Barnafoss Restaurant
A charming family-run cafe beside the magnificent Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls, serving homemade Icelandic food from their own farm.
At the edge of one of Iceland's most beautiful waterfall systems, where the milky-blue water of Hraunfossar seeps through ancient lava and the churning torrent of Barnafoss thunders through a narrow gorge, sits a small family-run restaurant that is easy to overlook but well worth your time.
The Location
There are few restaurants in Iceland with a more spectacular setting. Hraunfossar -- a series of rivulets streaming through a lava field into the Hvita river -- and its neighbour Barnafoss are among West Iceland's most impressive natural sights. The restaurant sits just above the car park, a short walk from both waterfalls, making it a natural stop for anyone visiting the area.
The Food
The menu is simple and farm-driven. The owners raise their own sheep and grow vegetables, and this connection to the land is evident in every dish. The lamb soup is the standout -- rich, hearty, and made with meat from animals that grazed on the surrounding hillsides. It arrives with fresh bread and is exactly the kind of fuel you need on a day of driving and walking.
Fish dishes rotate based on availability, and there is usually a daily special that reflects what is fresh and seasonal. The salads use garden-grown vegetables when available, and the overall quality is a significant step above what you typically find at tourist-adjacent cafes in rural Iceland.
The homemade cakes deserve special mention. Baked on-site and changing daily, they range from traditional Icelandic layer cakes to fruit tarts and chocolate creations. With a cup of strong Icelandic coffee, they are the perfect reward after a waterfall walk.
The Atmosphere
The interior is warm and unpretentious, with wooden furnishings and large windows that frame the surrounding landscape. There is also an outdoor seating area that is popular on sunny days -- and when the weather cooperates in Iceland, eating outside with a view of this landscape is genuinely special.
Practical Tips
Timing matters. The restaurant gets busy during peak tourist hours in summer, particularly between 11:00 and 14:00 when tour buses arrive. Visit earlier or later for a more relaxed experience. The restaurant is seasonal, so check opening dates before making the drive. It is best combined with a broader exploration of the Borgarfjordur area, including Reykholt, Deildartunguhver hot spring, and the Vidgelmir lava cave.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Barnafoss Restaurant open year-round?
- No. The restaurant is primarily a summer operation, typically open from late May through September. During winter months it may be closed or have very limited hours. Always check ahead before visiting in the off-season.
- What food does Barnafoss Restaurant serve?
- The menu focuses on simple, homemade Icelandic food including lamb soup, fish dishes, and fresh salads. Much of the produce comes from the owners' own farm. The homemade cakes are particularly good.
- Where is Barnafoss Restaurant located?
- The restaurant sits adjacent to the Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls in West Iceland, near Husafell. It is about a 90-minute drive from Reykjavik via Route 1 and Route 518.
- Can I visit the waterfalls and eat at the restaurant?
- Yes, the restaurant and waterfalls share the same parking area. Most visitors combine a walk along the waterfall paths with lunch or coffee at the restaurant.
- Is Barnafoss Restaurant expensive?
- Prices are moderate. A bowl of lamb soup with bread costs around ISK 2,500-3,000, and coffee with homemade cake is about ISK 1,200. For a restaurant in a tourist location, the prices are reasonable.
- Does Barnafoss Restaurant serve alcohol?
- The restaurant typically has a limited selection of beer and wine available, but it is primarily a cafe rather than a bar. Most visitors come for food and coffee.
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