About This Experience

Brúarfoss doesn't have the height of Gullfoss or the fame of Seljalandsfoss, but the colour of the water here is something we haven't seen at any other waterfall in Iceland. The Brúará river carries glacial meltwater that has been naturally filtered through lava rock for decades, stripping out sediment and leaving behind an almost electric turquoise.

The waterfall itself is a series of cascades where the river splits into several braided channels and drops over a wide shelf of dark rock. It's not tall — maybe 3 metres at the main drop — but the intensity of the blue against the black basalt is genuinely startling. Photos don't do it justice; the colour looks edited, but it really is that vivid in person.

We visited on a cloudy morning and had the falls nearly to ourselves. The walk in takes about 45 minutes each way, which filters out the crowds heading to the bigger Golden Circle attractions nearby.

What to Expect

A dedicated parking area is located off Route 37, signposted for Brúarfoss. From there, a 3.5 km trail follows the river through birch scrub and meadow to the falls. The path is flat and easy to follow, though it can be muddy after rain.

The trail runs alongside the Brúará river for most of the way, and you'll pass several smaller cascades before reaching the main falls. Each one has that same improbable blue colour. The final viewpoint puts you right at the edge of the main cascade — take your time here.

The blue is most intense in overcast or diffused light. On bright sunny days, the glare can wash out the colour in photos.

Practical Tips

• The trailhead parking is off Route 37 near Laugarvatn — follow signs for Brúarfoss
• The walk is 3.5 km each way on flat terrain — allow 2-3 hours round trip
• Best visited May to October; winter trail can be icy and the access road may be impassable
• Overcast days give the best colour for photography — avoid midday sun
• No facilities at the trailhead or falls — bring water and use facilities in Laugarvatn
• Combine with the Golden Circle as an add-on (Geysir is 30 minutes east)
• The drive from Reykjavik takes about 1.5 hours
• Respect the marked trail — the area around the falls is fragile