Husafell and Hraunfossar

How to you get to Husafell and Hraunfossar? You drive along the main road from Reykjavík to Akureyri, you eventually drive past Borgarnes, home of the hero and poet Egill Skallagrímsson. As you leave Borgarnes, keep an eye out for signposts indicating the way to Reykholt and Husafell. Yes, that is where we are now heading. You can either drive through Borgarnes and take the eastward road (50 northbound) to Hraunfossar and Husafell, or else take the eastward road just before you arrive to the bridge to Borgarnes (50, eastbound). The latter we find more pleasant, but then you skip Borgarnes for the time being…

Follow the sign to Reykholt (road 518). Reykholt is the place where Snorri Sturluson used to live. He is probably one of the most famous Icelanders (1179-1241) ever, the first writer in the modern sense of the word, chieftain, warrior, scholar and poet. A museum has been opened at Reykholt, a place of great interest for those who are interested in Iceland’s history and ancient lore. Continue through a dreamy landscape of wilderness and colorful mountains until you come to a wondrous place on the bank of river Hvítá.

There are two sets of waterfalls: one is Barnafoss – literally: Children’s Fall. There used to be a stone bridge crossing the fall, but according to the legend, it broke and two children were lost. The other set of waterfalls is 

Hraunfossar, an astonishing sight. Rivulets of clear spring water rushing out of the lava, falls without a river.

Continue to Husafell, south of Hvítá. Here you’ll find hot springs, clear rivers, great hikes, birch aplenty, glacier views… 

There is a chapel at Husafell, and a small churchyard. This is where Snorri is buried. An ancient farmhouse has been excavated recently. 

There is a fine camping ground spreading through hollows and birches, but beware of the chill. You are far from the Gulf-Stream heated coast and close to the glaciers,

A local sculptor has embellished stones with profiles of musicians. Isn’t this a beautiful flute player? 

When you leave Husafell, you might want to have a go at the Kaldidalur track as you return to Reykjavík. The going is rough, but the desolate and eerie landscape makes it worthwhile.

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