Skógafoss stands among Iceland's natural wonders, with its water curtain falling 60 meters from ancient sea cliffs. Located on Iceland's South Coast, this waterfall isn't just nice to look at; it's a place where you'll feel nature's raw power firsthand.
Key Takeaways
Skógafoss is 60 meters (197 feet) tall and 25 meters (82 feet) wide, making it one of Iceland's largest waterfalls
The waterfall sits just off the Ring Road, 150 km from Reykjavík
Rainbows often appear in the mist on sunny days
Legend says a Viking treasure lies hidden behind the falls
You can see the falls from below or climb 527 steps for a view from above
The waterfall marks the start of the Fimmvörðuháls hiking trail
Visit early morning or late evening to avoid crowds, especially in summer
What's Skógafoss?
Skógafoss is a massive waterfall that shows off Iceland's natural power. The name means "Forest Falls" in Icelandic, though most of the forest disappeared long ago due to settlement and changing weather.
What sets Skógafoss apart is its rectangular shape and unbroken curtain of water. Instead of falling in stages like many waterfalls, Skógafoss drops straight down from what was once Iceland's coastline. The cliffs it falls from formed during the last Ice Age and mark where the sea used to be.
The Skógá River feeds the waterfall, coming from the Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers. This glacier water keeps the falls flowing strongly year-round, even in winter when other waterfalls slow down.
When sunlight shines through the mist from the falling water, single or double rainbows often form, one of the things that makes the waterfall special.
My experience at Skógafoss
What struck me most about Skógafoss when I first saw it was its raw force. Pictures can't show the thunderous roar or the way the ground vibrates from the impact of tons of water falling each second. I got soaking wet, and I was 20 meters away from the waterfall. This is, hands down, my favorite waterfall in the country.
Formation, Folklore & Key Information
Skógafoss formed through Iceland's geological past. During the last Ice Age, Iceland's coastline extended much further out. As the ice melted and the land rose from the weight of the glaciers, the coastline moved about 5 kilometers south, leaving steep cliffs behind. The Skógá River, fed by nearby glaciers, found its path over this cliff edge, creating the waterfall.
The water falls into a flat plain before continuing to the sea. This flat area was once the seabed, and the river has cut through it over thousands of years.
Every Icelandic landmark has a good story, and Skógafoss is no exception. According to local tales, the first Viking settler in the area, Þrasi Þórólfsson, hid a chest full of gold behind the waterfall around 900 AD.
Years later, locals spotted the chest and tried to retrieve it. They managed to grab a ring on the side of the chest, but as they pulled, the ring broke off and the chest vanished back into the depths. The ring later served as a door handle for the local church, and today you can see it at the Skógar Museum near the waterfall.
Physical Dimensions
Skógafoss measures 60 meters (197 feet) high and about 25 meters (82 feet) wide. This makes it one of Iceland's largest waterfalls in both height and water volume. Its size creates the loud noise and mist around it. Getting wet from the spray is almost mission impossible, even from several meters away.
The waterfall's width means that during peak flow, especially after heavy rain or spring melt, water covers the entire cliff face in a perfect rectangular curtain, which is part of what makes Skógafoss so photogenic.
Location & How to Get There
Skógafoss sits near the small village of Skógar on Iceland's South Coast, right off the Ring Road (Route 1), making it one of the easiest natural attractions to reach in Iceland.
From Reykjavík
From Reykjavík, drive 150 km east along Route 1, which takes around 2 hours and 15 minutes without stops. The route passes other attractions like Seljalandsfoss waterfall, so many travelers visit both in one day.
The waterfall is visible from the Ring Road, with clear signs pointing to the parking lot. You can't miss it.
Public Transportation
If you aren't driving, public buses (Strætó route 51) connect Reykjavík to Skógar in summer, though service is limited, especially in winter. The bus journey takes about 3 hours.
Many tour companies also offer day trips along the South Coast that stop at Skógafoss, often combined with other sites like Seljalandsfoss, black sand beaches, and the village of Vík.
Parking and Access
The parking lot near Skógafoss underwent some changes not long ago. It was moved a bit further away from the waterfall and made twice as big. As of 2025, parking costs around 1,000 ISK (about $7 USD) per vehicle, payable through the Parka app. This money helps maintain the site and protect it from the impact of thousands of visitors.
From the parking lot, it's a short 5-minute walk on flat ground to reach the base of the falls, making Skógafoss accessible for most visitors, including those with limited mobility. To reach the viewing platform at the top requires climbing a steep staircase of 527 steps, which takes some effort.
