Bjarnarfoss

About Bjarnarfoss

Bjarnarfoss is a tall, slender waterfall on the south side of the Snæfellsnes peninsula in West Iceland, a few kilometres from the hamlet of Búðir. It falls about 80 metres in two main stages down basalt cliffs formed by the extinct volcano Mælifell, which rises to 566 metres behind it. The waterfall and the surrounding basalt cliffs are on Iceland's Nature Conservation Register.

The falls are right beside Route 54, the main road around the peninsula, close to where the road to the Fróðárheiði pass and Ólafsvík branches north and the road west continues towards Búðir and Arnarstapi. That makes Bjarnarfoss an easy stop on a Snæfellsnes day, and it is visible from the road even if you do not get out. From the upper slope there is a view back over Búðakirkja, the black church at Búðir, and the coastline beyond.

There is a large free car park below the waterfall. A clear path, laid partly with plastic mats, climbs about 600 metres with around 50 metres of height gain to a viewpoint halfway up the slope; allow about 12 minutes each way. The walk is graded easy, but the ground can be wet and slippery, so wear proper shoes. The rest area received the Icelandic Tourist Board's Environment Prize in 2018. There are no other facilities on site.

Bjarnarfoss is best from late spring to autumn, when meltwater and rain keep the flow up and daylight is long. In winter, check road and weather information before driving, especially if you plan to cross Fróðárheiði.