Búðafoss

Búðafoss is a waterfall in the Þjórsá river near Árnes in Skeiða- og Gnúpverjahreppur. Þjórsá is Iceland's longest river and one of its most powerful glacial rivers. At Búðafoss, the river drops over the edge of the ancient Þjórsá lava field.

The Þjórsá lava field was formed around 8,000 years ago and is considered one of the largest lava flows on Earth since the end of the last Ice Age. The lava travelled from the Icelandic highlands through Þjórsárdalur, Skeið and Flói before reaching the sea. At Búðafoss, the river exposes part of this remarkable geological formation.

Búðafoss is a broad waterfall in a powerful river, and its appearance varies with the flow of Þjórsá. Average discharge at the falls has been measured at more than 340 cubic metres per second, illustrating the enormous volume of water passing through the area.

The waterfall lies close to Árnes, making it a natural stop when exploring the upper Árnessýsla region and the Þjórsárdalur area.

Þjórsá is a powerful glacial river, and visitors should take particular care near the riverbank and waterfall edge. Conditions can vary with water levels, weather and season.