Visiting this stunning waterfall first requires a pleasant hike through the Icelandic countryside. Unlike many other features in this country, Brúarfoss is not accessible from the road but is instead tucked away, just out of reach of those not willing to make the extra effort. All in all, it will take around three hours walking to and from the waterfall, a round-trip just short of 7.8 kilometres (4.5 miles).

Its distance from the car park might be the leading reason why Brúarfoss does not get the attention and appreciation it rightfully deserves. Though small in size, it offers colour and action in what are otherwise peaceful surroundings; a real hidden gem if ever there was one.

The hike is a fabulous experience in itself too, offering the chance to observe local wildlife, get some exercise and acknowledge the lush beauty around you. Throughout your hike, you will be following bends in the Brúará river, venturing ever further into a landscape of tufty green hillsides and stark volcanic ridges.

You will also discover two smaller waterfalls en route; Hlauptungufoss and Midfoss. While lacking the drama of their neighbour just up the river, both these falls offer that same depth of blue and make for both appealing photographs and welcome companions of the trail.

If you are travelling to the waterfall directly from Iceland’s capital, Reykjavik, expect a journey of 91 miles, roughly an hour and twenty minutes in the car. Driving is your only option unless you’ve booked a private tour specifically mentioning a visit to Brúarfoss as no public transport goes to the site.

Beware, there is misinformation posted online claiming that visiting Brúarfoss is no longer possible. Such statements are not valid, though there have been changes made regarding how guests can access the site. Being aware of these changes is particularly useful for repeat visitors to Iceland who hope to discover the waterfall for a second time.

In previous years, there was a short walking trail that led directly from a small car park on the river to the cascading blue waters themselves. However, one of the landowners decided to close the path, leaving overseas guests no option but to take the longer route round.

While this might sound harsh and curmudgeonly, this denial of access resulted from visitors leaving litter, debris (and even worse) on the trail, disregarding barriers and stop signs, and even treading through the private gardens of nearby summer homes. As was to be expected, the locals finally had enough of the poor behaviour.

By enlarge, most visitors to Iceland are respectful and conscientious, but there is always a minority who think themselves above the rules. Our environment, no less our home, is very fragile, so please make sure to pay nature the utmost respect during your visit to Iceland, leaving nothing behind but footsteps wherever you go.

As we’ve mentioned, visitors can find Brúarfoss waterfall near the Golden Circle route’s three major sites. The waterfall is around 25 kilometres from the far more dramatic Gullfoss, and only 15 kilometres from the steamy pools of Geysir geothermal springs.

One should make a detour to Brúarfoss after a morning spent in Þingvellir National Park so as to best maximise your time on the road. Such proximity to Geysir and Gullfoss makes it an easy diversion while exploring places that have made South Iceland famous worldwide. Just make sure to account for the time hiking, and even split your Golden Circle into two days if that is preferable.

Time management during your holiday is vital as there are many memorable attractions on the Golden Circle vying for your attention. For instance, intrepid sightseers can see other waterfalls en route besides Brúarfoss, namely the stunning Faxi, and the lesser-known Helgufoss and Thorufoss. Given that fact, one must decide which sites to prioritise before setting out.

Of course, many other points of interest do not involve cascading water, including Kerid volcanic crater, Fridheimar tomato farm or Iceland’s oldest outdoor pool, the Secret Lagoon. In short, there is so much to see and do in South Iceland that it would take months to discover it all.  

If you do decide to visit Brúarfoss waterfall, you’ll be blessed with one of the country’s most awe-inspiring water features; an attraction that is not bolshy or brash, but charming, subtle, even ethereal in its beauty. Keeping the hike in mind, you’ll want to ensure you are dressed in several warm clothing layers, as well as a pair of hiking boots capable of conquering the trail’s rough terrain.

If you plan on visiting the Golden Circle and all it has to offer, make sure to read our feature articles, Driving the Golden Circle in Summer and Driving the Golden Circle in Winter.