Bruarfoss Waterfall: Electric Blue Cascade in Iceland
Bruarfoss Waterfall is a beautiful natural attraction located in southwest Iceland. This waterfall is known for its stunning turquoise blue color. It looks like someone dumped blue Kool-Aid in the water! The waterfall is situated in the Brúará river, which is fed by water from the Langjökull glacier. The blue color comes from the minerals picked up by the glacier.
Bruarfoss
Bruarfoss is located near the town of Reykholt and the popular Golden Circle tourist route. It is a popular destination for hikers who are drawn to its electric blue color. Iceland has many impressively tall waterfalls, but this is not one of them. This waterfall is well known for its stunning teal color.
Getting There
Bruarfoss Waterfall is located near the Golden Circle. There are two ways to get to the waterfall. The first option, you can hike Brúará Trail and see multiple waterfalls along the trail.
The second option for getting to Bruarfoss is you can drive up to a parking lot that is close to the waterfall and just see Bruarfoss.
Cost of Visiting Bruarfoss Waterfall
The cost of visiting Bruarfoss depends on what option you choose. Visiting the waterfall itself is free, but you do need to pay for parking if you choose to go to the parking lot that is close to the waterfall. When we went, it was 750 ISK to park…and after a long day of walking around, it was the best 750 ISJ we’ve ever spent. For current information on parking, visit here.
Parking for Bruarfoss Waterfall
If you choose to hike the Brúará Trail, you will park right off of Route 37 in a gravel parking lot. This parking lot is free and has space for around 30 cars. If you choose to park closer to the waterfall and skip the hike, you will have to pay for parking. The parking lot is dirt and gravel and is bigger than the parking lot for the hiking trail
Hiking Brúará Trail
The Brúará Trail is 4.1 miles (6.6 km) with 230 feet (70 m) of elevation change. Along this trail you will get to see multiple waterfalls including Hlauptungufoss, Miðfoss, and of course Bruarfoss. The trail is fairly flat and easy, but the biggest challenge is that it can get very muddy. Your approach to Bruarfoss is from the east side of the river.
Bruarfoss Waterfall via the Parking Lot
The trail from the Bruarfoss Parking Lot to the waterfall is about 0.15 mile (250 meters) long with minimal elevation change. It takes about 5-10 minutes to walk to the waterfall. Your approach to Bruarfoss is from the west side of the river. They had just finished the trail when we went and it was a nice dirt path that had recently been leveled. There were rocks on the path that would be difficult for small wheels.
What to Pack
Weather conditions can change quickly in Iceland, so make sure to wear layers….especially a layer to protect you from the wind! Always take water and snacks while hiking, although if you are doing the short walk from the parking lot you should be fine. Sturdy footwear is recommended, although it is fairly flat from the parking lot. Make sure to bring your camera so you can capture the stunning blue water.
Is Bruarfoss Waterfall Worth Visiting?
Absolutely!! This was one of our favorite stops on the Golden Circle and we would do it again. The blue water is unlike anything we have ever seen and we stayed for a long time admiring the waterfall.
Recreate Responsibly
Please remember to recreate responsibly so that other people can enjoy it after you. Pack out what you pack in and be respectful to the plants and animals you come in contact with.
Explore Close By
- Friðheimar: 6.6 miles (10.7 km)
- Strokkur/Geysir: 9.7 miles (15.6 km)
- Faxafoss: 10 miles (16.1 km)
- Secret Lagoon: 13.6 (21.9 km)
- Gullfoss: 15.47 miles (24.9 km)
- Kerid Crater: 21.1 miles (33.9 km)
- Thingvellir National Park: 28.1 miles (45.2 km)
- Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River: 37.8 miles (60.9 km)
- Reykjavik: 58 miles (94 km)
- Raufarhólshellir Lava Tunnel: 46.6 miles (75 km)
- Reykjanesfólkvangur Nature Preserve: 69 miles (111 km)
- Seljalandsfoss Waterfall: 64 miles (103 km)
- Gljufrabui Waterfall: 64 miles (103 km)
- Íráfoss Waterfall: 70 miles (113 km)
- Westman Islands: 69.5 miles (112 km)
