Brúarfoss is a bright blue waterfall on the Brúará river in South Iceland, about 94 km (59 mi) east of Reykjavik and 15 km from Laugarvatn. Since a lot opened by the falls in 2023, it is a 5-minute walk from the car (about 30 to 45 minutes round trip), with a longer riverside trail of about 7 km for those who want a hike. This page contains partner links: if you book, we earn a commission at no cost to you.
Highlights
The falls
the river squeezes through a narrow rock channel before dropping, and the water is a vivid blue.
Hlauptungufoss and Miðfoss
two more falls on the longer riverside trail.
The Golden Circle neighbours
Efstidalur is 6 km away, Friðheimar 12.5 km, and the Strokkur geyser about 15 km.
Laugarvatn
the nearest village with services, 15 km away; Geysir is about 30 km.
Practical info
Tips
- The official lot is paid, at about 750 ISK (about 5 USD) per car. Tour buses rarely come here, which is why the falls are quieter than the Golden Circle stops; there is no public transport to the trailhead, so you need a car or a private tour. The parking area has no toilets, shop or cafe: use Laugarvatn or Geysir. The short path is mostly flat but gets very muddy after rain, so wear waterproof boots. Currents near the riverbanks are strong, so stay on the marked paths and do not swim. The longer trail passes Hlauptungufoss and Miðfoss and takes 2 to 3 hours; read the trail sign at the start for the exact distance and whether it is a loop. The Brúarfoss stop fits easily into a day with Geysir, Gullfoss and Þingvellir; guided options are compared in Golden Circle tours. To drive yourself, see Iceland car rental; the Discover Cars page for Iceland is linked in the box above.
How to get there
From Reykjavik, go through Þingvellir National Park or along the Ring Road to Laugarvatn, then follow Road 37 and turn left toward the falls. In summer any car can reach it.
Opening hours
Nearby
See on the map →
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