Access and Information
Hraunfossar and Barnafoss are located in the upper district of Borgarfjörður, in Hálsasveit. The journey from Borgarnes takes approximately 45 minutes by car, and the waterfalls are among the most popular visitor stops in West Iceland. The area features well-maintained and clearly marked walking paths, with designated viewpoints throughout. Parts of the site offer good wheelchair accessibility. Visitors will find toilet facilities and informational signage highlighting key attractions in the surrounding area. The site is accessible year-round and benefits from full-year ranger presence. The area is managed by the Iceland Nature Conservation Agency.
Visitor Guidelines
- Construction, land disturbance, and other modifications to the area are subject to permission from the Iceland Nature Conservation Agency.
- The protected area is open to all visitors, provided that respectful conduct is observed.
- Off-road driving and driving outside marked routes are prohibited.
- Visitors must not damage vegetation, disturb wildlife, or alter geological formations.
Everyone is welcome to visit the area and is encouraged to treat nature and fellow visitors with respect.
About the Natural Monument
In addition to the waterfalls themselves, the area is characterised by remarkable natural beauty, including lava fields, birch woodland, and the Hvítá River. Hvítá is constantly changing, with the river’s colour shifting depending on weather conditions, rainfall, and temperature. At times it resembles a clear spring-fed river, while at others it becomes a powerful glacial river. The surrounding landscape also transforms dramatically with the seasons, as if the area changes its clothing through spring, summer, autumn, and winter. At Barnafoss, visitors can observe natural stone arches and signs of past flooding, including giant’s kettles (potholes). From the pedestrian bridge, it is possible to see how the Hvítá River forces its way through a narrow channel, while also observing where older and younger geological formations meet.
Protection Status
Hraunfossar and Barnafoss were designated natural monuments in 1987. Hraunfossar consists of beautiful spring-fed waterfalls emerging from beneath Hallmundarhraun lava field and flowing into the Hvítá River. Barnafoss, located just upstream, is set within a dramatic landscape and is known for the rock bridges and stone arches carved into the bedrock by the river.