What Are the Best Routes to Travel to Bjarnarfoss

If you're flying to Iceland and you're an ardent fan of waterfalls, then Bjarnarfoss is one spot you must never, ever miss! This Icelandic treasure within the Snæfellsnes Peninsula is the country's best-kept secret, although still not known. Its 80-meter drop from basalt cliffs to mountains and grasslands is yet to be discovered by nature enthusiasts across the globe. So, how do you get there? Don't worry—I'll walk you through the most convenient way of getting to this beautiful destination in an easy step-by-step guide. Driving, sightseeing, or local, I've got you covered with easy step-by-step guides and advice to begin well and pleasantly.

Driving from Reykjavik to Bjarnarfoss

The most convenient way of reaching Bjarnarfoss is driving from Reykjavik, which is the capital of Iceland. It's about a 2-hour drive, so it's a wonderful day trip. Head north on the Ring Road (Route 1). The highway is beautifully paved and a sheer pleasure to drive, even for a first-time driver. You'll reach Borgarnes in about an hour or so, which is a small little town. Turn left onto Route 54, or Snæfellsnesvegur, which circumnavigates the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Continue driving on for one more hour, and you may look right down the falls from the road—sweeter than that, isn't it? There's a little parking area just beneath the falls, so you may drive on up, get out of the auto, and dash on down to the foot of the cascade. Warning: just a heads up, the road does steepen if you don't mind walking up higher to the top, so do take good, solid shoes and be careful, especially in the case of rain.

Taking a Guided Tour to the Waterfall

If driving is not on the cards, a guided tour is another good option. There are a few local tour operators in Reykjavik that offer a visit to this breathtaking waterfall as part of their itineraries of Snæfellsnes Peninsula tours. You may, for example, choose a small group tour or a 2-in-1 Northern Lights winter tour that makes a visit to the falls. They're great because you have a professional guide who'll walk you through some fun facts about the area, and you don't have to drive. And you can even see glimpses of other areas like the hip Kirkjufell Mountain or the black sand beach of Djúpalónssandur. They take 8-12 hours, so pack some snacks and your camera too for a day filled with activity. Seek out tour promotions and ticket price specials on websites such as Trip.com or Guide to Iceland.

Exploring Alternate Routes from Northeast Iceland

Arriving from northeast Iceland? Don't worry! You still get to view the waterfall through a drive. Start driving on Road 60, which passes through the quaint town of Búðardalur. Take a right turn on Route 54 there. Route 54 is a beautiful drive with great views of Iceland and hills and perhaps sheep bounding onto the road. From Route 54, the waterfalls are a simple thing to accomplish—they're off the road, and there's a parking lot and a viewpoint. This is a slightly longer drive, maybe 3-4 hours from towns such as Akureyri, but well worth it for the tranquil ambiance and absence of tourists such as at something like more touristed waterfalls such as Seljalandsfoss.

Best Time to Travel and Tips for the Journey

You can visit this waterfall any time of year, but summer (June to August) is best. Weather is moderate, daylight is extended, and runoff from streams is strong due to melting snow. Summer months are the ideal tourist season but without the bustle of other locations because Bjarnarfoss does not have crowds. Winter visits are more difficult with ice on the hiking trail and danger from falling due to its slope. If you’re traveling in winter, stick to the parking lot viewpoint for safety. No matter the season, bring a raincoat (Iceland’s weather loves to surprise!), comfortable shoes, and a reusable water bottle. Also, there are no restrooms at the site, so plan a stop in Borgarnes.

Nearby Attractions to Pair with Your Visit

Another thing that is really great about a trip to the falls is that the falls sit on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, which is actually called "Iceland in Miniature" due to the fact that it features a little of everything—lava deserts, coastlines, and mountains. Following your viewing of the falls on your tour, take 2.1 miles south down to Búðakirkja, which is an ancient black wood church that makes great photographs. Or drive 20 miles north and see Kirkjufell Mountain and Kirkjufellsfoss, world-famous for Game of Thrones. If time allows, Rauðfeldsgjá Gorge (8.6 miles) or Snæfellsjökull National Park are close by and provide stunning views. Combined with your visit to the waterfall, this is a legendary day out.

Why Visit This Waterfall?

This waterfall is famous for the peaceful and tranquil beauty around it. Unlike the more populated Icelandic waterfalls, it's a peaceful scene with its foliage and those unique basalt columns that surround the falls. The crest of the cascade even rocks back and forth in the wind, too, and it's just so lovely. And free, with plenty of parking room to boot. Whether you’re hiking to the top for a closer look or just snapping pics from the viewing point, the waterfall offers a moment to connect with nature. It’s a place to take a deep breath, soak in the views, and feel like you’ve found a little slice of Iceland’s magic.

Final Tips for a Great Trip

Monitor road conditions on Google Maps, especially in winter, as Icelandic weather turns for the worse in a flash. A four-wheel-drive vehicle such as an SUV such as the Kia Stonic will be adequate on the short gravel sections of Route 54 when traveling. For search engine optimization fanatics, keyword your travel website on this waterfall using keywords such as "Bjarnarfoss waterfall routes" or "Snæfellsnes Peninsula travel guide" organically on your website. Share your post on social media with hashtags like #IcelandTravel or #Bjarnarfoss to boost engagement. With these tips, you’re all set for an unforgettable trip to one of Iceland’s hidden treasures!