Iceland · Western Iceland
Hraunfossar
Lava Falls
Rather than one main channel, dozens of narrow rivulets seep out from beneath a centuries-old lava field and trickle into the glacial Hvítá River over nearly a kilometre of frontage. The adjacent Barnafoss rapids, named for a local legend of two lost children, complete the same short visit.
Rather than one main channel, dozens of narrow rivulets seep out from beneath a centuries-old lava field and trickle into the glacial Hvítá River over nearly a kilometre of frontage. The adjacent Barnafoss rapids, named for a local legend of two lost children, complete the same short visit.
Hraunfossar drops over a series of steps across a face roughly 900 metres wide on the Hvítá (west). It is a fan-type fall, and the nearest base for a visit is Reykholt, with KEF the closest airport. Access to the main viewpoint is rated easy.
Flows steadily year-round, fed by groundwater filtering through the lava field rather than direct runoff.
What you can do here
Hiking
From ten-minute boardwalks to multi-day approaches through cloud forest.
Photography
Light angles, moonbows, spray management and the hours that actually work.
When to go
Flows steadily year-round, fed by groundwater filtering through the lava field rather than direct runoff.
Entry: Free; paid parking
Getting there
- Base townReykholt
- AirportKEF
- CountryIceland
- RegionWestern Iceland, Europe
- AccessEasy — a short walk or roadside viewpoint
On the map
64.7167, -20.9667
Quick answers
When is the best time to visit Hraunfossar?
Peak flow is May to September. Flows steadily year-round, fed by groundwater filtering through the lava field rather than direct runoff.
What can you do at Hraunfossar?
Beyond the viewpoints: hiking and photography. Access to the main viewpoint is rated easy — a short walk or roadside viewpoint.
How do you get to Hraunfossar?
The usual base is Reykholt, and the closest airport is KEF. A short walk or roadside viewpoint from there. Free; paid parking.
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