HOW TO SEE BRUARFOSS WATERFALL – A QUICK TRAVEL GUIDE
Iceland is rich in natural attractions. Whether we talk about natural springs, volcanos, black sand beaches, or waterfalls (and all the other attractions) – there is no lack of natural sights Mother Nature provides in Iceland. One of these natural sights is the Bruarfoss Waterfall.
If you are in Iceland, you will see many of these “foss“ – the Icelandic word for waterfall. What makes the waterfalls so unique? Well, the color is probably the most distinctive feature. It really is gorgeous! In this post, you will find tips about Bruarfoss Waterfalls – how to get there, what to know, and more.
Bruarfoss means Bridge Waterfalls. It doesn’t have much to do with the waterfall itself but with a stone bridge that crosses the river. That bridge was destroyed many centuries ago, but the name has stayed.
LOCATION OF BRUARFOSS WATERFALLS
- Bruarfoss is in the west of Iceland, about 80 minutes east of Reykjavik.
- It is located between Laugarvatn village and the Geysir geothermal area and can be combined with trips around the Golden Circle (like the Thingvellir National Park or Gulfoss Waterfalls).
INFO: BRUARFOSS
Bruarfoss Waterfall is fed by the river Bruara – its origins lie in the Hvita River, which runs from the second-largest glacier in Iceland glacier (Langjökull).
- P.S. Check out a secret waterfall in Iceland.
BEST TIME TO VISIT BRUARFOSS WATERFALLS
- The best time to visit is actually in the summer months.
- In the winter months, the path is inaccessible due to snow.
- Though it is not the most popular place in Iceland, it probably gets busier during the day. If possible, come early and then you will have the place (almost) all to yourself.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO SEE THE BRAURFOSS WATERFALLS?
- It took me 2 hours in total to see the waterfalls.
- This includes all the photo stops to see the waterfalls.
- Since I was in the area and around Gullfoss Waterfall, it was not a big detour. It took me only a few more minutes (and kilometers). So, in terms of driving, it did not take much extra time.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE VISITING BRUARFOSS
- Wear sturdy shoes
- There are no toilets
- Parking is free
- Do not litter (take rubbish with you)
- Stay on the path
HOW TO GET BRAURFOSS WATERFALLS
There was a direct walking path to the waterfalls. However, it closed because of some visitors who destroyed the flora and littered. This is when a few ruin it for the many.
You can still see the waterfalls! These days, you have to do some walking to get there. So, you have to do the detour, but though it takes more, it is worth it! This is an advantage for those who actually visit. There are fewer crowds because many people avoid the “effort” to see it. Also, you will see some smaller waterfalls along the walk.
- Type into your GPS “Bruarfoss Waterfall Official Parking.“
- I headed to the wrong – old – parking space (of course) and realized quickly that I had to drive back 2km or so).
- There is no bus stop, so you need to drive there.
- There is a parking space where you can park for free.
- Most guided tours, do not offer a visit to Bruarfoss Waterfalls
HIKING TO THE WATERFALL
Apparently, the “hike” scares some people away. I was the only one around when I arrived at about 9 am and did not have to share the place with anybody else. On my way back, I met a couple of other visitors.
You need to walk around 3,5km to see the main waterfall and then walk back another 3,5km.
A sign says it is an intermediate hike. However, it is maximal a medium walk. There is no hiking included, just a pleasant stroll with very few up- and downhill hikes. You might have to walk through the mud on/after rainy days, but what in Iceland is considered “intermediate” is probably called a “baby hike” in Switzerland. I totally made that up, but whenever I hike “an intermediate hike” in Switzerland, I am dead for 2 days. So, this was the easiest “intermediate” hike I have ever done.
If you have gotten curious about “intermediate hikes” in Switzerland check out my Oeschinensee post.
Most of the walk is very easy – the path is flat, and you have a river view. Only some parts will have slight uphill (and downhill) walks through the forest.
From the parking lot, stay on the left side (at the beginning, you can either walk on the right or left side) and then walk along the river. You will see a couple of very tiny – yet beautiful – waterfalls like Gongustigur, Hlauptungufoss, and also Midifoss. These small waterfalls are lovely, but the best is yet to come.
BRUARFOSS: The waterfall is stunning! Not the waterfall itself but the color! Wild and powerful shimmering in that unique color! There is a wooden bridge to cross, that allows you to see the waterfalls from different perspectives.
However, there is not much else to do and see around Bruarfalls Waterfalls.
CONCLUSION: IS BRUARFOSS WORTH IT?
Iceland’s Bluest Waterfall, Bruarfoss Waterfall, is really unique! I did not care about the lack of water volume or its small size… the color made me fall in love!
Personally, Bruarfoss has become one of my favorite waterfalls in Iceland. It is pretty tiny, but its color is outstanding! I probably have never seen a more suited watercolor for a waterfall.
The hike is very easy. Though it is not possible to pass with a stroller, I do believe that even smaller kids can do the walk (just keep away from the river) or people who are not into hiking. It will take about 2-4 hours, including the drive from other main attractions in that area. Many other waterfalls present themselves on a silver plate in Iceland – where there is no need to do any hiking. Bruarfoss Waterfalls however are less accessible. This might be a turn-off for some. So, all those who eventually visit will benefit from fewer visitors.
So, should you add it to your Iceland itinerary? My answer is clear: Yes, if size does not matter to you, but you are more into amazing colors, this is a place to visit in summer.
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