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From getting wet in the mist to hiking lesser-known paths, Skógafoss offers several ways to experience it. Each activity gives you a different view of this waterfall, letting you appreciate its power and beauty from various angles.
Stand at the Base and Feel the Power
The simplest way to experience Skógafoss is to walk up to its base. The water creates a loud roar and so much mist that on windy days, you'll get soaked even standing several meters away. This is where you'll feel the waterfall's power; the ground vibrates slightly from the impact of tons of water falling down.
Bring a waterproof jacket and protect your camera from the constant mist. On sunny days, this is where you'll see those rainbows in the spray. They're most visible between 1-3 PM when the sun is positioned correctly.
Climb to the Viewing Platform
For a different view, take the challenge of climbing the 527 steps alongside the waterfall. The staircase is steep and can be slippery when wet, so go slowly and use the handrail. The climb takes about 10-15 minutes for someone in average shape.
At the top, a metal viewing platform gives you a bird's-eye view of the waterfall dropping over the edge, plus wide views of the countryside and coast on clear days. It's a completely different experience from viewing from below, and the height shows you the true scale of the waterfall.
Hike the Waterfall Way
From the top platform, you can access the "Waterfall Way" trail that follows the Skógá River upstream. Even hiking just a kilometer or two rewards you with views of many smaller waterfalls (26 in total along this stretch) that most tourists miss.
This trail is the beginning of the Fimmvörðuháls hiking route, a challenging 22 km trek that passes between two glaciers (Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull) and leads to Þórsmörk valley. The full hike takes 8-10 hours and requires preparation, but you can simply walk part of it and return the same way.
Photography
Skógafoss offers countless photo opportunities. For the classic rainbow shot, position yourself at the base on a sunny day between late morning and early afternoon. To show the waterfall's size, include a person in the frame for scale.
Try photographing from the top platform looking down, or from various points along the river downstream. Morning or evening light creates interesting shadows and highlights. For the smooth water effect, use a tripod and slow shutter speed (a neutral density filter helps in daylight).
Practical Information
Visiting Skógafoss needs some planning for a comfortable, safe experience. Iceland's changing weather, the waterfall's location, and its popularity all affect how to make the most of your visit.
Weather Considerations
Iceland's weather changes quickly, affecting your time at Skógafoss. Even on clear days, conditions can shift rapidly, bringing rain, wind, or fog within minutes.
The South Coast gets more rain than many other parts of Iceland. This keeps Skógafoss flowing strongly, but means you should always bring rain gear. Wind is also a factor. Strong gusts can blow the waterfall's spray far, soaking you if you’re not prepared.
In winter, temperatures typically range from -5°C to 5°C (23°F to 41°F). The path to the falls can get icy, making crampons or ice grippers very useful for safety. The staircase to the top platform sometimes closes in winter if conditions become too dangerous.
Summer brings milder temperatures of 8°C to 15°C (46°F to 59°F), but you should still dress in layers as the mist from the falls creates a cooler microclimate than the surrounding area.
Best Time to Visit
To avoid crowds, go early morning (before 9 AM) or evening (after 6 PM), especially during the peak summer season (June-August) when tour buses arrive midday. If you stay at the nearby campsite or lodging in Skógar, you can easily visit during these quieter hours.
For photography, midday (between 1 and 3 PM) offers the best chance of capturing rainbows in the mist, as the sun needs the right angle. This is also the busiest time, so there's a trade-off between good lighting and crowds.
Each season offers something different:
Summer has the best weather, but the most tourists
Fall has fewer crowds and autumn colors
Winter offers a snowy landscape with a chance of seeing the Northern Lights
Spring has the waterfall at its most powerful due to snowmelt
If possible, visit on a weekday rather than a weekend, as this is when both international and local tourists tend to visit.
What to Bring
The right gear makes a big difference when visiting Skógafoss:
Waterproof jacket and pants: Essential due to the constant spray, which can soak you if the wind shifts.
Sturdy, non-slip footwear: The paths can be muddy, slippery, and uneven.
Layers of clothing: Even in summer, the mist creates a cool microclimate.
Camera protection: A waterproof case or at least a cloth to wipe the lens.
Water and snacks: The nearby café has limited hours and can get crowded.
Small towel: To dry off when you get wet (which is likely if you get close).
Winter gear: In cold months, bring crampons/ice grippers, extra warm layers, hat, and gloves.
If you plan to hike beyond the waterfall, also bring a map or GPS device, a first aid kit, and extra food and water.
