Hraunfossar
Hraunfossar — 'Lava Falls' — is a remarkable series of waterfalls stretching over 900 meters where crystal-clear water emerges directly from beneath a lava fiel…
About
About Hraunfossar
Hraunfossar — 'Lava Falls' — is a remarkable series of waterfalls stretching over 900 meters where crystal-clear water emerges directly from beneath a lava field and flows into the glacial Hvítá river.
Witness water's unique dance from volcanic rock.
Tours Near Hraunfossar
Buggy tours around Snæfellsjökull. 2 hour tour
Glacier Paradise · 2 hours 30 minutes
Buggy tours around Snæfellsjökull. 1 hour tour
Glacier Paradise · 1 hour
Into The Glacier - With Snowmobiling From Klaki Base Camp
Arctic Adventures · 2 hours 30 minutes
Private Farm Visit & Silver Circle Day Tour in West Iceland
Rest in the West · 12 hours
Photos
Gallery
Background
History & Background
The water that forms Hraunfossar has filtered through the porous lava field from the Langjökull glacier, emerging naturally along the riverbank. Just upstream is Barnafoss — 'Children's Falls' — named after a tragic legend in which two children fell into the river while crossing a natural stone arch bridge. Their grieving mother had the bridge destroyed to prevent further tragedy.
Hraunfossar is one of Iceland's most unusual waterfalls — not a single cascade but hundreds of tiny rivulets seeping through a porous lava field over a distance of about 900 meters, pouring into the turquoise Hvítá river below. The water originates from Langjökull glacier and filters through the underground lava tubes of Hallmundarhraun before emerging here. The contrast between the clear, cold springs and the glacial river creates vivid turquoise colors. A wooden boardwalk provides excellent viewing along the entire stretch.
Folklore
Story & Folklore
Hraunfossar — Lava Falls — are Iceland's most uniquely formed waterfall: not a single drop but hundreds of small springs emerging directly from the edge of a lava field and flowing into the Hvítá river below. Over a 900-metre stretch of riverbank, glacier-filtered water seeps through centuries-old lava and emerges crystal clear. The effect from the viewing path above looks like a glittering hem of silver flowing along the dark lava shelf. The nearby Barnafoss, just a few hundred metres upstream, provides a powerful contrast — violent and churning where Hraunfossar is delicate and quiet. Together they showcase the full range of Iceland's waterfall character in a single short walk.
Did You Know?
The water at Hraunfossar originates from underground springs within the Hallmundarhraun lava field, giving it exceptional clarity and a constant flow regardless of surface weather.
Culture
Stories & Legends
Icelandic sagas and folklore from this area
Augastaðir
Augastaðir is a historic location in Iceland mentioned in "Harðar saga og Hólmverja", one of the ancient Íslendingasögur (Sagas of Icelanders). These medieval narratives preserve the history of Iceland's Viking Age settlement.
Hvítársíða
Hvítársíða is a historic location in Iceland mentioned in "Grettis saga", one of the ancient Íslendingasögur (Sagas of Icelanders). These medieval narratives preserve the history of Iceland's Viking Age settlement.
Explore
Hidden Gems Nearby
Early Morning Visit
Visit Hraunfossar at sunrise or early morning for the most magical light and fewer crowds.
The morning light creates stunning rainbows in the mist, and you may have the waterfall entirely to yourself.
Nearby Trails
Explore the lesser-known walking trails around Hraunfossar that most tourists skip.
These trails offer unique perspectives of the waterfall and surrounding landscape that you won't find in guidebooks.
Winter Transformation
Hraunfossar takes on an entirely different character in winter when partially frozen.
The ice formations create a spectacular natural sculpture, and the contrast with the flowing water is breathtaking.
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