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
Skógafoss (with 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
- 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
Skógafoss waterfall from the distance
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 
If you want to see the waterfall with a rainbow check out the amazing photos from Guide to Iceland or an example from the National Geographic Photo contest
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.
Skogafoss Hike
I did not have time to walk up the path. But some of my co travelers said it was nice.
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.
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.
INFO & PLANNING TIPS - SKOGAFOSS WATERFALL
TIPS FOR TRAVEL PLANNING ADDICTS - Skogafoss Waterfall
How to get to Skogafoss Waterfall
- 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.
- GPS: 63°31'44.4"N 19°30'47.0"W
- It is a 2 hour drive from Reykjavik
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 floows the river with many rapids and more waterfalls. All the comments I have read recommend hiking part of it
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.
What do you think of it? Special or too classic?
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