasonally.
Tips for Visiting Hraunfossar#
- Combine Hraunfossar with Barnafoss, 700 metres upstream - the two waterfalls are a tidy contrasting pair.
- Park at the small car park on Route 518; the main viewpoints are short, paved walks from there.
- In winter bring crampons; the viewing platforms can be icy and the hard-formed snow around the lava field makes for dramatic photos.
Best Time to Visit Hraunfossar#
Hraunfossar is accessible year-round with dramatically different moods: green and flowing in summer, glassy and icy in winter.
Weather & Climate near Hraunfossar#
Hraunfossar'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 (743 mm/year).
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -4° - 1° | -8° | 70 mm | overcast | 94% | 6.0 m/s | 0.0 low | 5.0h |
| February | Poor | -4° - 1° | -8° | 72 mm | overcast | 94% | 5.8 m/s | 0.0 low | 8.2h |
| March | Poor | -4° - 2° | -7° | 71 mm | overcast | 92% | 5.8 m/s | 0.2 low | 11.5h |
| April | Poor | -1° - 5° | -3° | 42 mm | overcast | 89% | 5.3 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 14.9h |
| May | Acceptable | 3° - 9° | 2° | 42 mm | overcast | 82% | 4.9 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 18.2h |
| June | Acceptable | 5° - 12° | 6° | 48 mm | overcast | 79% | 4.7 m/s | 1.1 high | 20.4h |
| July | Acceptable | 7° - 13° | 10° | 51 mm | overcast | 79% | 4.4 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 19.3h |
| August | Acceptable | 7° - 13° | 8° | 67 mm | overcast | 83% | 4.3 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 16.1h |
| September | Acceptable | 4° - 10° | 4° | 62 mm | overcast | 88% | 4.8 m/s | 0.3 low | 12.8h |
| October | Poor | 1° - 6° | -1° | 77 mm | overcast | 92% | 4.8 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.5h |
| November | Poor | -2° - 2° | -5° | 68 mm | overcast | 94% | 5.1 m/s | 0.0 low | 6.0h |
| December | Poor | -4° - 1° | -7° | 73 mm | overcast | 95% | 5.5 m/s | 0.0 low | 3.6h |