Things to Do & Places to Visit Near Skógafoss
The area around Skógafoss has many other attractions, making it worth spending at least a full day (or two) exploring the region:
Skógar Museum (Skógasafn)
Just a 5-minute drive from the waterfall, this folk museum shows Icelandic rural life through the centuries. It has over 6,000 artifacts across three main buildings, including traditional turf houses you can enter. Look for the reconstructed wooden church and the ring supposedly from Þrasi's treasure chest. Plan 1-2 hours for a visit. Entrance costs 2,750 ISK ($22) for adults.
Kvernufoss Waterfall
Often called the "secret waterfall," Kvernufoss is just a 15-20 minute easy hike from behind the Skógar Museum. This 30-meter cascade sits in a mossy canyon and lets you walk behind the waterfall, similar to the more famous Seljalandsfoss, but with fewer people. The trail crosses a stile over a fence and follows a path that can be muddy, but the peaceful setting makes it worthwhile.
Sólheimajökull Glacier
Only a 30-35-minute drive west of Skógafoss is Sólheimajökull, a glacier from the Mýrdalsjökull ice cap. You can take a guided glacier hike or ice climbing tour here (never go on the glacier without a guide). Even from the viewing area, it's impressive with its blue ice, crevasses, and ash streaks from past volcanic eruptions.
Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
About 30 km west of Skógafoss (about 30 minutes by car) is Seljalandsfoss, another 60-meter waterfall. What makes this one special is the cave behind it, which allows you to walk entirely around the falling water. The feeling and the view from behind the waterfall are hard to beat. Nearby is the hidden Gljúfrabúi waterfall, tucked inside a rock crevice you can wade into.
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
Approximately 30 minutes' drive east of Skógafoss is Reynisfjara, Iceland's most famous black sand beach. Known for its basalt column cliffs, tall sea stacks (Reynisdrangar), and strong Atlantic waves, it's unlike any other landscape. Please, be very careful here. Dangerous "sneaker waves" have killed visitors, so never turn your back on the ocean and stay well back from the water.
Dyrhólaey Arch
About 25 km east of Skógafoss is the Dyrhólaey peninsula with its massive stone arch extending into the sea. From the lighthouse at the top, you get views of the south coast, black beaches, and even towards Mýrdalsjökull glacier on clear days. In summer, puffins nest on the cliffs, so it’s an excellent spot for bird-watching.
Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool
For something different, visit Seljavallalaug, one of Iceland's oldest swimming pools (built in 1923). Located approximately 20 minutes west of Skógafoss, this heated natural pool is situated in a valley surrounded by mountains. A 20-minute hike leads to this rustic concrete pool filled with naturally warm water. It's free to use but has basic changing facilities. The water is not as hot as in most natural pools in the country, but it’s still very nice.
Vík í Mýrdal
The village of Vík, about 30 km east of Skógafoss, has a red-roofed church on a hill, a wool shop (selling Icelandic sweaters), and several restaurants. It's also home to another black sand beach and makes a good base for exploring the eastern part of South Iceland.
Conclusion
Skógafoss shows what makes Iceland such a captivating destination: natural power in an accessible yet wild setting. The mix of thundering water, ancient cliffs, rainbow-filled mist, and Viking legends creates an experience that’s hard to beat.
Frequently Asked Questions About Skógafoss
No, it is not possible to walk behind Skógafoss due to the sheer volume and force of the water. However, you can get very close to the base of the falls, which offers a thrilling experience.
Depending on your interests, a visit to Skógafoss can last from a couple of hours to a full day. Spending a full day is ideal if you plan to hike nearby trails and visit surrounding attractions.
The legend of Skógafoss involves a hidden treasure chest left by Viking settler Þrasi Þórólfsson. According to the tale, the chest is concealed behind the waterfall, and a ring from the chest is said to be kept at the Skógar Museum.
Skógafoss is pronounced "Skoh-ga-foss," with emphasis on the first syllable.
Skógafoss has been featured in several films, including "Thor: The Dark World" and "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty," showcasing its cinematic appeal.
Dettifoss is known for its raw power, being the most powerful waterfall in Europe, while Skógafoss is celebrated for its scenic beauty and accessibility. The preference depends on whether you prioritize raw power or picturesque scenery.
Exploring Skógafoss and its surroundings is a highlight of any trip to Iceland. With its impressive cascade, fascinating legends, and myriad nearby attractions, Skógafoss is a destination that truly captures the spirit of Icelandic natural beauty.
