Visiting Skogafoss Waterfall In Iceland

Iceland is known for its spectacular waterfalls. In fact, the country boasts over 10,000 of them, so you’ll be in for quite the trip itinerary if you want to see all of them. But in all seriousness, there are a few that are considered must-visit spots, each with its own distinct features and unique characteristics. One of these is Skogafoss Waterfall.

In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about Skogafoss, why it’s such an impressive waterfall that must be included on any Iceland trip itinerary, and what you can expect from visiting this breathtaking natural wonder.

Skogafoss: One of Iceland’s Largest Waterfalls

Skogafoss is one of the largest waterfalls you’ll get to see here on the island. It stretches 25 meters wide with water plunging from a height of 60 meters. It is a magnificent site to see this powerful waterfall tumbling down the green and, moss-covered cliffs, and it’s one of the waterfalls in Iceland where you can get pretty close to the action.

But it’s not just us who think our waterfall is pretty amazing. Once you’re there, you may feel a sense of Deja vu, almost certain you’ve been there before. And you might be halfway correct. You might have “been” there before… along with some of your favorite on-screen characters. That’s because Skogafoss Waterfall has been featured in popular TV series such as Vikings and Game of Thrones.

The Geological Significance of Skogafoss Waterfall

There is actually another reason that Skogafoss is such a significant landmark in Iceland. That’s because it marks where the Icelandic coast once was. You see, unlike many of the other waterfalls in Iceland, where the landscape was created by volcanic activity, and the waterfall was the result of some sort of glacial flooding, Skogafoss Waterfall has essentially always been there – just not as a plunging pillar of water from a height of 60 meters.

Marine erosion caused the coastline to slowly recede over time till the former coastline and point where the river ran into the sea became the spectacular waterfall we see today.

The Legend of Skogafoss Waterfall

The legend surrounding Skogafoss Waterfall has captured the imagination of locals and visitors alike for hundreds of years. According to legend, a Viking, Prasi Porolfsson, hid a chest filled with gold and all sorts of other riches behind the waterfall. This proved to be an excellent hiding spot since no one dared take on the powerful force of the thousands of liters of bone-crushing water tumbling down the cliffs to ever find out if the legend was true or not.

What Does the Name Skogafoss Mean?

Remember we mentioned the green and moss-covered cliffs? Well, that’s merely the beginning of the lush vegetation that can be found surrounding Skogafoss, and the name is in ode of that. “Skogur” loosely translates to “forest,” and “foss” translates to “falls.” Therefore, the name means Forest Waterfall.

Where is Skogafoss Waterfall in Iceland?

Skogafoss is near the village of Skogar (about 5 kilometers) in southern Iceland. The waterfall is fed by the Skoga River, which, in turn, gets fed by two glaciers here on the island: Myrdalsjokull and Eyjafjallajokull.

The waterfall is roughly 154 kilometers away from the capital city of Reykjavik, so it’s possible to make this one of your day trips from the capital city (but only during the warmer months of the year when you’ll have plenty of daylight hours). The waterfall is, however, conveniently located just off the Ring Road, so many choose to add it as a stop on their road trip around the island.

How to Get to Skogafoss Waterfall

There are three options when it comes to getting to Skogafoss:

Taking a Tour

With Skogafoss being one of our most famous waterfalls here on the island, many tour operators and guides already have it as a destination on many of their existing tour packages. Alternatively, you can arrange with them for a customized private tour.

Catching a Bus

Skogafoss is one of the attractions in Iceland that can easily be reached via our public transport. There is what is referred to as the Highlands bus that runs twice a day and takes you directly from Reykjavik to Skogar.

Another option is to catch Bus 51 from the Reykjavik Campsite and transfer to Bus 52 at Selfoss, which will take you directly to the waterfall. It’s important to note that the operating hours will change with the seasons, so double-check the operating times during your trip.

Driving Yourself

We believe the best way to explore the island is by driving yourself, especially by doing a road trip. It’s the only way to truly immerse yourself in the Icelandic landscape and not rely on other people’s mode of transport or trip itinerary (as is the case with tours).

Getting to Skogafoss from the capital city is also super easy. You simply drive east on the Ring Road until you see the Skogafoss signs and then turn left into the Skogafoss Waterfall parking lot.

Hiking to Skogafoss Waterfall

Here, we will need to clarify that there are two hikes that people usually refer to in regard to Skogafoss:

The Hike (aka Walk Up the Stairs to the Waterfall)

Some stairs will take you to an observation deck that gets you as close to the waterfall as possible. It is a fairly steep climb with 527 steps that can become pretty wet and slippery, but it’s well worth it if you are able to do so. Just bring a raincoat since you’re bound to get drenched by the mist and spray of the powerful waterfall.

The Skogafoss Waterfall Way Hike

This is an 8-kilometer hike in the traditional sense of the word. It’s an out-and-back trail that starts at Skogafoss and runs all along the river. This is actually the first 8 kilometers of the famous (and much longer) Fimmvörduhals Hiking Trail, so you can either shorten or extend the hike as you like and based on the ages of the people in your party.

Other Things to Do and See Near Skogafoss

You will find many other interesting things to do around Skogafoss to keep you busy for at least a few days.  The following are some of our recommendations:

• Skogar Museum

• Katla Volcano

• Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool

• Eyjafjallajokull Volcano

• Myrdalsjokull Glacier

• Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

• Thorsmork Valley

• The LAVA Centre

Skogafoss Waterfall: the Perfect Ring Road Road Trip Stop

Since it’s so conveniently located along the main road and doesn’t take up too much of your day (a visit to the waterfall usually takes about 1.5 hours if you climb up the stairs), Skogafoss makes the perfect Ring Road road trip stop. Not only is it a welcome break for you to stretch your legs, but it truly is a breathtaking sight, so be sure to take a few snapshots.

For the ultimate road trip where you have both your transport and accommodation sorted and can take advantage of our affordable campgrounds all across the country, we suggest renting a campervan in Reykjavik upon arrival on the island. It is top of the line when it comes to convenience and comfort and simply adds to the unique experiences there is to be had on an adventure through Iceland.