Located on the Skógá River near the small town of Skógar, the Skógafoss waterfall is one of the largest in Iceland with a drop of almost 200 feet. The waterfall is located south of the Eyjafjallajökull glacial volcano, which made headlines around the world for stopping international flights in Europe in 2010 due to ash and smoke filling the air and the area around the falls.
These days the falls are much clearer, and regular spraying of the falls often produces a colorful rainbow on a bright, sunny day. The rainbow even appears in Icelandic folklore – some of the early Viking settlers in the area are said to have left treasures at its base. Locals allegedly discovered the chest shortly after, but were only able to retrieve a handle from the chest before it was lost forever. Although you won’t be able to hunt for the treasure yourself, you can see the handle at the nearby Skógar Folk Museum.
Location
Right off the country’s famous Ring Road or Route 1, the Skógafoss Waterfall is a must-see for anyone traveling to the south coast of Iceland. About a two-hour drive from Reykjavik, Skógafoss and its many accommodation and restaurant options are the perfect stop, whether you’re looking for a quiet stop on your way to other stops on the South Coast or Vik.
How to see the waterfall
Watching Skógafoss is simple – you won’t be able to miss the roaring falls. Although you cannot walk behind the waterfall like other falls on the south shore, you can get quite close to the water; but a step too close will leave you drenched in mist, so dress accordingly and prepare yourself in a rain coat! On a clear day, the waterfall is incredibly photogenic and is the perfect place to watch the rainbow and take in the stunning scenery.
If you’re short on time, watching the water plunge into the river from the bottom of the falls is a breathtaking sight alone. If you have more time or are planning a stay in Skógar, don’t miss the hike up the 400+ stairs to the falls stop. Although the climb is not for everyone, the view from the stop is spectacular and a great way to get a panoramic view of the surroundings. Above you can see the river connecting the falls and the start of the popular hiking trail Fimmvorduhals to Pórsmörk.
how to visit
A popular addition to any south shore tour, you are very likely to see this beautiful waterfall when you book a guided south shore day tour.
If you rent a car and drive yourself, Skógafoss is a must see. Just a quick detour from Route 1, the small town of Skógar has plenty of free parking available for travelers to stop and enjoy the beautiful sites. In addition to parking, there are three on-site restaurants attached to Hótel Skógar, Hótel Skógafoss and the Skógar Museum.
Visitors interested in Icelandic history and culture should visit the Skógar Folk Museum . A few steps from the falls, this museum is divided into two buildings; one dedicated to Icelandic transport and communications and the other focused on regional history. Outside the two buildings are turf-roofed historic buildings transformed into an open-air museum.
If you visit during the summer months and have a full day, consider the popular Fimmvörðuháls hiking trail . One of the top attractions for overnight travelers in the area, the intense 14-mile trail begins alongside the Skógá River and continues between the Mýrdalsjökull and Eyjafjallajökull glaciers. If you choose to split the trail into two days, there are some lava huts, similar to lodges, you can stay to finish the hike. The trail eventually leads to Þórsmörk, where you can set up camp to continue exploring one of the many hiking trails or take a bus back to Skógar.
accommodation
Have you ever wanted to wake up next to a waterfall? Luckily, Skógar has you covered. There are a total of seven different ways to stay in Skógar, from family-owned guesthouses and relaxing hotels to hostels and camps, there is a wide range of accommodations to suit anyone’s budget.
- Hótel Edda Skógar: The largest hotel in Skógar, this local branch of an Icelandic hotel chain is only open during the summer months. The 37 rooms are hostel-style with shared bathrooms and private rooms. There is an on-site restaurant offering a buffet breakfast and dinner menu.
- Hótel Skógar: Do you want a little more? Attached to the highly rated Fossbúð restaurant, this quaint hotel also includes access to an outdoor sauna and hot tub for an extra touch of relaxation after a long day of travel.
- Hótel Skógafoss: This cozy hotel has a variety of rooms of different sizes that are perfect for families and couples traveling and includes a buffet breakfast served in the attached cafeteria.
- Skógar Guesthouse – Open all year round, this cozy 8-room guesthouse includes breakfast, Jacuzzi, and optional add-ons for horseback riding, snowmobiling, and ATV trips to explore the surroundings.
- Fosstún Skógar – This family-owned guesthouse is a cozy two-bedroom apartment for up to 5 people with a fully equipped kitchen and bathroom.
- Hostel Skógar – Connected to Hótel Skógafoss, this budget hostel has a mix of private rooms and mixed dorms that are perfect for solo travelers and backpackers.
- Skógar Camping Grounds: For the more adventurous traveler, there is a basic camp where you can set up camp and wake up next to the falls. The camp has basic facilities including toilets, sinks, and showers for purchase.
Things to do nearby
Although the attractions on this stretch of the south coast are fairly close, there are some places that are worth spending more time if you are staying in the Skógar area.
About 10 minutes east of Skógar and hidden at the end of a gravel road off Route 1 is a scenic 15 minute walk to the rustic Seljavallalaug hot spring that is definitely worth seeing. Tucked away amongst the breathtakingly vibrant Eyjafjoll Mountains, there is a basic thermal pool that is a great way to take a dip and relax while exploring the south coast. However, this is not the Blue Lagoon. Due to its remote location, the pool is not always well maintained and is often full of algae and warm water, but if you want a once-in-a-lifetime bathing experience next to the mountains, it is well worth the hike.
10 minutes west of Skógar is the Sólheimajökull glacier . A glacier visit may only take an hour if you’re short on time, but allow more time if you want to book a glacier hike with a guided tour for a closer look. Parking is free, but if you need to use the bathroom you will have to pay.
