UPDATE: The path leading to the waterfall has now been closed to all traffic. There is currently no public access to Brúarfoss.
Read more: Path to Brúarfoss closed by landowners: Hidden waterfall no longer accessible to public
Brúarfoss waterfall is a beautiful waterfall located on the popular Golden Circle. Getting to the waterfall can be a bit tricky, requiring a hike from the nearest parking lot. However, it IS possible to get closer to the waterfall by car, but this requires you to trespass on private property.
The cabins of Brekkuskógur and the land are private property, owned either by individuals or unions and companies who make them available to their members or employees.
Trespassing travelers
Which doesn't seem to stop many travelers who drive into the vacation home areas of Brekkuskógur to take a shortcut. This problem has been made worse by the fact that many travel websites appear to direct people to park their cars in the vacation home area. Google Maps has similarly been sending people into the vation home areas. But, unless you are staying at one of the cottages or visiting someone who is you have absolutely no business on those two roads.
Locals who are staying at one of the many cabins in Brekkuskógur report that hardly a day goes by without lost travelers asking for directions or a car parked in their driveway. One of the two driveways into the vacation home area was therefore blocked with a gate to keep unauthorized traffic out. Unfortunately some people have taken to just parking in front of the gate, blocking the road.
The hike is worth it
The problem isn't only that these people are trespassing – they are actually adding a whole new layer of hassle to their trip AND missing out on the experience they are seeking! Actually finding the access bridge and walking path from the vacation home areas requires you to know where to look. The access to the path is NOT marked, and it's pretty easy to get lost among the cottages. Brúará river has three beautiful waterfalls. In addition to Brúarfoss, which is admittedly the most spectacular, Miðfoss and Hlauptungufoss waterfalls should be listed among the most beautiful in Iceland.
If you access Brúarfoss waterfall through the vacation home areas you are 1) trespassing 2) wasting time getting lost and searching for the path 3) missing out on two spectacular waterfalls.
Bottom line: If you are searching for Brúarfoss you should stop at the parking lot next to the road and then walk the 3 km (1.9 mi) walking path to the waterfall. The scenic hike is well worth it. But be prepared for mud on the path. There is absolutely no way to avoid the mud if it's been raining. So, remember to strap on the hiking boots before heading for the waterfall!
UPDATE: The path leading to the waterfall has now been closed to all traffic. There is currently no public access to Brúarfoss.
Read more: Path to Brúarfoss closed by landowners: Hidden waterfall no longer accessible to public
Brúarfoss waterfall is a beautiful waterfall located on the popular Golden Circle. Getting to the waterfall can be a bit tricky, requiring a hike from the nearest parking lot. However, it IS possible to get closer to the waterfall by car, but this requires you to trespass on private property.
The cabins of Brekkuskógur and the land are private property, owned either by individuals or unions and companies who make them available to their members or employees.
Trespassing travelers
Which doesn't seem to stop many travelers who drive into the vacation home areas of Brekkuskógur to take a shortcut. This problem has been made worse by the fact that many travel websites appear to direct people to park their cars in the vacation home area. Google Maps has similarly been sending people into the vation home areas. But, unless you are staying at one of the cottages or visiting someone who is you have absolutely no business on those two roads.
Locals who are staying at one of the many cabins in Brekkuskógur report that hardly a day goes by without lost travelers asking for directions or a car parked in their driveway. One of the two driveways into the vacation home area was therefore blocked with a gate to keep unauthorized traffic out. Unfortunately some people have taken to just parking in front of the gate, blocking the road.
The hike is worth it
The problem isn't only that these people are trespassing – they are actually adding a whole new layer of hassle to their trip AND missing out on the experience they are seeking! Actually finding the access bridge and walking path from the vacation home areas requires you to know where to look. The access to the path is NOT marked, and it's pretty easy to get lost among the cottages. Brúará river has three beautiful waterfalls. In addition to Brúarfoss, which is admittedly the most spectacular, Miðfoss and Hlauptungufoss waterfalls should be listed among the most beautiful in Iceland.
If you access Brúarfoss waterfall through the vacation home areas you are 1) trespassing 2) wasting time getting lost and searching for the path 3) missing out on two spectacular waterfalls.
Bottom line: If you are searching for Brúarfoss you should stop at the parking lot next to the road and then walk the 3 km (1.9 mi) walking path to the waterfall. The scenic hike is well worth it. But be prepared for mud on the path. There is absolutely no way to avoid the mud if it's been raining. So, remember to strap on the hiking boots before heading for the waterfall!
