Barnafoss is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Western Iceland, flowing out from the Hallmundarhraun lava field and cascading down through a narrow canyon.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about driving to the waterfall, what you can expect once you arrive, and why it’s a must-see stop on your Iceland itinerary.
The Folklore and History
Barnafoss waterfall is a series of rapids and translates to “Children’s Falls,” named after a rather haunting legend about the death of two children. The story says that two children from the nearby Hraunsás attempted to cross the stone bridge over the rapids.
They slipped and fell into the water and were tragically lost. It is said that their mother destroyed the bridge, vowing that no one else would suffer the same fate. This myth provides an emotional element to the location, attracting visitors for both the natural beauty and the folklore.
Where is it?
Barnafoss is located in West Iceland’s Borgarfjörður region, near another famous Iceland waterfall, Hraunfossar. Both the waterfalls are fed from the surrounding lava fields but they look quite different. Barnafoss has powerful, foaming waters, while Hraunfossar’s waters are crystal-clear. There is a short and easy hike from the parking area to the waterfall, and the trail is suitable for all ages.
How to Get to Barnafoss by Car?
Driving yourself is the best way to get to Barnafoss, enabling you to access both the waterfall and the other Iceland attractions in the area. Starting from Reykajvik, you’ll drive northwest of Route 1 (the Ring Road) and then exit to Route 50, followed by Route 518 towards Reykholt. The journey will take you through valleys, lava fields, and open farmland. There are occasional gravel patches, but the majority of the route is well-maintained and accessible all-year.
How Far is Barnafoss from Reykjavik?
Barnafoss is approximately 126 kilometers (78 miles) from Reykjavik, and takes around 1.5 to 2 hours.
How Long to Spend at Barnafoss
You should plan to spend around 45 minutes to an hour at Barnafoss and the nearby Hraunfossar. This will give you enough time to take the short walk along the viewing path and see the waterfalls from different perspectives. It’s an incredible place for landscape photos, with the changing light throughout the day highlighting the lava rock and the bright blue waters.
Is Barnafoss Closed?
Barnafoss is open all year long, but if you’re visiting Iceland in the winter, you should be prepared for cold weather and possible snow around the viewing areas. While there is a small cafe onsite, facilities are limited, so you’ll want to check ahead if you’re visiting in the off-season. The path to the waterfalls is generally accessible but it can get icy in the winter, so it’s best to wear sturdy footwear.
Explore Barnafoss with A Rental Car
Whether you’re interested in visiting Barnafoss for its relevance to Icelandic culture, its natural beauty, or simply as a quick detour on Icelandic road trip, you’ll need a quality rental car to fully enjoy the location. If you’re ready to add Barnafoss to your travel plans book your rental car online with Hertz Iceland and prepare for a amazing journey in West Iceland.
