Barnafoss is formed by the river Hvítá (“White River”), which originates in the glaciers of Langjökull. At this point in Borgarfjörður, the river is forced through a narrow channel cut into hardened lava. The bedrock here belongs to the Hallmundarhraun lava field, which erupted around the 9th century during Iceland’s early settlement period.

Over centuries, the erosive power of glacial meltwater carved a deep gorge into this basalt landscape. Unlike the wide, curtain-like waterfalls found elsewhere in Iceland, Barnafoss is turbulent, concentrated, and thunderous. The water twists and foams violently as it squeezes between constricting rock walls, creating a sense of restless energy. Visitors often remark on its contrast with the neighboring Hraunfossar, where water trickles elegantly from porous lava rock into Hvítá. Together, the two falls form one of Iceland’s most visually and geologically compelling river systems.

The name Barnafoss, “Children’s Falls,” comes from a well-known Icelandic folktale. According to the story, two children from a nearby farm were left at home while their parents went to church on Christmas Day. Growing restless, they set out to follow their family but chose a dangerous shortcut across a natural stone arch that once spanned the river near the falls.

As they crossed, the children lost their footing and fell into the raging water, never to be seen again. When the grief-stricken mother discovered what had happened, she cursed the stone arch so that no one else could meet the same fate by crossing it. The arch later collapsed, either through earthquake or by the mothers deliberate destruction.

The tale reflects the Icelandic tradition of tying natural landmarks to stories that carry moral or cautionary meaning. In this case, the legend of Barnafoss served as both an explanation for the falls’ name and as a warning of the dangers of carelessness near powerful rivers.

Today, Barnafoss is one of the highlights of Borgarfjörður and easily accessible from the Ring Road via Borgarnes. Walking paths and viewing platforms allow visitors to experience the falls from different angles, with interpretive signs recounting both the geological history and the folktale. The bridge across Hvítá offers panoramic views of both Barnafoss and Hraunfossar, with the two waterfalls creating a dramatic juxtaposition.

The area is also rich in broader history. Hallmundarhraun lava field contains caves that were once inhabited by outlaws, and medieval sagas reference the region’s farms and waterways. The Hvítá river itself has long been vital for agriculture, fishing, and transport in Borgarfjörður.

For visitors, Barnafoss is more than just a scenic stop — it is a place where landscape and legend are bound together, giving insight into how Icelanders have historically interpreted their environment. Standing above the roaring water, one feels both the danger and the beauty that inspired generations of stories.

• Barnafoss and Hraunfossar are less than 100 meters apart but completely different in appearance and character.
• The Hallmundarhraun lava field, through which the Hvítá runs here, is about 1,100 km² in size and among Iceland’s largest post-settlement lava flows.
• The folktale of Barnafoss is one of the best-known legends attached to an Icelandic waterfall.
• Archaeological evidence shows that farms in Borgarfjörður have been active since Iceland’s earliest settlement in the 9th century.