Bruarfoss is a small waterfall on the Bruara river in south Iceland, widely called Iceland's bluest waterfall for its vivid turquoise water. It lies about 14 km from Laugarvatn and about 95 km east of Reykjavik. You can reach it by the historic 3.5 km each way river trail, or from a designated parking area established in 2023 that cuts the walk to only a few minutes.
What makes Bruarfoss Iceland's bluest waterfall
Bruarfoss gets its colour from the river itself. The Bruara river carries glacial meltwater from the Langjokull glacier, and fine glacial silt scatters light to create the striking blue colour.
This is also not a tall single-drop waterfall. Bruarfoss means bridge falls, and the water tumbles through a narrow rocky channel instead.
Where Bruarfoss sits in the Golden Circle
Bruarfoss lies in the Golden Circle area of south Iceland, between Thingvellir National Park and the Geysir geothermal area.
For orientation, it sits roughly 9 miles, about 14 km, from the town of Laugarvatn and about 59 miles, 95 km, east of Reykjavik. The trailhead parking is reached off Route 37 in the Brekkuskogur area.
Hiking the Bruara river trail to Bruarfoss
The historic route to Bruarfoss is a hike along the Bruara river of about 3.5 km each way, roughly 7 km round trip.
The longer riverside hike is rated easy but takes about 2 to 3.5 hours round trip. If you plan to do this version, expect riverside trail conditions rather than a short roadside stop.
A designated parking area established in 2023 shortens the walk to the falls to only a few minutes. That gives you two very different access options, a longer river walk or a much shorter approach.
Midfoss and Hlauptungufoss, the falls along the way
The longer riverside trail passes two smaller waterfalls before reaching Bruarfoss: Hlauptungufoss and Midfoss.
Hlauptungufoss sits around the midpoint of the hike, with Midfoss a short stroll farther upstream toward Bruarfoss.
Practical tips and staying safe on the trail
The riverside trail can get muddy after rain, so sturdy waterproof hiking boots are recommended.
Before setting out, check road.is because access, parking, and road conditions can change. For weather and trail safety updates, consult safetravel.is.
At the falls, do not swim or enter the water, as the Bruara carries strong currents and cold glacial meltwater. Stay back from slippery, unfenced edges.
Visiting Bruarfoss on a Golden Circle tour
Bruarfoss is in the Golden Circle area, so if you are comparing Golden Circle options, start with the live listings here: Golden Circle tours.
Use that page for the latest pricing and availability. For the visit itself, the key on-the-ground facts are simple: Bruarfoss is between Thingvellir National Park and Geysir, and access can involve either a few minutes on foot from the designated parking area established in 2023 or the longer historic hike along the river.
Allow time for the road
Check the Driving Distance Calculator when deciding how Bruarfoss Waterfall: trail, access, and tour basics belongs in the rest of your itinerary.
