So, what makes Brúarfoss waterfall in Iceland so special? Oh, where to begin!
It’s commonly known as the waterfall with the bluest water in Iceland.
This electric blue waterfall is so breathtaking, it deserves a spot on your bucket list of must-see natural wonders!
A once hidden gem that’s becoming increasingly popular along the Golden Circle route, it’s positioned snuggly between Laugarvatn village and the Geysir geothermal area.
The name, Brúarfoss, means ‘bridge falls.’ The waters come from Langjökull glacier, which eventually feeds into the Brúará River where you find Brúarfoss waterfall.
In this guide, I’ll recommend the best time of year to visit, suggest what gear to pack when hiking to the waterfall, outline safety precautions to follow, and lots more.
Regardless of how many times I’ve visited Brúarfoss, it never ceases to impress.
Curious to find out what all the hype’s about?
Let’s get to it!
Table of Contents
- Reykjavík To Brúarfoss Waterfall
- Isn’t Brúarfoss Closed?
- Brúarfoss Waterfall Hike Time
- Brúarfoss Waterfall Parking & Restrooms
- How To Get To Brúarfoss Waterfall
- Brúarfoss Waterfall Trail Difficulty
- Best Time To Visit Brúarfoss Falls
- Safety Precautions: Brúarfoss Waterfall Deaths
- Gear You Should Pack For Your Brúarfoss Waterfall Hike
- After the Hike
Traveling From Reykjavík To Brúarfoss Waterfall
The Golden Circle is one of Iceland’s most scenic routes and includes stunning landmarks like Þingvellir National Park, Gullfoss, and Geysir geothermal area.
Brúarfoss waterfall is tucked away along this route, located roughly 95 km from Reykjavík.
You’d pass right by it if you weren’t paying attention!
Its proximity to the capital makes Brúarfoss the perfect day trip hike.
If you’re traveling from Reykjavík, head East and access Route 37. You’ll drive toward Geysir, a beautiful geothermal area.
On the route, you’ll pass Efstidalur Farm (more about that in a bit 😉) and drive across a bridge, after which you’ll find the small Brúarfoss parking lot on your left.
Pro tip: The old access route (as found in some old blog posts on the internet) is closed and takes you through private property. You don’t want to take this route, because if you do, you could incur some pretty hefty fines for trespassing.
If you’re traveling the Golden Circle and would love to explore some of the best-kept secrets along the way, you’ll enjoy diving into this blog post:
👉 READ MORE: 6 Less-Traveled Iceland Golden Circle Stops: Don’t Miss These Hidden Gems!
Isn’t Brúarfoss Closed?
Good news! Brúarfoss is still very much open, but you need to access it from a different trail.
The old trail was shorter, but as I mentioned earlier, it was located on private property.
There were issues with tourists not keeping to the path, wandering where they weren’t supposed to, and leaving litter behind, so the landowners decided to close it.
There is a new trail now – it’s longer, but to be honest, I prefer it!
You get to hike along the Brúará River to the falls, taking in more of the beautiful surroundings.
So, all in all, it’s a better experience for anyone who loves being out in nature.
Brúarfoss Waterfall Hike Time
The Brúarfoss Waterfall Hike is about 7 km round trip and should take you about 2.5-3 hours to complete. This, of course, will differ from person to person.
However, as with any scenic place, I would suggest not rushing it; take in the scenery and capture some photos of the breathtaking views!
Brúarfoss Parking & Restrooms
When it comes to parking you’ve got a couple of choices.
Option 1: If you decide on doing the hike, there’s a medium-sized parking lot, and this one’s free.
Option 2: If you’re not up for the hike, but still want to see the falls, there’s a new parking lot. It’ll cost you about 750 ISK (around $5), but you’ll be able to get to the waterfall in about 5 minutes.
❌The downside is that there are no restrooms available at either of these parking areas.
How to Get to Brúarfoss Waterfall
For those of you who’ve decided to be adventurous and hike to the falls, here’s what you’re going to do. 👇🏼
Once you’ve left your car, hike along the EAST bank of the river.
You’ll notice that the trail is mostly flat.
The best part about going to see a waterfall is the possibility of discovering more along the way!
About 30 minutes into the hike, you’ll come across the first waterfall, Hlauptungufoss, and roughly 10 minutes later, you’ll see Miðfoss, the second waterfall.
