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Hraunfossar and Barnafoss

These beautiful waterfalls are two of the best-known natural features in Iceland. They are located six kilometres west of Húsafell in Route 518 and have been protected since 1987. Although they are popular photography subject, you shouldn’t expect thundering white torrents as the falls are gentle cascades of bright water emerging from under the moss-covered lava to tumble down a series of rock steps and finally into the river. From there, a track leads upstream towards Barnafoss, or Children’s Fall, which is far more lively. It was here that two children fell to their deaths when crossing a narrow stone arch that once spanned the rivers. Today, a modern footbridge now offers an excellent view of the water churning violently as in falls through the ravine below.