Not far from the iconic Seljalandsfoss, the Skogafoss waterfall Iceland is also really well known. Walking up close to a powerful 60m high curtain of water is an experience you should not miss. Below is my guide to help you plan your visit to Skogafoss: how to get there, exploring, hiking...
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Why visit the Skogafoss waterfall in Iceland?
Skógafoss is a waterfall on the Skógá river over a former sea cliff.
The waterfall of Skogafoss in Iceland
It was not my favorite but it does have something special and it is one of the most famous waterfalls in Iceland and a top stop on the Ring Road for the following reasons:
- It is very easy to get to (at the Skogar village not far from the Ring Road)
- You can go very close and see it from many angles
- It is powerful and the sound makes the experience with a surround sound
- This classically shaped rectangular waterfall drops 60m
- It is 25m in width
- The fields around the town of Skógar are filled with purple lupine during June
- It is still flowing in winter
- It produces rainbows on rainy days
And very few less attractive points
- Its shape is not original compared to other waterfalls like Hraunfossar
- It is one of the most touristic spots on the South Coast (of course, with such an easy access). However, it is still Iceland, so the volume of tourists is nothing in comparison to sites like the Eiffel Tower. I recommend to add it when planning your Iceland road Trip itinerary
How to get to Skogafoss Iceland
Waterfall of Skogafoss Location & Directions
- Located on the South Coast of Iceland (see my Region Guide)
- Skogafoss waterfall directions: The waterfall is visible from the Ring road and the parking a just 1km from Road number 1.
- It is 28km east of Seljalandsfoss.
- Seljalandsfoss to Skogafoss =30min
- Reykjavik to Skogafoss = around 2h
- It is West of Vik - Skogafoss to Vik = 30min
- On the map below you can see the location of Skogafoss on the Ring Road, on the South Coast:
Need to rent a car for your road trip in Iceland?
- You can choose from some great local companies - Iceland has a lot of specificities and their offerings are adapted - you can compare cars and prices of quality local brands on this expert Icelandic website
- Otherwise you can compare offers from international companies on RentalCars.com
- Book early to have a large choice of vehicles!
How to get to the Skogafoss Waterfall - day trip
- You can book a day trip from Reykjavik that covers the first half of the South Coast, including Seljalandsfoss - Check out program and book
How to get to Skogafoss - self drive
- Or you can just drive on the Ring Road from Reykjavik towards the East - and plan a stop at the waterfall - check out my guide about Driving in Iceland (I used Route 1 car rental and loved it - Check out their car and prices)
- Skogafoss with its GPS coordinates is included in my eBooks to help you easily plan your unforgettable road trip:
Be overwhelmed by the beauty, not the planning!
8 Maps, 100+ locations
110+ photos
LEARN MORE
2 Maps, 30 stops, 10 detours
70+ photos
LEARN MORE
Visiting Skogafoss Iceland
- There is a flat walk to the base of the falls, and you can walk as close as you dare (don’t forget to protect your camera)
- There are also stairs on the right side. to get to the top. There are roughly 370 steps and you need to be reasonably fit. And there is also a rock in the shape of a troll face.
- There is a cafe and toilets at the site. Camping is allowed. Hotel Skogafoss is next to the parking.
- Free access
- On sunny days, with enough mist you can see a rainbow across the waterfall
- A hiking path starts at the top of the Skogafoss waterfall and follows the river with many rapids and more waterfalls.
- And Check out my complete article with detailed suggestions and tips on what to wear and pack for Iceland to stay warm and comfortable
Where to stay near Skogafoss
The nearby village is Skogar.
- If you want to stay really close to the waterfall (walking distance) - check out the Skogafoss hotel or check out the Skogar hotel
- If you don't mind staying a little bit west (5 min drive), the Garage Guesthouse is in a stunning location - check out photos and prices
Skógafoss waterfall from the distance
From the parking it is an easy flat walk to the foot of the waterfall.
Or, as you can see in the picture below, you can walk on the side to a viewing platform
I waited there for an hour with my foreground hoping for a rainbow to appear but nothing. But I do not complain, there are worse places to wait 
Skógafoss FAQs
Is there a treasure behind Godafoss?
A legend in the local folklore says that great treasures await the one that goes behind the waterfall... Who knows? lol
Best time to visit Skogafoss
If possible, you should visit early or late to avoid the crowds.
It is facing South and slightly West, so light would be better later in the day
Can you camp near Skogafoss?
Yes but no free camping at the waterfall. There is a camping area where you can stay for a small fee.
How long to spend at Skogafoss?
- You can stay just 15min admiring it from the front
- Or plan 1h to explore the base and hike up and down
- Longer if you want to keep walking along the Skoga river
What does Skogafoss mean?
In Icelandic Foss mean waterfall. So, it is the waterfall of the Skoga river.
The village is Skogar. So, it is sometimes referred to as the Skogar waterfall.
Skogafoss falls from up close
No picture can translate the power of it…
Sadly I do not have a wide angle, so I was not able to take a picture of the whole fall even closer.
The sun never got out and I don't have a picture of the waterfall with a rainbow, but I purchased this one from another photographer:
Skogafoss Hike - 30min to 2 days (22km Fimmvorduhals)
Skogafoss waterfall hike - short
At Skogafoss you can also do some hiking.
You can climb the 370 steps to the viewing platform.
From the walk up the stairs you can enjoy nice views of the side (but be very careful if not staying on the path)
And now the view from the platform at the top:
Skogafoss hike - long
And once at the top you can keep walking along the Skoga river and see more than 20 more waterfalls.
You can continue along the river for as long as you want. It goes between the glacier and all the way to the Central Highlands.
It is one of the most popular hikes in Iceland: Fimmvorduhals which is 22km - open only in Summer
From the top of the Skogafoss hike, you can also hike further on the trail that goes all the way to Landmannalaugar through Thormosk. At the beginning you follow the river with more rapids and waterfalls. Here is a series of photos from this trail from another blogger.
Skogafoss Waterfall in Winter
Begin close to the Ring Road, the Skogafoss falls can also be accessed in Winter.
Considering the high volume of the waterfall it does not freeze and the scenery become really magical.
Skogafoss in Winter
Want to see more of Iceland's beauty?
Note: If you don't want to book everything yourself, consider booking a Self-Drive Tour Package (see my article to help you choose)
What do you think of it? Special or too classic?
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