By Monika
Brúarfoss – How to Visit Iceland’s Bluest Waterfall.
If you’re looking to add a little magic to your Iceland adventure, then Brúarfoss Waterfall should definitely be on your itinerary!
Located slightly away from the main Golden Circle route, this stunning spot is often overshadowed by the more popular attractions along this iconic drive, but trust me, it’s worth the detour!
With its bright blue water cascading over rocky formations, it will take your breath away!
This guide will tell you where to find this hidden gem, how to get there, and how to make the most of your trip (including an amazing spot to get ice cream after your visit!)
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- Brúarfoss – How to Visit Iceland's Bluest Waterfall.
Where is Brúarfoss?
Brúarfoss is located on the Golden Circle, between Thingvellir (Þingvellir) National Park and Geysir Hot Springs.
It’s about 45 km (42 minutes) away from the park and about 15 km (13 minutes) away from Geysir.
How to get to Brúarfoss?
By car:
The best way to get to Brúarfoss is by renting a car. You can explore the waterfall and the entire Golden Circle (both main stops and some amazing detours) at your leisure.
You can also take advantage of a hiking trail to the waterfall (more on that a little later in this article), and with a tour, you don’t get that option.
Rent a proper car for your adventure with a 5% discount automatically applied to your reservation from a trusted local company I always rent from – Blue Car Rental!
With a tour:
Brúarfoss is still a hidden gem and not as popular with tour companies as other Golden Circle attractions. At the time of writing this guide, I was able to find only one tour from Reykjavik that included a visit to Brúarfoss.
Brúarfoss parking
The are two parking lots for Brúarfoss.
1. The original parking lot (for the hike)
This is the “original” parking lot, which was the only option till the new lot was built in 2023. It is located right next to rt. 37.
If you’re coming from Thingvellir National Park it will be on your left side, just after you cross the bridge over the Brúará river. Coming from the direction of Geysir, it will be on your right, just before the bridge.
It’s a fairly large gravel lot, free of charge.
You will find the beginning of the hiking trail and the trail info signs at the end of the lot. More about the hike farther down in the post.
Helpful hint: to find this parking area, just type in “Brúará Trail” in your navigation.
You will also find a big sign with directions to the new lot.
2. The new paid lot
To reach it just take a turn from rt. 37 and drive 3 km on a gravel road. The parking fee is 750 ISK for a standard vehicle and you can pay it through the Parka.is app.
Helpful hint: to find this parking area, type in “Brúarfoss Parking” or “Brúarfoss Waterfall” in your GPS; you will see “Hlauptunga” in the address description under the name.
This parking area will get you very close to the waterfall – you will only have to walk a 300 m path to reach it.
Good to know: neither parking lot has restrooms or other facilities, so plan accordingly!
Brúarfoss hike
If you choose to go for the short hike to Brúarfoss, park in the lot by the bridge.
This out and back trail is 3.5 km long and takes about 45 – 60 minutes one way.
It’s fairly easy and flat and the only challenge you may face is mud after the rain, so make sure to check the weather conditions before you head out and wear proper hiking boots.
Before you get to Brúarfoss, you’ll pass by two smaller waterfalls, Hlauptungufoss and Miðfoss.
How to visit Brúarfoss waterfall
The first thing you’ll see when approaching the waterfall from the parking lot is a big warning sign to not get too close to the river.
It looks deceivingly shallow, but it has very strong currents and the rocks on its banks get very slippery.
You should only admire Brúarfoss from the footbridge over the river.
Fun fact: the name Brúarfoss means “Bridge Waterfall” and came from the natural stone bridge that existed here hundreds of years ago. The bridge has been long gone, but the name stayed and a new footbridge is now in place to safely admire the waterfall.
That bridge is the best and the safest place to view Brúarfoss – you’ll have a full view of the rapids and the bright blue water for which this waterfall is famous for.
This was truly the bluest waterfall I’ve seen in Iceland!
There is another photo spot at Brúarfoss – this prominent rocky formation offering a view of the bridge and the waterfall in one direction and the river in the other.
Just be careful taking photos there!
Why is Brúarfoss so blue?
The striking blue color of the water at Brúarfoss is because it’s made of glacial water, free of any impurities but rich in minerals – silica in particular, which gives the water its blue tint.
The color is most pronounced on sunny days, which I was lucky to have when I visited!
Is Brúarfoss worth visiting?
In my opinion it is a must-see! It’s one of the most unique waterfalls you’ll encounter in Iceland. It’s definitely Iceland’s bluest waterfall! Since it’s still considered a hidden gem, it’s much less crowded than other attractions in this area.
Best time to visit Brúarárfoss
I recommend visiting Bruarfoss on a clear sunny day if your itinerary allows it. You’ll have the best chance to see its vivid blue water in all its glory! But the color is pretty consistent, so even if you visit on an overcast day, you will still enjoy it!
If you do plan to hike, I recommend visiting when it’s dry and not right after a stretch of wet weather so that the trail is not too muddy.
Can you visit Brúarárfoss in the winter?
Yes, you can visit Brúarfoss year-round, HOWEVER, the hiking trail may be muddy, icy, or covered in snow in the winter months, and the gravel road leading to the new parking lot may not be as well maintained as the main road.
If you’re considering visiting Brúarfoss outside of the summer season, make sure to check the weather conditions and road status before heading out.
Nearby attractions
- Efstidalur II Farm – that’s my promised bonus tip for you! It’s a historic farm, where you’ll find a hotel, a restaurant and an ice cream shop!
The ice cream is absolutely delicious and you can watch the cows right from the cafe!
It’s located only 10 minutes (4.2 km) away from the new parking lot and only 3 minutes (1.9 km) from the Brúará Trail lot.
Bonus tip: Efstidalur Farm also offers horse tours to Brúarfoss!
- Golden Circle – continue driving this epic scenic drive, visiting Thingvellir (Þingvellir) National Park, Gullfoss Waterfall, and Geysir Hot Springs
Read my guide to the Golden Circle main stops and best detours to learn how you can put these amazing sights into a perfect day trip itinerary.
- Friðheimar Tomato and Horse Farm – don’t miss out on the most unique dining experience in Iceland!
- Secret Lagoon – Iceland’s oldest geothermal spa (and my personal favorite!)
- Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Baths – combine a soak in a hot pool with a demo of Fontana’s famous geothermal bread baking. The bread is delicious!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a breathtaking, yet less-known waterfall in Iceland, Brúarfoss is absolutely worth the visit. Its striking blue waters, peaceful atmosphere, and the optional scenic hike make it worth a spot in your Iceland itinerary.
Plus, with nearby attractions, like Efstidalur II Farm and other Golden Circle highlights, you can easily combine them into an unforgettable day trip.
So, if you’re looking for a magical location away from the crowds, Brúarfoss should be on your list!
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About Monika
An avid traveler and a passionate trip planner, mildly obsessed with being organized and prepared 🙂
Well aware of how precious travel time is, I’m here to share my experience and help you get the most out of your vacation time.
“Taking the hassle out of trip planning”
