Skógafoss
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Skógafoss
About
Skógafoss is a 60-meter waterfall on the Skógá river in Iceland's South Coast.
One of Iceland's most powerful and recognizable waterfalls. 60 meters of pure force crashing down from old sea cliffs. You can walk right up to the base and feel the spray on your face.
The sheer power hits you before you're even close. Mist in the air, thunder of water, rainbows on sunny days. There's a staircase to the top with insane views over the coastline. This one lives up to every photo you've seen.
Legend says a Viking named Þrasi Þórólfsson buried treasure behind the falls. People have tried to find it. One supposedly found the chest but only grabbed the ring before it slipped away. That ring is now in the local museum. True? Who knows. Good story though.
Gets crowded midday — come early or late. The stairs to the top are worth it for views and photos. On sunny days you'll often see double rainbows in the mist. Right next to Kvernufoss, a quieter waterfall most tourists miss.
Plan your visit
- Getting there
- On Route 1 (the Ring Road) · in the village of Skógar on Iceland's south coast
The walk- Fimmvörðuháls trail ~10 km over the pass between two glaciers
Best time- Summer (popular summer resort; river fishing July–October)
60 m high, on the river Skógá- Path from the top continues upstream past numerous more waterfalls
- Start of the Fimmvörðuháls trail (~10 km) over the pass between Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers
- A rainbow is visible in the spray when sun conditions are favorable
Drive: Good·
Visit now·
30 min stop
Ring Road 1Checking…
F-roadsOpen
ClosuresChecking…
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Entry: Free
Parking: 800 ISK
No booking
Entry feeFree
Parking800 ISK
BookingNot needed
Getting thereCar recommended
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Blue hour—Cars & campers
KEF airport pickup 24/74.8
Dacia Duster 4x4
Cheapest real 4WD in the fleet — gravel, the Westfjords and easy summer F-roads without truck prices.
TransmissionManual
FuelPetrol/diesel
Seats5
Drive4WD
VW Caravelle
Whole family or friend group in one car — gear in the back, room to stretch.
TransmissionAutomaticFuelDieselSeats9Drive2WD
Key Camper Wild Duo
Sleep right by the trailhead, wake up at the falls — F-road ready from mid-June.
TransmissionManualFuelPetrol
Sleeps2Drive4WDTours near Skógafoss
Small groups
Ice Cave & Waterfalls
Katla ice cave, South Coast waterfalls and the black sand beach in one private day.
Duration11 hours
PickupReykjavík
VehicleSuper Jeep
TypePrivate
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Floating icebergs at Jökulsárlón plus the best of South Iceland on the way.
Duration14 hoursPickupReykjavík
HighlightsSouth Iceland
StopsHot springs
Glacier & Golden Circle
Snowmobile across a glacier, then hit the Golden Circle classics.
Duration10 hoursPickupReykjavík
ActivitySnowmobileVehicleSuper JeepPhotos & videos
Reviews
Nearby
Waterfalls
A waterfall in South Coast. One of many cascades that make Iceland a waterfall paradise.
A waterfall in South Coast. One of many cascades that make Iceland a waterfall paradise.
A waterfall in South Coast. One of many cascades that make Iceland a waterfall paradise.
A waterfall in South Coast. One of many cascades that make Iceland a waterfall paradise.
Hot Springs
Hot spring in North Iceland. Natural geothermal bathing spot.
Natural pool. Real Iceland experience. Check conditions before going.
Hot pot in nature. Surrounded by Icelandic landscape. Bring your own towel.
Hot pot in nature. Naturally heated, no facilities. Check conditions before going.
Campsites
The campsite is situated in South Iceland just few minutes from the Skógafoss waterfall.…
Icelandic campsite offering basic facilities for travelers exploring the area. Facilities…
The campsite in Básar is all around the cabin. It is possible to camp in flat areas and…
Icelandic campsite offering basic facilities for travelers exploring the area. Iceland's…
Supermarkets
Krónan supermarket — supplies
Bónus supermarket — supplies
Supermarket — supplies
Krambúð supermarket — supplies
Gas stations
ÓB · 308.3 kr/L petrol
ÓB · 308.7 kr/L petrol
N1 · 310.9 kr/L petrol
Orkan · 308.6 kr/L petrol
Tours
Katla ice cave, South Coast waterfalls and the black sand beach in one private day.
Floating icebergs at Jökulsárlón plus the best of South Iceland on the way.
Snowmobile across a glacier, then hit the Golden Circle classics.
Frequently
asked
questions
How high is Skógafoss?
Is there a hike at Skógafoss?
When is the best time to see rainbows?
Is Skógafoss free?
What else is near Skógafoss?
Data & sources
Everything on this page comes from the sources below. Live feeds refresh automatically.
UnsplashHero & gallery photography · Lukas Tennie / Unsplash
Visit South Iceland (south.is)Visitor access & practical facts · tourism board
WikipediaEncyclopedic description · CC BY-SA 4.0
VegagerðinLive road status & cameras · Icelandic Road Administration
Open-MeteoWeather forecast · CC BY 4.0
NOAA SWPCAurora (planetary Kp) forecast · public domain
OpenStreetMapInteractive-map data · ODbL
Esri, Maxar & Earthstar GeographicsSatellite imagery for the 3D terrain render · GIS User Community
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