Hraunfossar
About
Unlike any other waterfall in Iceland. Water seeps through a lava field and emerges as hundreds of small rivulets pouring into the turquoise Hvítá river. Stretches for nearly a kilometer.
It's mesmerizing. Hundreds of streams trickling from under the lava, each one catching light differently. The water is impossibly blue. It's quiet, gentle — the opposite of power waterfalls.
The water comes from Langjökull glacier, filtering through the porous Hallmundarhraun lava field for miles underground before emerging here. The lava flowed from a crater 1,500 years ago.
Right next to Barnafoss — do both. Easy access, parking lot nearby. The autumn colors here are incredible. Less crowded than south coast falls. Good cafe at the visitor center.
Drive: Good
Visit now
30 min stop
Ring Road 1Checking…
F-roadsClosed (winter)
ClosuresNone nearby
Wind—
Visibility—
Entry: Free
Parking: free ISK
No booking
Entry feeFree
Parkingfree ISK
BookingNot needed
Getting thereCar recommended
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22:00 – 02:00
Face northLoading…
Activity peak23:42
MoonWaxing crescentLight pollutionRural dark sky
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Sunrise—
Golden hour AM—
Golden hour PM—
Sunset—
Blue hour—Cars & campers
KEF airport pickup 24/74.8
Toyota RAV4
Heated seats for winter waterfall runs, range for highland summer loops.
TransmissionAutomatic
FuelHybrid
Seats5
DriveAWD
VW Caravelle
Whole family or friend group in one car — gear in the back, room to stretch.
TransmissionAutomaticFuelDieselSeats9Drive2WD
Key Camper Wild Duo
Sleep right by the trailhead, wake up at the falls — F-road ready from mid-June.
TransmissionManualFuelPetrol
Sleeps2Drive4WDTours near Hraunfossar
Small groups4.8
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Reviews
Walking behind a 60-meter waterfall is something you don't forget. We went at sunset and the light through the curtain was absolutely magical. Bring proper rain gear — you WILL get soaked through. The path is well-maintained but rocky.
Best light at sunrise before the tour buses arrive. The path behind is slippery in winter but doable with spikes. Don't skip Gljúfrabúi next door — most tourists walk right past it, but it's a hidden waterfall inside a cave. Spectacular.
Stopped here on a Ring Road trip in early January. The path behind the waterfall was closed due to ice — check conditions before you go if walking behind is the main reason. Still stunning from the front though.
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