Barnafossar Waterfall — Iceland

About this spectacle

Barnafossar is a series of rapid, churning waterfalls on the Hvítá river in western Iceland, where turbulent glacial meltwater surges through a dramatic lava field gorge. The water appears a vivid milky-turquoise colour, fed by the Langjökull glacier upstream. Visitors walk along a well-worn path at the canyon rim, where the roar of cascading water fills the air and spray drifts across the rocks. Beside Barnafossar sits the adjacent Hraunfossar, where hundreds of small rivulets seep silently from beneath a lava field and trickle into the river — creating a striking visual contrast with the violent rush of the main falls. The surrounding basalt landscape, often dusted with snow in winter or blanketed in green moss in summer, frames the scene with distinctly Icelandic atmosphere. Light plays beautifully on the white water against dark volcanic rock, especially in the long summer evenings.

When to go

Jan — Dec, peak Jun — Aug

Getting there

Nearest airport: KEF. Nearest city: Borgarnes.

Booking options

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