Landmark: Hraunfossar and Barnafossar
Features: A series of waterfalls originating in a field without a river or lake. The water is actually streaming through rivulets in the Hallmundarhraun lava field.
Location: Barnafossvegur, Borgarbyggð, Western Region 311
Wheelchair Friendly: Yes. They can go upto the viewing platform and the bridge and enjoy the view
When to visit: Year Around
City: Reykholt
Country: Iceland
Lava waterfall – Hraunfossar and gorgeously blue waterfall – Barnafoss ~~~ A must-see attraction in Reykholt area, and both the waterfalls are within walking distance from each other.
Hraunfossar is a lava waterfall, a series of cascading waterfalls originatin from the Hallmundarhraun lava field and flowing across more than 900 meters pours into Hvita River. Well maintained trails and the bridge and the overlook platform, you can enjoy the magnificent view year around.
Another waterfall beside Hraunfossar is Barnafoss, which is located directly upstream from Hraunfossar which is more like a series of rapids caused by the water of Hvitá entering a narrow passage. Barnafoss means “Children Falls”.
A Folklore That Named Barnafossar as The Children’s Fall
The story dates back to the time when they’re used to live a well-off and independent family at the Hraunás farm. During Christmas time, all the grown-up were expected to attend evensong in the nearby church at Gilsbakki. The family obeyed the Christmas duty, but two young sons were asked to stay at home and play indoors only. The earth was scintillating under the frosty winter night and the marvelous nature surrounding fascinated the two young kids that made them curious to go and explore the surroundings. Upon the arrival of the family from the Evensong, the two kids were missing and they disappeared mysteriously. Though a search mission started and their footsteps traced, but only till the natural stone bridge crossing the river. Since then, it was believed that the brothers had fallen into the waterfall. It was after that; their mother had destroyed the bridge and cast a spell on the fall that claimed that no man would ever be able to cross it survive.
We were there in September and the water was blue giants the black lava rock fields. People say if you are there during the rainy season, the water would look gray. No matter when you visit, the beauty would mesmerize you!
Bonus Place to cover while you are there:
Viðgelmir is the largest lava tube in Iceland at 1585 metres (5200 ft) long. It is located in the country’s west and is one of the most popular destinations for lava tubing. We didn’t visit since we were behind our schdule.
Happy Trails!
Happy Traveling & Exploring!