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Skógafoss

Road 1 open8°C · breezy60 m drop5 min walk800 ISK parkingSouth Coast, Iceland

About

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.

Driving conditions
Road conditions
Check live
Road · From Reykjavík to the foss
Drive: Good
Visit now
30 min stop
Ring Road 1Checking…
F-roadsClosed (winter)
ClosuresNone nearby
Wind
Visibility
Prices
Cost to visit
800 ISK
Parking only · entry free
Entry: Free
Parking: 800 ISK
No booking
Entry feeFree
Parking800 ISK
BookingNot needed
Getting thereCar recommended
Forecast
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Northern lights
Tonight
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No data
22:00 – 02:00
Face north
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9
Activity peak23:42
MoonWaxing crescent
Light pollutionRural dark sky
Sun & light
Today
Today
Sunrise
Golden hour AM
Golden hour PM
Sunset
Blue hour

Cars & campers

−15%exclusive discountFree cancellationKEF airport pickup 24/74.8

Tours near Skógafoss

−10%exclusive discountFree cancellationSmall groups4.8

Photos

Skógafoss waterfall front view
Anja M.
Skógafoss sunset behind falls
Daniel P.
Skógafoss close up
Sofia L.
Skógafoss visitors path
Marco R.
Skógafoss waterfall Iceland
Elena K.
Skógafoss aerial view
Tómas V.

Videos

Seljalandsfoss WaterfallJared Dillingham
Walk Behind the WaterfallPlanet Earth
Behind Seljalandsfoss at SunsetThe Powers Couple
Seljalandsfoss in One ShotCandace Cabrera
Waterfalls of IcelandDutch Angles
Behind a Beautiful WaterfallJerad Gardner, MD

Reviews

Anja Müller
Mar 28, 2026 · Sightseeing
Unique experienceWet & mistyParking availableFamily friendly

Walking behind a 60-meter waterfall is something you don't forget. We went at sunset and the light through the curtain was absolutely magical. Bring proper rain gear — you WILL get soaked through. The path is well-maintained but rocky.

Conditions: Wet, misty spray, soaked path
Parking: Paid, 800 ISK, large lot
Difficulty: Easy
Daniel Park
Feb 14, 2026 · Photography
Great light at sunriseCrowded in summerGljúfrabúi nearby

Best light at sunrise before the tour buses arrive. The path behind is slippery in winter but doable with spikes. Don't skip Gljúfrabúi next door — most tourists walk right past it, but it's a hidden waterfall inside a cave. Spectacular.

Conditions: Icy path, cold spray
Parking: Paid lot, small fee
Difficulty: Easy
Sofia Lindström
Jan 6, 2026 · Road trip
Winter closed behindIcyGreat views

Stopped here on a Ring Road trip in early January. The path behind the waterfall was closed due to ice — check conditions before you go if walking behind is the main reason. Still stunning from the front though.

Conditions: Snow, ice, closed path
Parking: Free in winter (closed booth)
Difficulty: Easy (front only)

Frequently
asked
questions

How high is Skógafoss?
60 meters (about 200 feet). It's one of the largest waterfalls in Iceland.
Is there a hike at Skógafoss?
Yes! Stairs climb alongside the falls to a viewing platform. The Fimmvörðuháls trail starts here.
When is the best time to see rainbows?
Sunny days, especially mornings. Position yourself with the sun behind you for the best rainbow shots.
Is Skógafoss free?
The waterfall is free. Parking is 800 ISK.
What else is near Skógafoss?
Kvernufoss (hidden waterfall), Skógar Museum, and the start of Fimmvörðuháls hiking trail.
Get directions to Skógafoss