Visit the Skogafoss waterfall Iceland – Photos + Info + Tips (Great shower!)

Not far from the iconic Seljalandsfoss, the Skogafoss waterfall is also well known in Iceland. Walking up close a powerful 60m high curtain of water is an experience you should not miss while visiting Iceland.

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Why visit the SKOGAFOSS WATERFALL Iceland

Skógafoss (which signifies the Forest fall) is a waterfall on the Skógá river over a former sea cliff.

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 spot 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

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 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 here is one from another photographer:

Skogafoss Hike

At Skogafoss you can also do some hiking.
You can climb the 500 steps to the viewing platform. 
And you can continue along the river for as long as you want. I goes all the way to the Central Highlands.

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 form the Platform at the top:

And once at the top you can keep walking along the Skoga river

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 serie of photos from this trail from another blogger.

• 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.
• It is a 2 hour drive from Reykjavik

How to get to Skogafoss 

• Self drive - you can of course just drive on the Ring Road 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)
• or you can book a day trip from Reykjavik that covers the first half of the South Coast, including Seljalandsfoss - Check out program and book

Visiting Skogafoss

• 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. From the info I found it is roughly 500 steps and you need to be reasonably fit. Apparently 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.
• On sunny days, with enough mist you can see a rainbow accross the waterfall
• A hiking path start at the top of the Skogafoss waterfall and flows 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

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 Gueshthouse is in a stunning location - check out photos and prices

Skogafoss Waterfall 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.

Check out my dedicate article to find how to visit Iceland in Winter.

Want to see more of Iceland's beauty?

Discover more things to do and places to see in Iceland in my online Iceland Destination Guide.

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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