The Skogafoss waterfall is one of Iceland’s jewels. This impressive waterfall, 60m high and 25m wide, cascades down its curtain of water in a magnificent setting. We were captivated by the raw power of this waterfall.
Here are some useful tips to help you prepare for your visit and have a wonderful time!
If you’re traveling between November and March, check out our article dedicated to Skogafoss in winter.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Content
Why visit Skogafoss waterfall?
Is the waterfall worth a visit? Our opinion:
Absolutely! Skogafoss is well worth a visit. We were impressed by the power of the curtain of water, which fell with a deafening crash. Its dizzying height of 60 metres and width of 25 metres make it one of Iceland’s most imposing waterfalls. What’s more, you can admire it from far, near and above!
This is one of Iceland’s most beautiful waterfalls (our list is coming soon).
Our favorite moments
We particularly enjoyed the approach to the foot of the waterfall, where the mist created by the waterfall makes you feel very much alive. What’s more, if it’s sunny, it often produces magnificent rainbows on waterfall days.
We also really enjoyed climbing the 370 steps up to the observation point to enjoy the panoramic views.
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How to get to Skogafoss: access and map
Where is Skogafoss?
- On Iceland’s south coast
- Between Seljalandsfoss and Vik
- From Reykjavik = 2h drive
- From Seljalandsfoss = 30min drive
- From Vik= 30 min drive
- Here is a map to help you find your way:
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On Route 1, no 4WD required, off Route 1, it depends on your plans.
How to get there? Access road
By car:
The Skogafoss waterfall is easy to reach. It’s 2km down a side road from Route 1. The waterfall is clearly signposted from the main road.
On an organized tour:
Most organized tours of Iceland’s dusky coast from Reykjavik include a stop at the Skogafoss waterfall. See options.
Parking
Ample free parking is available in the immediate vicinity of the waterfall. We advise you to arrive early in the morning or late in the day, as the site is very busy during the day.
WHERE TO STAY IN Iceland
Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:
- Where to stay in Iceland (coming soon)
- Where to sleep in Reykjavik (coming soon)
- Best 5-star hotels (coming soon)
- Where to sleep on the South Coast (coming soon)
- Where to sleep on the Golden Circle (coming soon)
- Where to sleep on the Snaefellsnes peninsula
Useful tips: duration, schedules, difficulties…
Best time to visit, opening hours and prices
Access to the waterfall is free and available all year round, 24 hours a day. We recommend an early morning or late afternoon visit to avoid the crowds and take advantage of the better light. As the waterfall faces south and slightly west, the light is particularly beautiful at the end of the day.
Sunny days often offer the magical spectacle of rainbows in the mist.
Length of visit and main difficulties
Allow at least 30 minutes for the stocking. But we advise you to allow between 1h and 1h30 to fully enjoy the site.
The visit to the foot of the waterfall is accessible to all thanks to a flat area, as you can see in the photo below.
To reach the upper viewpoint, however, you have to climb some 370 steps – a moderate physical effort, but well worth it.
You can extend your visit by following the hiking trail along the Skoga River to the summit, where we discovered many more waterfalls.
Advice on how to visit
We suggest you start by observing the waterfall from the bottom, where you can feel all its power. Then climb the stairs to the observation point for a spectacular panoramic view. Weather permitting, continue your exploration along the Skoga River.
We advise you to bring waterproof protection for your camera because of the constant spray produced by the waterfall.
Visiting with children
The site is family-friendly, with a flat path leading to the foot of the waterfall. The climb up the steps can be quite challenging for the young ones. Be sure to keep a firm grip on children’s hands, as the ground can be slippery from spray.
Catering, Toilets and Facilities
The site has a restaurant and pay toilets near the parking lot. In the village of Skogar, you’ll find a wide range of dining options.
UNFORGETTABLE ACTIVITIES IN Iceland
- Swimming in the Silfra fissure
- Horseback riding
- Hiking on a glacier
- Whale watching (from Reykjavik, Husavik or Akureyri)
The natural power of Skogafoss
Skogafoss waterfall impresses with its sheer power. We were fascinated by the sheer volume of water pouring down like a perfectly straight curtain.
This spectacular waterfall is fed by the Skoga River, whose source comes from the Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökulland glaciers. You’ll be struck by the deafening roar of the water as it crashes against the rocks below.
Don’t hesitate to come closer. This is very impressive. But be sure to protect your cameras and bring wipers for your glasses!
