Hraunfossar

Hraunfossar have been protected since 1987. It is kind of unique how a series of waterfalls look like they appear from a lava field called Hallmundarhraun. This lava field is the largest in Borgarfjörður and is about 52 km long and 7 km wide. The lava field was formed in an eruption close to Langjökull glacier, around settlement time in Iceland. Three caves can be found in Hallmundarhraun close to the waterfall, they are called Surtshellir, Víðgelmir and Stefánshellir.

Other things to see nearby: Deildartunguhver hot spring, Hallmundarhraun lava field and Reykholt.

Directions

From the car park there is a short and easy walk to a good viewpoint over the waterfall and the river. There is a short hike to the waterfall Barnafoss from Hraunfossar. 

From Reykjavík the drive to the waterfalls is about 1 hour and 30 minutes (120 km). It is the perfect day trip from Reykjavík to visit the waterfall or to stop there on the way to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. From the Ring Road it is only a 40 minutes detour (one way) to the waterfalls. 

Take Ring Road nr. 1 towards the town Borgarnes. Make sure to take the Hvalfjörður Tunnel for a shorter drive. Before the town Borgarnes take a right turn to road nr. 50 and drive for about 25 minutes and then take road nr. 518. Follow that road for about 15 minutes until the parking lot by the waterfall.
Read more about Driving in Iceland.