While traveling, do you like to discover vivid lesser known places? Maybe even add in a sweet little hike to stretch your from road tripping?! Well today we have just the spot in mind for you… A place that has a crystalline glacial water that flows through multiple waterfalls creating an awe inspiring experience for you. Come along with us as we share all of the details on the Brúarfoss Waterfall Hike!
Hiking in Iceland
Likely, if you’re visiting Iceland you are renting your own car and planning to do an unforgettable self-drive itinerary. After all, that is the best way to explore Iceland in our opinion. However, if you’re an adventurous person, couple, or group maybe hiking is also on your agenda. But not one that is many hours, rather one that is around an hour one way or less.
Well, no matter your skill level, there are incredible hikes in Iceland to embark on and we know about some of the best places to go hiking for amazing views! But beyond our list is the hike to Brúarfoss Waterfall which we will highlight below…
Where is Brúarfoss?
Brúarfoss Waterfall is found in South Central Iceland. In fact, it is near to the famed Golden Circle route and outside of a town known for their geothermal geysers called, Laugarás. Meanwhile, it is a fantastic offbeat waterfall to add on to your day if you will be specifically exploring Geysir (only a 15 minute detour). Furthermore, you can find the drive times from various areas of Iceland and map links to the hiking trail as follows:
- Geysir to Brúarfoss = 15 minutes. Map link.
- Selfoss to Brúarfoss = 40 minutes. Map link.
- Reykjavik to Brúarfoss = 1 hour 25 minutes. Map link.
- Vik to Brúarfoss = 2 hours 1 minute. Map link.
- Höfn to Brúarfoss = 5 hours 20 16 minutes. Map link.
- Akureyri to Brúarfoss = 5 hours 30 minutes. Map link.
Parking Lot vs the Trek
Next, in Spring of 2023, the landowners of Brúarfoss Waterfall built a parking lot that allows you to bypass the hike and have only a 5 minute (less than 1,000 feet) walk to the main waterfall. However, upon arrival you need to pay 750 ISK (or more), see price list for more information. You need to pay via the app Parka.
So for those of you that a have a tight driving schedule or don’t want to hike this is an ideal solution for you. That way you can still experience this vivid place with less physical effort. On the other hand, if you have the time, want to have a journey through an Icelandic forest, see two additional waterfalls (Hlauptungufoss and Miðfoss), save on parking, connect with nature, and burn some calories!
Feel free to continue to read below the specifics of the hike to Brúarfoss Waterfall so you can make an informed decision before you embark on which way you go. After all, it’s nice to have options!
Brúarfoss Waterfall Hike
Okay, so hiking to Brúarfoss is a fun experience to have. Our Iceland Wedding Planner team did it in 45 minutes one way and honestly it was a refreshing hike! Below we share the details and step by step photo guide of the journey you’ll have…
Brúarfoss Hiking Specifications:
- Distance: ~4.4 miles round trip.
- Hike Time: ~2-3 hours round trip depending on your pace and how much time you spend stopping along the way.
- Terrain: Rocky path, loose rocks, large rocks (almost boulders to traverse through), dirt/mud, sand, slippery rocks, and wooden bridges.
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate! But if you’re an unsure hiker, it’s best to bring hiking poles.
- Elevation Gain: ~225 feet
- Brúarfoss Hike Parking Lot: Google Map (off of Route #37).
- Best Time to Hike: Late April – October.
- What to Pack: Checkout our IWP Amazon Shop for a guide on what to buy and / or bring!
- Notes:
- Between the months of mid November– Late April, the area is open but trail markers will likely be covered in snow making the trail impassable. It may be best to view from the paid parking lot instead of doing the hike.
- Be very aware and careful hiking as there was sadly a death here in the Summer of 2022.
- Please respect the ropes, signs, and LEAVE NO TRACE!
Step by Step Directions to Brúarfoss Waterfall
Follow these directions to find your way to the 3 waterfalls and super blue water along the Brúará River…
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- Upon arriving to Brúarfoss Waterfall parking lot you’ll find a spot within the gravel lot.
