Bruarfoss Waterfall Travel Guide

Bruarfoss (Bridge Falls) is a small waterfall known for its striking color, sometimes being called "Iceland’s Bluest Waterfall." It's within the Golden Circle area in South Iceland, an hour and a half drive from Reykjavik.

Bruarfoss is a small but striking waterfall in South Iceland, known for its unique blue water. It is situated along Bruara, a river that originates in the Hvita glacier river from the Langjokull glacier. The waterfall drops 6.5-10 feet (2-3 meters) into a crevice running through dark volcanic rock, creating sky-blue rapids contrasting with the surrounding flora.

The Bruar waterfall is part of the Golden Circle area, although not a common spot along the popular travel route. This makes it a fantastic location for those seeking a quieter natural experience while exploring the region.

You can easily include a visit to Bruarfoss in your exploration with this small-group Golden Circle minibus tour, which also has a stop at the Kerid crater. Alternatively, the best way to visit is by renting a car and embarking on self-drive tours, allowing you to explore at your own pace.

History of Bruarfoss Waterfall

Bruarfoss waterfall is named after a stone arch that once stood above it, serving as a natural bridge for travelers. Supposedly, this bridge was destroyed in 1602 by an official of the Skalholt episcopal see. This act prevented starving peasants from reaching lands owned by the church during a famine.

Another notable event tied to the area occurred on July 20, 1433, when the Danish bishop Jón Gereksson was drowned in a river near Bruarfoss waterfall. He was placed in a bag, tied to a large stone, and thrown into the water by two Icelandic chieftains, Þorvarður Loftsson and Teitur Gunnlaugsson. The motive was mostly retaliation for mistreatment by the bishop's men, but it also involved revenge for Margrét Vigfúsdóttir.

Margrét had refused to marry the bishop's illegitimate son, Magnús, which enraged him. In retaliation, Magnús led an attack on her farm and attempted to burn her alive inside her home. Though Margrét managed to escape, her brother Ívar Vigfússon was shot and killed during the assault. Seeking justice, Margrét vowed to marry whoever avenged her brother's death. Although the bishop, rather than Magnús, was killed, she considered it sufficient revenge and honored her promise by marrying the chieftain Þorvarður Loftsson.

Visiting Bruarfoss Waterfall

Visiting Bruarfoss waterfall is a great experience for those wanting to explore Iceland's natural beauty in peace. In recent years, access to the waterfall has been greatly improved with dedicated walking paths and a parking area.

The official parking area is just by the Bruarfoss waterfall. You can park there for a small fee, which helps maintain the site and manage the growing number of visitors. You can see the waterfall from the parking lot, but from there, the path is short, easy, and accessible for most people.

Once at the Bruarfoss waterfall, you’ll find a bridge over the water, offering great views of the falls from above. This makes it convenient to enjoy the scenery and take photos from different angles without effort.

How to Go to Bruarfoss Waterfall

There are two main paths you can take to reach Bruarfoss waterfall from Reykjavik, either through Thingvellir National Park or along the Ring Road. Whichever path you choose, you should head for the town of Laugarvatn.

When you reach Laugarvatn,  follow road 37 until you reach the left turn towards Bruarfoss waterfall. You'll have to follow a gravel road for around 10 minutes, and then you'll reach the Bruarfoss parking area. During summer, the Bruarfoss waterfall is easily accessible by small rental cars. If you're planning a winter trip, you'll need to rent a 4x4 vehicle to reach it.