Búðareyrarfoss is a waterfall on the slope above Seyðisfjörður, in East Iceland. It is modest in size and set in green surroundings, and it is reached on foot from the town: five to ten minutes from the ferry and cruise terminal, on easy ground. A footbridge crosses the lower fall. From the bridge several paths climb towards the higher falls, and that ground is steep and slippery. The climb is worth it for the view back across the valley.
Búðareyrarfoss Waterfall
Local name: Búðareyrarfoss
Five to ten minutes' walk from the ferry terminal, a footbridge takes you straight over the falls.
- Parking
- Free parking 320 m and 530 m away; the nearer car park is for customers only
- Difficulty
- Easy walk from the town to the foot of the falls; above the footbridge the paths are steep, slippery and unprotected
- Transport
- Nearest stops: Norröna (Smyril Line) 615 m, Community Centre 824 m
- Hours
- Open 24 hours, every day
- Address
- Hafnargata, 710 Seyðisfjörður
What makes it special
Búðareyrarfoss is a waterfall you can reach without a car. It comes down the slope above Seyðisfjörður, and the walk from the ferry and cruise terminal takes five to ten minutes over easy ground. The fall itself is modest and sits in green surroundings. The interest is above it. A footbridge crosses the water, and from the bridge several paths climb towards the higher falls. That part is steep. Higher up the slope opens out and gives a clear view back across the valley.
Good to know
- Shoes: wear proper walking shoes if you intend to go above the footbridge.
- No barriers: the paths above the bridge have no railing or fence of any kind.
- Toilets: none at the falls; the nearest public toilets are 535 m away and free.
- Water: there is no drinking water point nearby, so carry your own.
Getting there
Búðareyrarfoss stands above the town, and the last stretch is on foot. From the ferry and cruise terminal the walk takes five to ten minutes, on easy ground. A footbridge crosses the water at the lower fall. Above the bridge the route splits into several paths that climb towards the higher falls, and that section is steep. Drivers leave the car in the town and walk in the same way.
Best time to visit
Better: early in the day, before ship passengers come ashore and take the same path up.
Avoid: the paths above the footbridge in bad weather.
The falls sit directly above the town and its terminal, so how busy they are follows the harbour.
Sun & daylight
Nearby Places
Similar Places
Búðareyrarfoss Waterfall on the map
Above the footbridge the route splits into several paths, and all of them are slippery. There is no protection of any kind — no railing, no fence — and the climb is steep. Wear proper walking shoes, and turn back rather than scramble.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does the walk from the ferry terminal take?
Five to ten minutes to the foot of the falls, on easy ground. Going above the footbridge takes longer, because the paths there are steep.Can you go above the waterfall?
Yes. Paths run from the footbridge up towards the higher falls. The climb is steep and slippery, and there is no railing or fence anywhere along it. The view back across the valley is the reason people do it.Is it suitable for children?
The walk from the town to the foot of the falls is easy and works with children. Above the footbridge the paths are steep, slippery and unprotected.Are there toilets at the falls?
Not at the falls. The nearest public toilets are 535 m away and free to use.When is the waterfall open?
At any hour. It stands on open ground above the town, with no gate and no closing time.