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- Next, you’ll find signs, a animal grate and ladder. Go over the ladder or the grate to start the hike.
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- Sign showing you where the no hike parking lot is for Brúarfoss Waterfall.
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- Additional signs sharing the outlook on the hike.
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- Another sign along the Brúará River waterfall route.
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- What initially the trail markers look like.
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- First, you’ll hike through an open area gravel path.
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- Second, you’ll follow the river for a bit before entering the larger forest area.
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- Third, the trail goes through a summerhouse area so please respect the private signs.
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- Several times throughout the trail you’ll find signs directing you back to the Brúarfoss Waterfall path.
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- Fourth, you’ll find a rock / boulder bridge that takes you deeper into the Icelandic forest.
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- Fifth, hands down this was the muddiest spot on the trail. Having an extra pair of shoes to change into after your hike could be beneficial.
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- Sixth, into the Icelandic forest you go!
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- Seventh, in the forest you’ll find many of the trees marked with yellow tape or paint.
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- Further, there were not many trail markers here on the ground (only in the trees).
Hlauptungufoss Waterfall
About 20-25 minutes into the Brúarfoss waterfall hike you’ll walk up a small hill and emerge from the forest and encounter Hlauptungufoss.
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- Sign at Hlauptungufoss.
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- The first thing you see when you reach Hlauptungufoss.
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- Hlauptungufoss Waterfall within the
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- Brúará River along the Brúarfoss Waterfall hiking route.
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- The very powerful Hlauptungufoss waterfall.
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- Warning signs at Hlauptungufoss to not go further.
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- Hlauptungufoss Waterfall
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- Looking down the Bruara River.
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- Close up at the rock formations at Hlauptungufoss Waterfall.
Miðfoss Waterfall
Approximately, 10-15 minutes from Hlauptungufoss Waterfall is Miðfoss Waterfall.
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- Moving forward on the trail between the waterfalls, you’ll find sand takes over the trail.
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- But then it quickly resumes to the dirt and boulder / rock combo.
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- Small waterfalls line the river the further you go.
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- They are super cute and the blue just gets more vivid!
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- Looking at Miðfoss Waterfall.
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- What the path looks like beside Miðfoss.
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- Miðfoss looks like a river cascade waterfall.
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- Sign at Miðfoss waterfall on the trail to Brúarfoss Waterfall.
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- Miðfoss waterfall with the mountains behind.
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- Upstream near the Miðfoss Waterfall.
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- More cascades alongside Miðfoss waterfall.
Final Stretch to the Main Waterfall: Brúarfoss
After you experience Hlauptungufoss and Miðfoss waterfalls you’re 15-20 minutes away from the main attraction of Brúarfoss Waterfall. So high five to you for making it this point!
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- Here you’ll find the path splits. The LEFT side is less travelled but you can still go that way as they connect again.
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- Meanwhile, in this stretch you’ll do the highest part of the hikes elevation.
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- You’ll notice a few “private” signs along with a few signs keeping you on track to the waterfall.
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- Then you’ll hike over a small foot bridge.
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- The view from the bridge is beautiful, especially around golden hour.
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- Once you get to this wider part of the path you’re basically there!
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- Please heed the warnings throughout the Brúarfoss Waterfall area.
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- Welcome to Brúarfoss. The best view is on top of the next larger and longer bridge.
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- A fabulous lookout cliff point allows you to capture how crazy blue the water here is!
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- View of the larger bridge.
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- View of Brúarfoss Waterfall from the larger bridge.
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- How crazy BLUE is this powerful river?!
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- If you follow the trail further back on RIGHT side of the waterfall you’ll experience more private views.
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- Looking down the river towards the final larger bridge.
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- Once you finish exploring, hike back the same way you came in!
Planning a Wedding at Brúarfoss
Likely after reading this, you may be interested in getting married at Brúarfoss Waterfall. Good news, it is totally possible! However, it will require in advance permission from the landowners. A local Iceland Wedding Planner can help you reach them and apply for any permits from other agencies as well depending on your group size and scope. And if you’re interested in crafting a more private experience for your adventure wedding or elopement, feel free to contact us to get that conversation started!
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