Brúarfoss
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About Brúarfoss
Brúarfoss is a small waterfall on the river Brúará in Bláskógabyggð, in the Golden Circle area of South Iceland between Laugarvatn and Geysir. It is not high; what draws people is the colour of the water, a bright, clear blue that comes from very clear spring-fed groundwater linked to a large lava field. The falls are a series of low cascades rather than a single drop.
Since spring 2023 the easiest way to reach it is from the Brúarfoss parking area at Hlauptunga, close to Hótel Efstidalur, reached from road 37 (Laugarvatnsvegur) by an access road of about 3 km. From there it is only about a five-minute walk to the falls. The car park is open 24 hours a day all year and costs 750 ISK for cars with up to seven seats, 2,000 ISK for minibuses and 4,000 ISK for larger buses, paid through the Parka app or website.
The alternative is the original riverside trail from a separate car park on road 37, a round trip of about 7 km that passes two smaller falls, Hlauptungufoss at about the halfway point and then Miðfoss, before reaching Brúarfoss. It takes about an hour each way. The trail is closed in winter.
The current around Brúarfoss is strong and the rock edges are slippery, and the falls have claimed lives, so keep well back from the water and do not try to cross. Late spring to early autumn is the best time to visit, when the trail is open and the blue colour shows well in daylight. Allow about 30 minutes from the upper car park, or about two hours for the full trail, and combine the visit with Geysir, Laugarvatn or Faxi waterfall nearby.
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Good to know
Is there a parking fee at Brúarfoss?
Yes, the Hlauptunga car park costs 750 ISK for cars, paid through the Parka app or website.
How long is the walk to Brúarfoss?
From the Hlauptunga car park it is about five minutes; the original riverside trail from road 37 is a round trip of about 7 km.
Can you visit Brúarfoss in winter?
The car park is open all year, but the longer riverside trail is closed in winter.
Why is Brúarfoss so blue?
The colour comes from very clear groundwater fed by springs linked to a large lava field.
Can you swim at Brúarfoss?
No, the current is strong and the falls have claimed lives, so visitors should keep well back from the water.
Where is Brúarfoss?
It is on the Brúará river in the Golden Circle area between Laugarvatn and Geysir, reached from road 37.
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