Brúarfoss Trail

The Brúarfoss trail leads to what many call the bluest waterfall in Iceland. Brúarfoss is a wide, low cascade on the Brúará river where the water pours into a narrow cleft, glowing an intense blue in good light. The riverside path to reach it passes two more pretty cascades, Hlauptungufoss and Miðfoss, making this a lovely walk in the Golden Circle area.

The out-and-back trail is about 6 km with only around 40 m of ascent and takes one and a half to two hours. It starts from a car park near the Brúará river off Route 37 and follows the river upstream through birch scrub and summer house areas. The path is easy but can be muddy, especially in spring and after rain.

A footbridge crosses the cleft directly above Brúarfoss, giving the classic view of the blue water. The waterfall is a short drive from Laugarvatn and Geysir, so the walk combines well with other Golden Circle stops. Go early or late in the day for the best light and fewer people. Please keep to the marked path and respect the private land around the summer houses along the way. If you only want to see the falls, a paid car park closer to Brúarfoss, opened in 2023 and reached by a rough gravel road, leaves just a five-minute walk.

Highlights

• The intensely blue water of Brúarfoss
• Hlauptungufoss and Miðfoss cascades along the way
• A footbridge view directly over the waterfall
• Easy riverside walking in the Golden Circle area

The route

Getting to the trailhead

Brúarfoss is in the Golden Circle area, roughly 1 to 1.5 hours' drive from Reykjavík. Drive to Route 37 (Laugarvatnsvegur) and use the free, signposted hiking car park near the Brúará river, from where the trail runs upstream. Since 2023 there has also been a paid car park (around 750–1,000 ISK) near the falls, reached by a rough gravel road, about five minutes' walk from Brúarfoss. Do not park on the private summer-house roads. There is no public transport to the trailhead.

Where to stay

Laugarvatn has hotels, guesthouses and a campsite. Other options include accommodation around Geysir, Reykholt and Flúðir. Wild camping near Brúarfoss is not permitted.

Best time to hike

Brúarfoss can be visited year-round. Summer brings green surroundings and long days; winter can bring icy paths and short daylight. The blue colour is most vivid in good light, so go on a sunny day if possible. Early morning and evening are quietest.

Safety

The path can be muddy and icy; wear sturdy footwear and microspikes in winter. Stay on the path and footbridge; the river current is strong, and the banks are slippery. Never wade or swim in the river. Check vedur.is and call 112 in an emergency.