Bruarfoss Waterfall is a lesser known tourist attraction located along the Golden Circle route in Iceland.
I first discovered Bruarfoss while looking for some less popular spots to see while heading out to Gullfoss and Strokkur, two of the most popular stops in the Golden Circle.
During my two week camper van trip to Iceland during the winter, I visited Bruarfoss Waterfall on two separate occasions.
When I arrived, the entire area was covered in snow and the road leading out to the waterfall viewpoint was completely covered in ice.
Luckily, the studded tires on my camper didn’t have any issues getting back to the parking lot and I was able to check out Bruarfoss in person.
From the main parking lot I walked less than 10 minutes along a trail before reaching the pedestrian bridge that serves as the main viewing area.
The first thing you’ll notice here, is how blue the water is. It was some of the most vibrant glacial water that I’ve ever seen, which comes courtesy of the nearby Langjokull Glacer.
There are a few different vantage points on the nearby terrain that make for great places to take different composures for photography.
If that isn’t your cup of tea, simply sit back and enjoy the blue waterfall views!
I thought the area was so beautiful that I decided I would come back and try photographing the Northern Lights here if the conditions ever looked good.
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Ten days later, the forecast called for clear skies and a strong Aurora forecast so I made my way back to Bruarfoss from Reykjavik.
I arrived just after sunset and had to wait in my camper for a few hours until the skies were dark enough and the Aurora activity moved into the area.
Once things looked good, I went down to the waterfall bridge and setup my camera.
I ended up waiting out in the cold for over two hours until the Northern Lights finally decided to show up.
But when they did, they showed up across the entire horizon and put on quite a show, right above Bruarfoss Waterfall like I had hoped!
Although I was running low on patience (and body heat) I’m extremely happy with how the night went.
Remember that having proper cold weather gear on your trip is key. For that reason I put together a complete Winter Iceland Packing List to help you prepare.
Alternatively, why not consider joining me in Iceland? I lead my own Ring Road Camper Van Tour during the summer where we’ll be able to experience the Midnight Sun and some warmer weather.
But if seeing the Northern Lights is top of mind for you, I’d suggest joining me in Arctic Norway for my annual Northern Lights tour. Iceland is great for seeing the Aurora during the winter, but Norway is better!
If you want to visit Bruarfoss Waterfall for yourself, keep reading. Throughout the rest of this post I’ll cover everything you need to know before visiting!
Everything you need to know about visiting Bruarfoss Waterfall in Iceland
Where is the best place to stay when visiting?
The nearest town to Bruarfoss is Reykholt, which is about 30 minutes away by car. You can browse hotels in this area here if you aren't going the camper van route.
But to be clear, I'm a big advocate for getting around Iceland via camper van.
You'll want to move around a lot in order to see as much as possible. The alternative is staying in a hotel where you'll need to pack up and move every night.
From there, it’s an easy drive to the waterfall, and you’ll pass through some stunning Icelandic landscapes along the way. If you’re driving The Golden Circle route, Bruarfoss is a perfect, quieter stop to hit in addition to more well-known attractions like Strokkur and Gullfoss.
If your trip takes place during the winter, I'd also suggest reading my list of tips for visiting Winter Iceland. It will cover what to expect from the weather and even highlight a couple different apps you'll want to download to stay safe during your journey.
Where is Bruarfoss located?
Bruarfoss is located in the heart of Iceland’s Golden Circle, about 115 kilometers northeast of Reykjavik.
It's nestled along the Bruara River, flowing through an idyllic, remote valley. While it’s not as famous as other waterfalls in Iceland, Bruarfoss offers a serene and breathtaking experience that’s definitely worth the detour.
This makes for a perfect quick pit stop that you can tack on to your Golden Circle route or visit to nearby Thingvellir National Park.
What is Bruarfoss best known for?
Bruarfoss is best known for its striking, almost surreal, blue water. The waterfall’s color comes from the high concentration of glacial meltwater that flows through the river.
The water is so pure and rich in minerals that it creates this stunning, almost unreal blue hue. While Bruarfoss isn’t a giant waterfall like Gullfoss or Skogafoss, its small size and vibrant color make this a unique and worthwhile experience.
