Hike to Barnafoss and the nearby Hraunfossar falls

Experience the power of water forcing its way through narrow rocky gorges. Barnafoss in the west of Iceland is a wild, narrow waterfall where the water of the river Hvítá plunges in several cascades through deep cuts in the cooled lava field Hallmundarhraun. Located not far from the village of Húsafell, it is part of the Borgarfjörður region and is often visited together with the nearby Hraunfossar.

Barnafoss is not a classic vertical waterfall but impresses with its unique current. Over thousands of years the turquoise-blue water has carved its way deep into the black lava rock and today rushes through a narrow gorge. From the built viewpoints you can observe this natural spectacle from different perspectives. A short walking trail links Barnafoss with Hraunfossar so you can explore both waterfalls in about 20 to 30 minutes.

The surroundings are characterised by mosses, birch forests and cooled lava fields, which together form a sensitive ecosystem. The colour contrast between the bright blue water and the dark lava rocks makes Barnafoss a striking photo subject, especially in autumn when the birches change colour.