West Iceland - two unusual waterfalls framed in autumn gold
When I moved to Iceland more than two years ago, I settled in northern Snæfellsnes - a harsh place, nature-wise. I explored the rest of the island in summer, and for a long time I thought there was no autumn here - at least not the kind I know from Poland. People even talk about just two seasons - summer and winter - and the switch, in April and October, is celebrated. A short October trip deeper into West Iceland changed my mind - autumn here can be very bold.
Leaving Snæfellsnes, I left behind snow-covered peaks and a monochrome landscape. Then I crossed the short Vatnaleið mountain pass and, suddenly, a different world; within twenty minutes the weather shifted, the snow vanished, and the colors changed.
After passing Borgarnes - the administrative center of the Western Region - I turned left onto a road I’d always just driven past on trips to and from Reykjavík, and soon the landscape softened - trees appeared, then shrubs - and I was delighted.
My first longer stop was at the Deildartunguhver hot springs, which you can view from a boardwalk; right next door there’s a natural geothermal bath, where I decided to spend a while. I loved it, especially the lack of any chlorine smell or other chemicals - not needed when the water comes straight from a geothermal source.
After a rest, I drove to two waterfalls - Hraunfossar and Barnafoss - about twenty minutes from the springs, and it was the best decision. The shapes, the color of the water, the autumn setting - it truly knocked me off my feet.
Hraunfossar isn’t one drop but hundreds of thin streams seeping from under a lava field and flowing into the Hvítá River - in a way the “waterfall” is a long stretch of riverbank. The water is milky blue - fed by the Langjökull glacier - making an otherworldly contrast with the gold-red of autumn and the black rock.
A path runs along the bank and the feeling is hard to describe; I’ve seen many waterfalls in Iceland, but I don’t think any had this fleeting, almost elvish charm.
A few minutes' walk upstream, you can find Barnafoss - not a typical waterfall either. Here the river narrows sharply - the channel is rocky and deep - and the pent-up water roars below, shoots through rock chutes and steps, and turns into milky-blue foam.
Barnafoss means “Children’s Waterfall” - the legend tells of two children from a nearby farm who tried to cross a natural rock bridge over the rushing current and fell, and soon after the bridge was gone - a mother’s curse or an earthquake, stories differ - and today there’s a metal footbridge for visitors.
I wished I had more time! Just a few minutes’ drive away is Húsafell - a great base for nearby trails - and beyond that are lava caves you can visit, then the wild emptiness and the glaciers. All this just three hours from home - I have to come back.
I drove home happy, passing landscapes that felt calm and pastoral - without the drama Iceland so often throws at you. Once again I realized how varied this young volcanic island is. My appetite for discovering its lesser-known corners only grows.
A year of transition - small trips and moving to Iceland
Where my home is - "Iceland in miniature"
Winter at my place - not as scary as they said
Chasing spring in Grundarfjörður
Wolf Beans: purple beauty or invasive species? A trip to Ingjaldshóll
Welcome to Mars: Kerlingarfjöll Mountains
Katla's tongue – Sólheimajökull Glacier
In the shadow of the glacier: the stunning Þakgil campsite
Moss and ice: the road east
Basalt and turquoise: Stuðlagil Canyon, East Iceland
Cracked earth - driving to Stykkishólmur
Off the beaten path: Hafrahvammagljúfur Canyon and the hot spring shower
The road to Mývatn: through rain and wilderness
Around Lake Mývatn (1) - Víti Crater and the Hverir geothermal field
Around Lake Mývatn (2) - the monochrome world of Hverfjall
Around Lake Mývatn (3) - Leirhnjúkur: a walk on warm ground
On the way home - Goðafoss, the waterfall of the gods
North Iceland - a small harbor and a basalt coast: Hauganes and Kálfshamarsvík
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Wow, i'm fascinated with the surroundings. I didn't know there's so much kind of beautiful view.
Amazing! I’ve always imagined Iceland as dramatic and raw, but your words make me see that it can also be gentle, almost magical, in its quieter corners. Great shots!
Thank you :)
You're welcome!🤗
Such a beautifully written travel piece the author really captured Iceland’s magical autumn charm and those unique waterfalls perfectly. 🍂💧
It's interesting how the Universe works... Yesterday, I was checking FB for some funny content and bumped into a funny comedian from Iceland (his name is Greipur, btw.)... And today, I found your amazing post with some beautiful photos of Iceland!
I suppose that most days are rainy, but it's worth visiting it for the gorgeous nature and views... Maybe one day I will do it as I'm a big nature fan!
Thanks for sharing!
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The pleasure is all mine! I know Greipur - I enjoy his reels sometimes :)
It’s definitely worth visiting the Iceland despite the often challenging weather conditions. I hope you’ll get the chance one day!
Your writing makes Iceland’s landscapes feel so alive! Hraunfossar and Barnafoss look incredible."
Thank you, I'm glad you like it!
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Wow, what stunning scenery! I love the colors of autumn contrasting with the crystal clear waters and rocky areas. Best regards.
I'm happy you like it, best regards to you too!
Whoah!!! This place is incredible. 😍I hope I'll have the chance to come and visit this kind of place. We should keep protecting our environment for future generations.
I agree with you :)
Amazing photography! The contrast between the vibrant foliage and the waterfalls is breathtaking. :)
Wow! Just wow! amazing view and the water fall makes me want to see in person too.. its really really cool!! waahhh! I hope everyone can really see that place, you are so lucky!!
I agree :) I’m really grateful to live in a place that keeps fascinating me.
Amazing place .
Excellent photos.
Thank you :)
Looking at the pictures, it looks like heaven on earth. I was really impressed.
I'm glad you like it :)
🥰
Fantastic photography!!! You captured every detail and makes me love nature more😍
Thank you 🌺
https://www.reddit.com/r/Waterfalls/comments/1o21vm1/unique_waterfalls_in_west_iceland/
This post has been shared on Reddit by @arqyanedesings through the HivePosh initiative.
Friend, you are very lucky to live this adventure and enjoy so much beauty.
Totally agree :) Greetings from Iceland!