Pets allowed
Allowed with Restrictions
Elevation Gain
500.00 ft (152.40 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
4.40 mi (7.08 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Brúarfoss is referred to as one of Iceland's most beautiful hidden falls. With no direct road access, reaching the falls requires a 7-kilometer (4.4 mi) round-trip hike. With water running over wide horseshoe-shaped falls into a dreamy emerald-blue stream below, at about 3 meters tall Brúarfoss is far from being one of Iceland's taller falls. However, it is unquestionably a scenic waterfall to take in. Currently, after a history in which local vacation homeowners have closed previous trails to the falls that pass through private land due to disrespectful trail users, reaching the falls requires a hike that mixes a gravel and dirt path.

The trail begins at an official parking area, a gravel lot beside the Brúará River on the road between Laugarvatn Fontana and the Geysir area. From here, the path parallels the river, though not always within view of it, as it heads through a landscape where mountains rise above the surrounding foliage. At a meeting with the private road, the path follows the road before eventually branching off, where it continues heading upriver before reaching the falls.

With no trash cans, bathrooms, or water anywhere along the trail, littering and human waste have been a major issue with landowners, who have closed the trail on occasion. Signage is not always available to indicate the proper path. Hikers should be aware of these and plan ahead, and it may be worth looking into the current trail status before heading out for this hike.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Fall
Summer
Spring

Congestion

Low

Parking Pass

None

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Beautiful falls. Low crowds.

Cons

Trail subject to seasonal conditions.

Trailhead Elevation

250.00 ft (76.20 m)

Highest point

375.00 ft (114.30 m)

Features

Near lake or river
Big vistas
Waterfalls

Typically multi-day

No

Permit required

No

Location

Comments

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