Best for
Power & drama
Seeing the raw force of water carved through rock.
Barnafoss Waterfall Iceland: Complete Visitor Guide
Children's Falls with dramatic blue glacial rapids churning through a narrow gorge. Steeped in tragic Icelandic folklore in West Iceland.
Updated February 1, 2026By the Iceland.org Travel Team
Region
West Iceland
Located next to Hraunfossar.
Just a short walk upstream from Hraunfossar, Barnafoss ("Children's Falls") is a violent, churning rapid that forces the glacial Hvítá river through a narrow, twisted rock gorge. It is as dangerous as it is beautiful, steeped in local folklore.
Safety + sourcing
Last updated: 2026-02-01
Stay on marked paths. The rocks near the gorge edge are slick and unstable. The current is extremely powerful.
Sources to check
Access
Easy walk
Connected by path to Hraunfossar parking.
Pro tip
Look for the bridge
A pedestrian bridge over the gorge gives a great downward view.
What to Expect at Barnafoss
- A noisy, churning rapid compared to Hraunfossar's calm
- Twisted rock formations and potholes carved by water
- A safe pedestrian bridge crossing the gorge
Nearby Attractions to Barnafoss
- Hraunfossar (immediate neighbor)
- Krauma Geothermal Baths (nearby in Reykholt)
- Deildartunguhver (Europe's most powerful hot spring)
How to Get to Barnafoss
- Located in Borgarfjörður, about 130 km north of Reykjavik
- Drive time from Reykjavik is approximately 1.5-2 hours via Route 1 and 518
- Use the same free parking lot as Hraunfossar
- A 5-10 minute walk from parking, or 2-3 minutes from Hraunfossar
- Follow the well-marked trail connecting the two waterfalls
Best Time to Visit Barnafoss
- Visit year-round—each season offers different dramatic views
- Spring snowmelt creates the most powerful water flow
- Summer provides longest daylight for photography
- Autumn birch colors create beautiful contrast with blue water
- Winter ice formations are stunning but paths can be slippery
Planning help
Barnafoss FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.