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  7. Husafell, Hraunfossar and Deildartunguhver

Day Trips · Capital Region, Reykjavik

Husafell, Hraunfossar and Deildartunguhver

  • DistanceAbout 130 km north-east of Reykjavik
  • Travel timeAbout 1 hour 45 minutes each way
  • TransportRental car or guided tour
  • Difficultyeasy
  • Best seasonMay-September

This West Iceland day trip in the Borgarfjordur region combines lava-field waterfalls, a record-breaking hot spring and a mountain resort village about 130 km north-east of Reykjavik. The drive takes roughly 1 hour 45 minutes each way through the Hvalfjordur tunnel and past Borgarnes, and the trip suits a rental car or a guided tour costing roughly ISK 15,000 to 25,000 per person.

Lava-field waterfalls at Hraunfossar and Barnafoss, Europe's highest-flow hot spring at Deildartunguhver and Husafell's canyon baths.

This West Iceland day trip in the Borgarfjordur region combines lava-field waterfalls, a record-breaking hot spring and a mountain resort village about 130 km north-east of Reykjavik. The drive takes roughly 1 hour 45 minutes each way through the Hvalfjordur tunnel and past Borgarnes, and the trip suits a rental car or a guided tour costing roughly ISK 15,000 to 25,000 per person. The first stop is Deildartunguhver, Europe's highest-flow hot spring, which releases about 180 litres of near-boiling water per second and supplies heating to nearby towns. Boardwalks lead to the steaming vents, and a small greenhouse shop sells tomatoes and cucumbers grown with the geothermal heat. The route continues to Hraunfossar, where clear streams seep from the edge of the Hallmundarhraun lava field into the Hvita river along a stretch of about 900 metres, and to nearby Barnafoss, a narrow cataract with a short path from the main car park. The resort settlement of Husafell offers walking trails, a cafe, the Canyon Baths and access to guided trips into Langjokull glacier's man-made ice tunnel, which should be booked in advance. A typical plan visits Deildartunguhver in the late morning, has lunch in Husafell or a Reykholt cafe, spends the early afternoon at the falls and returns before evening, leaving time for the optional ice tunnel in summer. Reykholt, with the former home of the medieval writer Snorri Sturluson, makes a possible cultural stop on the return. The area is open all year, though paths can be icy and some activities run only from May to September. Summer provides green landscapes and extended daylight, while winter gives a snow-covered setting and northern lights prospects. Food options are concentrated in Husafell and Reykholt, so a snack from Reykjavik is useful.

Practical information for Husafell, Hraunfossar and Deildartunguhver · Last updated September 2026
Distance About 130 km north-east of Reykjavik
Travel time About 1 hour 45 minutes each way
Getting there Rental car or guided tour
Difficulty easy
Address Hraunfossar, 311 Borgarnes

How to get there

  • Mode
    Rental car
    Cost
    From about ISK 10,000-15,000 (~$80-120) per day plus fuel
    Frequency
    Self-paced
  • Mode
    Guided tour from Reykjavik
    Cost
    Roughly ISK 15,000-25,000 (~$120-200) per person
    Frequency
    Several departures weekly

Location

Hraunfossar, 311 Borgarnes

64.7013, -20.9763 View on map

Highlights

  • See Deildartunguhver, Europe's highest-flow hot spring
  • Watch clear streams pour from the lava at Hraunfossar
  • Walk the short path to the narrow cataract at Barnafoss
  • Add the Langjokull ice tunnel or Canyon Baths at Husafell

Tips for visiting

  • Pre-book the Langjokull ice tunnel in advance, as slots fill in summer
  • Take the Hvalfjordur tunnel on the way out to save time
  • Stay behind barriers at Barnafoss, where rocks can be slippery
  • Eat in Husafell or Reykholt, since food stops are limited
  • Wear warm layers year-round because the area is exposed

When to visit

May to September offers the full range of activities and long daylight. Mornings and late afternoons are quieter at the falls.

Accessibility

Hraunfossar has a paved path and viewing platforms near the car park, and Deildartunguhver has a boardwalk. Barnafoss involves a short uneven path.

Frequently asked questions

How far is Hraunfossar from Reykjavik?

Hraunfossar is about 130 km north-east of Reykjavik, roughly 1 hour 45 minutes by car. The route passes through the Hvalfjordur tunnel.

Is the Langjokull ice tunnel included?

The ice tunnel is a separate paid tour that requires a booking, usually departing from Husafell. It is available mainly in the warmer months.

Can this trip be done in winter?

The falls and hot spring are open all year, but paths can be icy. Some activities such as the ice tunnel follow different schedules.