Blue against grey
The neighbouring meltwater rivers run grey with silt — the contrast is local.
Milan Nykodym from Kutna Hora, Czech Republic — CC BY-SA 2.0 · G.Mannaerts — CC BY-SA 4.0 · G.Mannaerts — CC BY-SA 4.0 · salomon10 — CC BY 2.0
A low, wide waterfall on the river Brúará in the Golden Circle area, known for the intense turquoise blue of its water flowing over a series of rock steps. The colour comes from the river being fed partly by groundwater filtered through volcanic rock, so it arrives exceptionally clear and free of sediment. When it breaks over the steps and mixes with air it produces this blue. The neighbouring glacial meltwater rivers are grey-white with silt — and the contrast is visible within the same area. The fall is far shorter than nearby Gullfoss but entirely different in character: quiet, wide and low rather than roaring and vertical. Decisive practical points: access has changed. It used to be reached across private land on a narrow road, which caused disputes with landowners; an official car park and marked path were then created, taking about forty-five minutes to an hour on foot each way. Do not use the old routes or park on private land — use the official car park only. The path can be very muddy after rain.
The neighbouring meltwater rivers run grey with silt — the contrast is local.
Quiet, wide and low instead of a vertical roar.
Disputes with landowners changed the access — use the official car park.
Near Geysir and Gullfoss, south-west Iceland
Because visitors were parking on narrow roads and crossing private farmland to reach the falls, causing damage and disputes. An official car park and a longer but legal marked path were created. Following it is not a formality: many of Iceland's natural sites are on private land, and poor behaviour has led to sites being closed entirely.
If you are in the Golden Circle with half a day to spare, yes — the colour is unlike anything else in the area. With only one day, Gullfoss, Geysir and Þingvellir are the priorities, and Brúarfoss is for a second visit to the area.
Sign in to write your review of this place.
No reviews yet — be the first.