Continue along the path until you reach Brúarfoss waterfall, where you’ll get great views from most vantage points, but especially from the bridge.
Brúarfoss Waterfall Trail Difficulty
The Brúarfoss hike is relatively flat but it’s notoriously muddy and rocky in some places.
Therefore, it’s rated as an easy to moderately difficult trail.
It’s a 3.5 km (2.2 mile) hike from the parking area to reach Brúarfoss.
In the winter months, paths can become more difficult to navigate and dangerous due to snowfall.
Pssst. If you’re into epic hikes and breathtaking views then you might want to check Glymur waterfall, too!
👉 READ MORE: Why Glymur Waterfall Should Top Your Iceland Hiking Bucket List
Best Time to Visit Brúarfoss Falls
The prime time to visit Brúarfoss is from May through October.
I hiked the trail in September, and there’s something incredibly special about witnessing the fall leaves changing color – it takes the experience to a whole new level by adding that extra wow factor!
Can You Visit Brúarfoss Falls In The Winter?
You can technically access Brúarfoss year-round, however, I wouldn’t suggest going in the winter.
Snow along the river bank could make the trail slippery and dangerous. The path may also be inaccessible depending on weather conditions.
👉 READ MORE: Discover The Top 10 Breathtaking Waterfalls In Iceland
Safety Precautions: Brúarfoss Waterfall Deaths
Sadly, there have been fatal accidents at the falls. So here are a few precautions to keep in mind when hiking the waterfalls in Iceland:
Check the weather: Before you even head out for the day, make sure that you’ve double-checked the weather predictions. If one thing is certain, it’s that the weather in Iceland isn’t!
Tell others: Let friends and family know where you’re going, especially if you plan on hiking alone.
Follow the signs: There may be warning signs posted on the way, make sure you read them and follow the guidelines.
Stay on the trail: Those trails are there for a reason, and most of the time it’s for your safety. At Brúarfoss they’re also there to prevent tourists from trespassing on private property.
Stay focused, safety first: Take photographs and enjoy the experience, but remember not to take unnecessary risks. Keep a safe distance from the edge, you may be tempted to stand in a risky place to capture the perfect photograph, trust me, it’s not worth the risk.
Come prepared: Make sure you’ve got everything you need for the hike, from the correct clothes, safety equipment, and snacks of course!
Follow these tips for your safety, because unfortunately, accidents do happen.
Gear You Should Pack For Your Brúarfoss Waterfall Hike
You’re ready to head out to Brúarfoss waterfall, but oh what to wear?!
As with any sightseeing activity you want to make sure you’re well prepared, especially as the weather in Iceland is so unpredictable.
Pro tip: Since the trail is almost always muddy, bring a change of shoes for when you’re done!
Here’s a look at what I brought with me for my hike to Brúarfoss waterfall:
- Backpack
- Headband
- Gloves
- Waterproof hiking boots
- Extra pair of shoes in the car (Your hiking boots are bound to get muddy!)
- Drone (to capture those epic shots of the blue water)
- Extra batteries
- Hiking pants
- Layers! (long sleeve shirts)
- Water and windproof jacket
- Water bottle
- Sunglasses
- Cell phone
- Snacks – always snacks! 😃
👉🏼 Check this out if you’re looking for Jeannie-approved recommendations for hiking gear.
After the Hike
I’m a firm believer in rewarding yourself for the effort put in!
Remember that farm you passed on the way to the falls?
It’s called Efstidalur, a family-run dairy farm since 1750, but ever since the boom of tourism in the area, they decided to open up a restaurant and cafe.
They produce dairy products and serve the best ice cream!
My go-to flavor is always salted caramel, but honestly, everything they have is delicious.
It’s the perfect way to wrap up your trip to Brúarfoss waterfall!
Are you trying to plan a trip to Iceland but feeling bogged down by fruitless Google searches?
Don’t waste another second, because I’ve got a fantastic resource for you. Enter 👉 my Iceland Travel Guides + Maps.
With over 500 pinned locations, it’s a goldmine of detailed information on waterfalls, national parks, trail locations, restroom facilities, and parking fees. It’s the ultimate companion for planning the best trip ever!
So, pack up your gear, and get ready to witness an epic shade of blue like never before 💙
Happy planning!
Pin it for later! 👇🏻