Unlike many of Iceland’s more famous waterfalls, Bruarfoss remains somewhat off the beaten path, which results in a more peaceful visit.
What is the best time of year to visit?
The best season to visit Bruarfoss depends on what kind of experience you're after.
Summer, from June to August, is the most popular time, with lush green landscapes and warmer weather. During these months, the longer hike to the waterfall is easy and accessible, while the weather is generally more mild.
If you're feeling adventurous and want to see the waterfall in a more dramatic setting, visiting in the winter when everything is blanketed in snow and ice offers a completely different perspective.
You shouldn't time your trip to Iceland based on this one stop, but rest easy knowing it's a great add on stop no matter when you visit!
Is there a fee to visit?
The great news is that Bruarfoss is free to visit! There’s no entrance fee, and it’s open to the public year-round. The only cost you’ll incur is a small fee for parking.
When is the best time of day to visit?
Bruarfoss makes for a great stop any time of day.
If you're a photographer, consider showing up in the early morning or late evening to grab the perfect golden hour photo of the falls.
Otherwise, feel free to stop by whenever is convenient for you. The waterfall will be busiest during the midday, but it shouldn't be as crazy as other Golden Circle destinations.
I also really like this as a Northern Lights viewing area.
There's a great composure to be had setting your camera up on the bridge, overlooking the falls. The horizon is relatively clear to the north, and there shouldn't be many people (if any) here late in the evening.
Other important things to know when visiting this place
Visiting Bruarfoss doesn’t take a lot of time, but you’ll want to spend at least 30 minutes enjoying the views and taking photos.
The roundtrip walk from the parking area to the waterfall is less than 1 mile (or kilometer) and takes about 15 minutes total.
Once you arrive, take some time to enjoy the waterfall’s beauty from various angles. You can walk across the pedestrian bridge, underneath it, or to some rock formations along the river offering unique views.
Unfortunately, there are no bathroom facilities directly at Bruarfoss. Make sure to use restrooms before you head to the waterfall area!
Check out my Small Group Trip to Iceland
Interested in joining me in Iceland?
Check out my Iceland Ring Road Tour.
This trip takes place during the summer which allows us to experience Iceland's Midnight Sun and tons of daylight while we set out to cover the entirety of Ring Road.
If you've always wanted to visit Iceland, but aren't comfortable spending the time to research and plan it yourself, let me take care of the dirty work for you!
Not only that, but you'll have a great guide (that's me!) to help ensure everything goes smoothly.
I've custom curated the itinerary to make sure we hit all of the best stuff, all you've got to do is show up and enjoy!
You can read more about my Iceland Group Tour at the link.
Watch my Winter Iceland Travel Vlog on YouTube
Check out these Golden Circle Tours
Looking for more things to do in the Golden Circle area of Iceland? Check out some of these options available through GetYourGuide.
Additional Travel Planning Resources
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Is visiting Bruarfoss Waterfall worth it?
Overall I had an amazing experience at Bruarfoss Waterfall during both visits that I made.
While there are a ton of different waterfalls to see in Iceland, this was one of my favorites due to its unique blue water color. The color really sets it apart from the others you’ll see across the island.
If you’re visiting Iceland during the winter, then considering venturing here in the evening for a chance to spot the Northern Lights.
Just make sure you check the weather and Aurora forecast to ensure there’s a decent chance they’ll make an appearance before you stand out in the cold all night!
If you’re looking for more Iceland travel inspiration then be sure to check out some of my posts on the following subjects:
- Snorkeling at the Silfra Fissure in Thingvellir National Park
- Take a volcano hike with a geologist at Fagradalsfjall
- Try a Reykjavik walking food tour
- Enjoy whale watching in Reykjavik Harbor
- Vatnajokull Blue Ice Caves Tour
Also be sure to check out my 7 Day Winter Iceland Itinerary which will set you up for the perfect cold weather road trip along the South Coast!
Hopefully this guide to visiting the Bruarfoss Waterfall in Iceland helps you figure out if its a good stop for your trip itinerary.
