Barnafoss (Skjálfandafljót)

Barnafoss is a waterfall in the north of Iceland in one of the largest rivers in Iceland Skjálfandafljót. At the point the river Djupa and the river Skjálfandafljót joins each other there can you find this amazing beautiful and unknown waterfall.

Barnafoss is on the east side of Mt. Kinnarfell, opposite of the abandoned farm Barnafell. The waterfall is said to get its name from when children were once playing in a barrel a short way from the waterfall and the barrel rolled into the canyon with them inside, and they perished.

From Goðafoss drive along the Ring road in the direction of Akureyri. Turn north along route 85 for 2-3 km and look for sign on the right hand side saying Fremstafell which is the name of an abandoned farm. From there follow a track for 3-4 km which in summer is suitable for larger sedans, and 4×4 vehicles.

There are several other fine waterfalls in the river Skjálfandafljót near each other: GoðafossAldeyjarfoss-Hrafnabjargafoss-UllarfossIngvararfoss. All waterfalls are in the Skjálfandafljót river which flows in a northerly direction from Vatnajökull glacier – Europe‘s largest glacier – and exits in Skjalfandaflói Bay.

Goðafoss is one of the most famous waterfalls in Iceland and undoubtedly the most famous one in Þingeyjarsveit county. Goðafoss waterfall is easily spotted from the Ring road and there‘s ample parking available on both sides of it. At Fosshóll on the eastern side there‘s a tourist information office, fuel station, grocery store, restaurant, handcraft market and a guesthouse. The river majestically cascades 17 meters from a horse shoe shaped rim into a ravine of volcanic origin. The waterfall is accessible from both sides of the river which presents a great opportunity for photographers to capture its essence any time of the day. An ancient legend explains the name of the waterfall.

Aldeyjarfoss waterfall is the most awesome waterfall in the Skjálfandafljót River. Black vertical and bent columnar basalt formations from the backdrop for this amazing sight which never fails to impress. Late afternoon in summer is the best for photography. The waterfall is 40 km south of Goðafoss and can be reached in a normal car along route 842 from June until the first snow in the autumn.

Ingvararfoss waterfall is about 100 meters upstream from Aldeyjarfoss and can only be reached on foot.

Hrafnabjargafoss waterfall is one of the hidden secrets of Þingeyjarsveit County and is found a few kilometres further south in the same river.

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About Barnafoss (Skjálfandafljót)

CountryIceland
RegionNorðurland eystra
LocationFosshóll, Bárðardalur (Suður-Þingeyjarsýsla)
RiverSkjálfandafljót
Height5m
Latitude65.748270
Longitude-17.523687
Best visitSummer
Rating

Most nearby waterfalls

WaterfallDistance (linear)Rating
Ullarfoss 3 km
Godafoss (Akureyri) 8 km
Nupafoss 21 km
Aedarfossar 28 km
Aldeyjarfoss 45 km