Brúarfoss [CLOSED]

NOTE: The walking path leading to Brúarfoss waterfall has been closed by one of the landowners due to overuse. You can read more about the closure here: http://icelandmag.is/article/p...

Brúarfoss is a small waterfall, especially compared to the many thundering giants cascading off Iceland's cliffs. What this waterfall lacks in size though, it more than makes up for in beauty. Glacial blue waters cascade over volcanic black rocks and converge along a long crack through the center of the river.

If the description and pictures already have you pumped to visit this incredible place, then you'll be able to use that energy to overcome some of the challenges in getting to it. Road maps and satellite images of the area don't match up so it will require some old-fashioned navigation. Use the map spot provided to lead you to the general area with the understanding that you might take a wrong turn and have to backtrack. The main road in is public access as of this writing but other possible roads in are gated. There is no official parking for the falls as it sits near a large grouping of summer homes, but there are a few gravel parking spots near the marked map location that serve as public parking. Please respect the residents and don't block the road or driveways.

Once parked you'll want to head north and slightly west on one of the social trails until you get to a bridge that crosses a medium sized stream. The trail might require crossing an old disused fence depending where you parked. Once across the stream follow the main trail as it heads North before making a left and descent to the bridge overlooking Brúarfoss. The bridge provides the best vantage point to photograph the falls from, but the adventurous can make their way onto the falls as well. You'll want traction like Microspikes to safely walk on the river; avoid getting too close to the main crack as a slip would likely result in major injury or death. Waterproof boots and gaiters are also recommended for the trail in as it tends to be very swampy in warmer months and a pond in the colder months.