History and legends
A fascinating legend surrounds the Skogafoss waterfall. According to local accounts, the Viking settler Þrasi Þórólfsson hid a chest full of treasures behind the waterfall around the year 900. Stories have it that some of them caught sight of the chest but were never able to seize it, only managing to grab its golden ring. The waterfall thus retains an air of mystery that adds to its charm.
The golden ring, allegedly taken from the chest, is on display in Skógar’s museum.
Geology
Skogafoss is formed where the Skógá river crosses an ancient sea cliff. This cliff bears witness to the ocean’s retreat of some 5 kilometers since the time it marked the coastline.
The cliff is made up mainly of horizontal layers of massive basaltic flows and fused volcanic ejecta.
Top platform
The great thing about Skogafoss is that you can also climb to the top of the cliff to see the waterfall from above. There are just under 400 steps in all: first, some 30 wide, high steps. Then a much narrower 350-step metal staircase. This allows you to climb the 60-metre cliff face.
At the top, you arrive on a small metal platform with holes (so that snow doesn’t accumulate in winter). So it’s a bit tricky if you’re afraid of heights. I had to hold my hand under my eyes to keep from feeling dizzy.
It is located just above the waterfall, and allows you to see the flat arrival of the river, and the rough passage over the edge of the old cliff.
Fimmvörðuháls hike
From this platform begins the famous Fimmvörðuháls hiking trail along the Skoga River. On this 22km route, you can discover no fewer than 26 additional waterfalls. This hike links Skógafoss to Thórsmörk.
You can choose to walk only part of the trail to admire the first waterfalls before turning back.
Fauna and Flora
Look up and you can see: Seabirds like black-legged kittiwakes can often be seen near the waterfall.
The lush vegetation around the waterfall contrasts with the volcanic landscape. And around June, the surrounding fields are covered with lupine flowers.
Other nearby attractions
If there’s anything noteworthy:
You can combine your visit to Skogafoss with these nearby attractions:
- Skogar Museum, a fascinating open-air museum of Icelandic history and culture (5min walk)
- Seljalandsfoss waterfall, where you can walk behind the waterfall (30min drive)
- The city of Vik and its black sand beaches (30min drive)
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Video
To see the stunt in action, here’s a short video:
Frequently asked questions
Films and TV shows with Skogafoss
Seljalandsfoss has been featured in films and music videos such as :
- Justin Bieber’s video for the song “I’ll Show You”.
- Game of Thrones, season 8 – Daenerys Targaryen and Jon Snow fly to this waterfall with dragons and kiss in front of it.
- The Marvel movie Thor: The Dark World
- One of the films to feature Iceland: The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
- The 5th season of Vikings
Can we visit Skogafoss in winter?
Yes, the waterfall remains accessible and spectacular in winter. The volume of water is such that it doesn’t freeze completely, creating fascinating ice formations on the rock faces. However, we advise you to take particular care on stairs, which can be slippery. See our dedicated article.
What does Skogafoss mean?
In Icelandic, “foss” means waterfall. Skogafoss is literally the “waterfall of the Skoga River”. The name is pronounced “skoa-foss”.
Is Skogafoss part of the Golden Circle?
No, that’s not the case. The Golden Circle waterfall is Gullfoss.
Can we walk behind Skogafoss?
No. The waterfall you can walk behind is Seljalandsfoss, a 30-minute drive away.
Does the Skogafoss waterfall flow all year round?
Yes. Melt from the Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers feeds the Skoga River, ensuring a constant flow all year round.
PLAN YOUR TRIP AROUND iceland
- Best of
Things to do in Iceland (coming soon)
Most beautiful waterfalls (coming soon)
Most beautiful black sand beaches (coming soon)
Best excursions from Reykjavik (coming soon)
Best things to do in Iceland in winter
Winter ice caves (coming soon)
- Practical advice
Getting around (coming soon)
How to rent a car in Iceland (coming soon)
Driving tips (coming soon)
Itineraries (coming soon)
Where to stay in Iceland (coming soon)
Itineraries: 3 days – 4 days – 5 days – 1 week – 10 days (to come)
- The must-dos
Things to do in Reykjavik (coming soon)
Best attractions in the Golden Circle (coming soon)
South Coast attractions (coming soon)
Snaefellsnes Peninsula (coming soon)
Silver Circle (coming soon)
Lake Myvatn attractions (coming soon)
Jokulsarlon (coming soon)
