The Skogafoss waterfall in winter is one of the must-sees on the south coast, with its 60m-high curtain of water that doesn’t freeze.
In this article, you’ll find some useful tips to help you prepare for your visit and have a wonderful time!
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
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Why visit Skogafoss in winter?
Is Skogafoss worth a visit in winter? Our opinion:
Yes, Skogafoss is definitely worth a visit in winter.
Despite the cold temperatures, the 60-metre waterfall doesn’t freeze thanks to its powerful flow, creating a striking contrast with the surrounding snow and ice. It’s easily accessible from the Ring Road and, in our opinion, looks even more spectacular with a snowy backdrop.
It’s one of the most beautiful waterfalls to see in winter and one of the must-see stops on the south coast.
Our favorite moments
- The view from afar with its significant width of over 25m
- Its height of 60m
- Power as you approach the foot of the waterfall
- The view from the upper platform (although less impressive)
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How to get to Skogafoss in winter: 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? Winter 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.
This access road is quickly cleared in winter.
Normally, the roads are cleared quickly enough for access. But during snowstorms, roads may be closed at the last minute – always check the status of roads on Umferdin.
On an organized tour
Most organized tours of Iceland’s dusky coast from Reykjavik include a stop at the Skogafoss waterfall.
See options.
Parking
Skogafoss has a large parking lot, providing easy access to the waterfall.
And even if you don’t dare walk on snow-covered or frozen ground, you can admire the waterfall with ease.
WHERE TO STAY IN Iceland
Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:
- Where to stay in Iceland (coming soon)
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- 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, as is free parking.
It’s open all day and all night.
There’s no better time to visit in terms of light. The waterfall faces south.
However, if you climb up to the platform, the view is to the west.
It’s a very popular spot, so it’s busier during the day.
Length of visit and main difficulties
Allow at least 30min to admire the waterfall from below and get close to it.
And plan a 1-hour stop if you also want to go up to the platform and explore a bit more.
Access to the waterfall is flat, but to get to the upper platform, the staircase is quite steep and difficult for people with vertigo.
Be careful, with snow and ice on the ground, it can be slippery. We recommend you always carry cleats with you to add to your shoes. See our article on winter packing (coming soon)
Restaurants, hotels and facilities
The village next to the waterfall is Skogar.
There’s a restaurant, bistro and public toilets.
If you want to stay near this waterfall:
- If you want to stay within walking distance of the waterfall, check out Hotel Skogafoss or Hotel Skogar.
- If you don’t mind staying a little further away, head west (5 min drive), the Garage Guesthouse is in a beautiful location – see photos and book now.
- Alternatively, check out our favourite hotels on the south coast (article to come).
UNFORGETTABLE ACTIVITIES IN winter
- Visit an ice cave
- Glacier hiking
- Whale watching (from Reykjavik, Husavik or Akureyri)
Skogafoss under the snow – seen from afar
We start by admiring the waterfall from afar.
It’s a magnificent shower curtain, 60m high and 25m wide.
The perspective with the other tourists around, allows you to really appreciate the size of the waterfall!
This is our favorite view, with the black rock of the cliffs and the white snow.
From this position, you can watch the powerful flow of water tumbling down the ancient sea cliffs. Take time to fully appreciate the power of Skogafoss in its winter splendor.
If the sun comes out. It’s sometimes possible to see a rainbow forming in front of the waterfall as the mist reflects the sun’s rays.
Close-up view
Next, we recommend approaching the waterfall.
Its noise becomes more and more impressive and you get a bit of water on your face. Refreshing! (even if we needed it…).
At the foot of the waterfall, you feel very small, but it’s the best place to really feel the power of the waterfall and nature.
Cliff climbing
As you can see from the photo above, there’s a path to the right, which leads up to the cliff.
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.
The staircase is made of metal with holes to keep the snow out. But sometimes it accumulates anyway, making the staircase even narrower.
With the world, it’s not always easy to bump into people.
Warning: we do not recommend this climb for people with vertigo.
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View from the platform
You arrive on a small metal platform with holes to keep the snow from accumulating. 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.
You can also admire the pyramid-shaped mountain behind the waterfall. We find it very elegant with its contrasts of black and white.
However, in our opinion, the view is less impressive from the top. The height is appreciated, but the power of the waterfall is less obvious.
River and hiking
After the platform, the road continues.
The Skoga River flows from the north.
In summer, it’s the start of multi-day treks into the Central Highlands. There are other small waterfalls along the river.
If you like, you can explore a little further afield, where you’ll find far fewer tourists.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Skogafoss waterfall freeze over in winter?
No. Despite the wintry temperatures, the strong flow of the Skógá River that feeds the waterfall prevents it from freezing over completely.
Is Skogafoss more beautiful in summer or winter?
The water curtain is impressive all year round.
However, we prefer to admire it in winter, with the contrast of black and white. The fall looks even more impressive!
We’ll soon be sharing our article on Skogafoss in summer.
Can you walk behind Skogafoss in winter?
No, whether in summer or winter, you can’t walk behind Skogafoss. The path behind a waterfall is at Seljalandsfoss, but is closed in winter.
Are there any legends associated with Skogafoss?
2 legends surround Skogafoss:
- A Viking treasure, a chest filled with gold, is said to be hidden behind the waterfall.
- One of the rocks is said to represent a troll with a baby on his shoulders, turned to stone by the sun’s rays while admiring the waterfall. Several variants of this legend exist.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO iceland IN WINTER
- Best of
Iceland’s winter landscapes
Best things to do in Iceland in winter
The most beautiful waterfalls
Ice caves
Best excursions from Reykjavik
- Practical advice
Getting around (coming soon)
How to rent a car in Iceland
Winter driving tips
Where to stay in Iceland in winter
Itineraries: 3 days – 4 days – 5 days – 1 week – 10 days (to come)
- The must-dos
Reykjavik in winter
Golden Circle in winter
South coast in winter
Snaefellsnes in winter
Silver Circle in winter (coming soon)
Lake Myvatn in winter
Eastern Fjords in winter
Seljalandsfoss in winter
Jokulsarlon in winter
