So, is Skógafoss worth visiting? Absolutely! But if your Iceland trip is about more than ticking off famous spots, you’ll want to find ways to fully immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes here. That’s where our Iceland adventure activities come in!
Browse our range of experiences, from canyoning and glacier hikes to ice cave tours, and find the perfect fit for your sense of adventure. And if you have any pre-booking questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Just hearing the name Skógafoss often sparks visions of thunderous water plunging over cliffs, beautiful rainbows arching in the mist, and hikers climbing to epic views. It’s one of those places that feels like the very image of Iceland. But behind the postcard-perfect photos, there’s more than meets the eye.
Skógafoss sits roughly halfway between Reykjavik and Skaftafell, so many of the guests on our Iceland adventure activities stop off at the falls on their way to our part of the country. And it never disappoints!
If you’re planning a South Coast road trip or a complete lap around the Ring Road, here are five things to know about Skógafoss. And if you think of any questions for the Ice Guardians team as we go, please feel free to get in touch.
Skógafoss is Arguably Iceland’s Most Famous Waterfall
If you’ve googled waterfalls in Iceland, there’s a high chance you saw Skógafoss first. That’s not a surprise. The falls are 60 metres (197 feet) high and about 25 metres (82 feet) wide. These dimensions create a near-perfect representation of a waterfall, offering up a precise rectangular cascade over the side of an ancient cliff. Huge volumes of water plunge downward, creating a wall of spray and a roar that stirs the soul.
Compared with other falls — Seljalandsfoss (where you can walk behind the water), Gullfoss (powerful and grand), and Dettifoss (raw force) — Skógafoss stands out because of its union of symmetry and power. It drops in a single curtain, with the river Skógá thundering over basalt cliffs, making the site both dramatic and approachable.
Its cinematic nature hasn’t gone unnoticed. Just some of the films and TV shows Skógafoss has appeared in include:
- Thor: The Dark World
- The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
- Game of Thrones
- Vikings
So when people ask, “Is Skógafoss worth visiting?”, the answer is a resounding yes! And if you’re curious about how it stacks up against other waterfalls in Iceland, our blog on the most scenic waterfalls in Iceland provides an insightful comparison that can help you plan stops along the South Coast and beyond.
You Can Visit Skógafoss Year-Round
Part of Skógafoss’s appeal is that it’s accessible in every season. It lies just off the Ring Road (Route 1) and is much easier to reach than more remote falls. Summer sees lush greenery, warm light, long days, and easier conditions for visiting and photographing. In winter, the landscape transforms; snow carpets the cliffs, icicles form, mist freezes, and everything looks more mystical.
That said, winter comes with warnings. Paths can be icy, steps treacherous, and the spray from the waterfall, mixed with cold winds, makes the base area slippery. Sturdy footwear with good grip, caution, and checking road conditions are essential. You can do the latter by visiting the Iceland traffic centre. And be sure to read our Guide to Iceland’s Ring Road when you have finished here for even more local advice about planning your adventure.
What’s the best time to visit Skógafoss? For most, summer and the shoulder seasons (late spring, early autumn) will give you the best combination of comfort, beauty, and safety. But even in winter, if you come prepared, the reward is something few places can rival.
You Can Climb to the Top of Skógafoss for a Stunning View
With a combination of the thunderous sound, the drifting spray, and the breathtaking view up, visiting the base of the falls is thrilling. But for those who like a challenge, you can also climb to the top of Skógafoss for a different, equally awe-inspiring perspective.
There’s a staircase to the right of the waterfall as you face it. It consists of 527 metal stairs leading to the top of the cliff. The staircase sometimes shakes, but there is a handrail to keep you secure. The individual steps are also scored for improved grip.
From the viewing platform, you can’t see the entire falls from top to bottom, but the different view is another way to appreciate the sheer forces of nature at work here. Looking back from where you came, you can take in the views of farmland below, the Skógá River’s onward journey to the sea, and, on clear days, the southern coastline.
Are you planning a summertime visit? There’s good news! Skógafoss is the start and end point of an epic summer-only hiking trail called the Fimmvörðuháls Pass (24km) to Þórsmörk. Beyond the staircase and viewing platform are dozens more stunning waterfalls along a gravel trail. It’s definitely worth going for a trek in the warmer months, but just remember you need to turn around and follow the path back if you’re not going on a long day over the pass. There’s even a campsite if you want to spend longer exploring!
Are you looking for more ways to get your steps in during your stay? We think you’ll love our Complete Guide to Hiking in Iceland. It’s filled with valuable local advice for exploring our stunning countryside!
Skógafoss is Linked to a Legend About Viking Gold
Every great Icelandic waterfall seems to have a legend, and Skógafoss is no exception. According to folklore, the Viking settler Þrasi Þórólfsson buried a treasure chest behind the waterfall. Over time, locals found out about the hidden gold. Many tried to retrieve the chest and, as the story goes, a young man almost succeeded. Having tied a rope around one of the chest’s handle rings, he pulled — but the ring came loose and the treasure was lost forever. That ring, legend says, was placed on the door of the church at Skógar, and today you can see it on display in the Skógar Museum.
This kind of folklore adds a layer of magic to visiting Skógafoss. It’s not just a natural wonder, but a place alive with myth and history. If cultural stories interest you, the Skógar museum is absolutely worth a side trip.
Yes, Rainbows Often Appear at Skógafoss!
One of the most magical parts of visiting Skógafoss is the rainbows. The waterfall produces so much mist that, when conditions are right, you’ll see shimmering single or sometimes double rainbows arching through the spray.
To improve your chances, aim for early morning or later in the afternoon when the sun isn’t directly overhead; the angle helps. Also, clear skies or partially sunny skies are better, though light cloud can still produce lovely diffused colour. Bring waterproof gear and a lens cloth because the mist can soak you and your camera pretty quickly.
Looking for even more trip-planning inspiration? Be sure to read our top travel tips for Iceland as part of your holiday preparation. Let us help you make the most of your time here!
Making Skógafoss Part of an Iceland South Coast Adventure
So, now you know these five things about Skógafoss, it’s time to start planning an Iceland South Coast itinerary that includes a stop here. The falls are a major highlight on any road trip in the Land of Fire and Ice, especially if you’re aiming for the full spectrum of Iceland adventure activities.
From Reykjavik, Skógafoss is about a two-hour drive south along Route 1. It’s a natural stop on the way toward the glaciers, ice caves, lagoons, and black sand beaches in our country’s captivating South East. If you’re heading to Vatnajökull, combining your visit to Skógafoss with glacier hikes or ice cave tours turns a great itinerary into an unforgettable one.
If you want a broader perspective on exploring this region, our blog on five must-sees in southeast Iceland provides local tips on how to shape your route, helping you to ensure that Skógafoss sits perfectly among other unmissable sights.
Book Your Iceland Adventure Activities with Ice Guardians!
So, is Skógafoss worth visiting? Absolutely! But if your Iceland trip is about more than ticking off famous spots, you’ll want to find ways to fully immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes here. That’s where our Iceland adventure activities come in!
Browse our range of experiences, from canyoning and glacier hikes to ice cave tours, and find the perfect fit for your sense of adventure. And if you have any pre-booking questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
