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Travel Guide of Skógafoss in Iceland by Influencers and Travelers


Skógafoss is a waterfall situated on the Skógá River in the south of Iceland at the cliffs of the former coastline. After the coastline had receded seaward, the former sea cliffs remained, parallel to the coast over hundreds of kilometres, creating together with some mountains a clear border between the coastal lowlands and the Highlands of Iceland.


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Pictures and Stories of Skógafoss from Influencers

20 pictures of Skógafoss from Alec Cooks, Jonatan Pie, Willian Justen de Vasconcellos and other travelers


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How to visit Skógafoss ?

Why traveling there?


Skógafoss is one of Iceland's most iconic and picturesque waterfalls, drawing visitors from around the world to witness its beauty. The waterfall is situated in the south coast of Iceland, with a drop of 60 meters (200 feet) and a width of 25 meters (82 feet), making it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike. Besides its sheer beauty, Skógafoss is also famous for its rainbows that appear on sunny days due to the spray from the waterfall, creating a magical atmosphere.

How to get there?


Skógafoss is located about 150 km (93 miles) southeast of Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland. The easiest way to reach Skógafoss is by car, which takes approximately 2 hours from Reykjavik. There are also bus tours and guided day trips available that include Skógafoss in their itinerary. If you prefer a more adventurous mode of transportation, you can join a guided bike tour or even a horse riding tour.

What to book in advance?


While visiting Skógafoss itself does not require any advance booking, it is recommended to book accommodations and guided tours in advance, especially during the peak tourist season. Booking a guided tour of the south coast, which includes Skógafoss, ensures a hassle-free experience and can provide valuable insight from knowledgeable guides.

What are the costs?


Visiting Skógafoss is free of charge. However, if you decide to take a guided tour, costs will vary depending on the type of tour and the duration. Day tours from Reykjavik, including stops at other attractions, typically range from $100 to $200 per person. Accommodation and dining costs will vary based on your preferences, but you can expect to pay around $80 to $200 per night for accommodations and around $20 to $40 per meal.

What are the best things to do?


- Admiring the waterfall from the base and capturing stunning photographs
- Climbing the stairs next to the waterfall to reach the observation platform for a panoramic view
- Hiking the Skógá River trail that leads to several other smaller waterfalls
- Exploring the nearby Skógar Museum, showcasing the cultural and historical heritage of the region

Where to eat?


1. Skógafoss Bistro Bar: A cozy and rustic bistro offering Icelandic cuisine and a great view of the waterfall.
2. Strondin Bistro and Bar: Located in Vík, this restaurant offers a variety of dishes, including burgers, pizzas, and seafood.
3. Halldorskaffi: Also in Vík, this café serves homemade Icelandic dishes, sandwiches, and desserts.

Where to stay?


1. Skógar Guesthouse: A charming guesthouse located near Skógafoss, offering comfortable rooms and a shared kitchen.
2. Hotel Skógafoss: This hotel is situated right next to the waterfall, offering modern rooms and an on-site restaurant.
3. Hótel Edda Skógar: A seasonal hotel located close to Skógafoss, offering basic accommodations and a restaurant.

Off the beaten path


For an unusual travel experience, explore the hidden gem of Kvernufoss, a lesser-known waterfall located just a short hike away from Skógafoss. This waterfall is tucked away in a secluded canyon and offers a peaceful and intimate experience away from the crowds. To reach Kvernufoss, follow the path leading from the Skógar Museum and enjoy a scenic 1.5 km (0.9 miles) hike that takes you to this enchanting spot.



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  Map of Skógafoss

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   More Travel spots to explore around Skógafoss

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Discover more travel spots to explore around Skógafoss

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Learn More about Skógafoss

Skógafoss is one of the largest waterfalls in the country.



Discover the famous Skógafoss waterfall!




The 25-meter wide waterfall plunges from a height of 60 meters near the village of Skógar, before ending its route in the Atlantic Ocean.

On sunny days, you can admire the rainbow that rises in front of the waterfall. Follow in the footsteps of the treasure of Prasi Porolfsson, a very greedy Viking

According to the Icelandic sagas, he hid his fortune in a cavity behind the water curtain. A daring man managed to get his hands on the vault full of gold. But the handle broke off and the loot sank into the water. At the Skógar Ecomuseum, you can see this big ring, which proves that the legend may be true

Admire the magnitude of the waterfall from the misty base of the falls, or challenge yourself to reach the top and climb what seems like an infinite number of stairs

  • From the bottom of the falls, you can walk to the wall of water and get lost in the thick fog of the spray. Take pictures from different distances and stand under the double rainbows 

  • From the top, a specially built observation platform offers you a breathtaking view of the waterfall and towards the sea cliffs and the Atlantic Ocean!
  • Skogafoss is unique because it is fed from two distinct glaciers Eyjafjallajokull and Myrdalsjokull.

Skógafoss also has its legend.




Indeed, it is said that a treasure would be behind the powerful waterfall. This chest was deposited by the Viking Þrasi Þórólfsson and, a few years later, it was discovered by a child. However, the weight of the treasure and perhaps a curse prevented him from taking it and he could only bring back a handful. The latter is said to be on display in the nearby museum in Skógar today.

Frequently Asked Questions by Travelers planning a trip to Skógafoss

When it is the best time to visit Skógafoss ?

Skogafoss is accessible all year round, but to beat the buses, it is best to leave early in the morning or later in the evening.

In terms of seasons, during the summer, Skogafoss is best visited under the midnight sun, as there will be fewer people. Also, it is not impossible to catch the Northern Lights at the waterfall during the dark winter nights!

  • If you plan to visit Skogafoss during the winter months, consider taking a group tour instead of a drive, as road conditions can be icy and challenging.

  • FIMMVÖRÐUHÁLS TRAIL
If you're up for it, there are several hiking trails from the top of the waterfall! Fimmvörðuháls is a popular 22-kilometer hike that takes you along the Skógá River, between two different glaciers, Mýrdalsjökull and Eyjafjallajökull, before ending in the majestic Þórsmörk Valley.

  • SKÓGAR MUSEUM
The Skogar Museum is an open-air cultural heritage museum with over 15,000 objects, old wooden houses, and sod houses, with 3 excellent museums available to visit. The Skógasafn museum also includes a café and a museum store.













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