Remember that breathtaking dragon-riding scene in Game of Thrones Season 8?
After which Jon and Daenerys walk towards a massive waterfall surrounded by snow that looks so surreal? Well, it’s completely real. That’s Skógafoss waterfall, and it’s even more incredible in person!
Skógafoss is one of my favorite waterfalls in the country, and considering there are over 10,000 of them, that’s saying something!
There’s a legend behind it too…
Apparently, the first Viking settler in Skógar hid a treasure chest of gold coins in a cave behind the falls, and no one’s found it yet.
But let me tell you that the real treasure is a hiking trail that starts at the waterfall, with 26 waterfalls behind it!
Plus, a handful of hidden spots nearby that most tourists completely miss.
So, even if you haven’t seen Game of Thrones, Skógafoss should still totally be on your Iceland itinerary. 😉
Are you ready to learn more?
Let’s get into it!
Best Time of Year to Visit Skógafoss Waterfall in Iceland
You’ve probably seen the photographs of a towering waterfall with a rainbow arcing over it, yip Skógafoss is that waterfall.
Also known as “Forest Falls” it’s an impressive 200 feet (60 meters) high and 82 feet (25 meters) wide.
The good news is that this waterfall is accessible year-round!
Summertime will definitely be more crowded, but you’ll have longer daylight hours to explore. The weather is warmer and the landscapes are lush and green, with the most beautiful seasonal flowers in spring.
Summer will definitely provide the best hiking conditions, especially if you’re planning on tackling the Fimmvörðuháls hike, which is only possible between June and early September.
Skógafoss in Winter
Winter in Iceland means fewer daylight hours to explore, but it also means it’ll be less crowded than in summer.
It’s absolutely stunning to see the falls thundering down, surrounded by ice and snow!
If you plan on visiting in the winter months, please make sure you pack the right gear.
Sturdy hiking boots and crampons are non-negotiable. The ice is slippery, and you definitely don’t want to risk slipping near the waterfall.
Not sure of what to pack for your trip?
I’ve put together the 👉 Ultimate Iceland Packing Guide, covering exactly what you need for each season, including detailed packing lists and a layering cheat sheet. I’ve even included shoppings lists of my favorite items, including what you’ll need for the kids.
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Bottom line: the best time to visit really depends on what kind of experience you’re after. But if you’re curious what Skógafoss looks like in winter, check out this vlog. 👇
Where is Skógafoss in Iceland?
The waterfall is located near the small town of Skógar in South Iceland. It’s about a 2-hour-and-15-minute drive from the capital, making Skógafoss an easy day trip from Reykjavík.
How to get to Skógafoss waterfall: If you’re driving the Ring Road, just take Route 1 toward the South Coast. Skógafoss is super easy to find. The signs are clear, and the turnoff leads straight to the parking area.
Being in South Iceland means the roads are well-maintained, making Skógafoss a fantastic stop on any self-drive itinerary.
If you’re road tripping throughout Iceland, you’re going to need a reliable vehicle.
And for that, the best company for the job is Blue Car Rental.
I love supporting Icelandic businesses, because they understand the weather challenges and Iceland’s terrain.
They offer 24/7 roadside assistance, insurance, and easy self check-in, making it quick and easy to get on the road.
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Skógafoss Parking + Restrooms
Once you follow the signs to the falls from Route 1, you’ll get to a large parking area that’s open 24/7. It’s about 0.3 miles (500 meters) from the falls.
The parking fee is 1000 ISK (8 USD), and there are also restrooms nearby.
Pro tip: I’m not gonna lie, it can get VERY busy at this waterfall. But if you’d rather avoid the crowds, try not to visit between 10 am and 4 pm (that’s when the tour buses come in).
Skógafoss Waterfall Hike / Waterfall Way
This waterfall is huge! And the closer you get, the more you appreciate the sheer scale of it.
This hike goes by a few names, including the Skóga Trail. But it’s most commonly known as the Waterfall Way, and for good reason. You’ll pass a whopping 26 waterfalls along the route!
(Skógafoss, you already had me at hello… but this? 😍)
Once you’ve parked and made your way to the waterfall, you’ll notice steps along the right side.
Heads up: There are a lot of them, but look at it as a warm-up for the hike ahead!
From the top, it’s cool to see the waterfall from that vantage point, along with the sweeping views of the surrounding area.
Waterfall Way also happens to be the first section of the longer Fimmvörðuháls trek, which I’ll touch on a bit later.
As you continue, you’ll see signs marking each waterfall along the trail.
You’ll pass mossy canyons, waterfalls, and beautiful views of the coastline and Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers.
Eventually, you’ll reach a bridge crossing the Skóga River. From here, you can either head back to Skógafoss or continue on to tackle the next leg of the Fimmvörðuháls hike.
Skógafoss Hike Time + Difficulty
The trail follows the Skóga river upstream and is about 10 miles (16km) round-trip. The nice thing is that you don’t have to commit to the whole thing. You can turn back whenever you like.
If you do the full route, plan for about 4-6 hours, depending on how often you stop. I totally suggest taking in all the beauty…don’t rush it!
I’d rate this walk as moderately difficult. There’s a steady elevation with a few steep sections, but it’s manageable.
Skógafoss Hotels + Accommodation
You’ll find various accommodation options close to the waterfall, making it easy to extend your visit and stay overnight while exploring the surroundings.
Hotel Skógafoss: With the hotel literally minutes away from the falls, the location is perfect, especially if you’re opting for hiking and plan to stay over. There’s a hotel bar and restaurant serving delicious meals with local ingredients, so you can sample some genuine Icelandic cuisine. Yum!
👉 Make a booking: Hotel Skógafoss
Hotel Skóga: The cozy decor and accommodations at Hotel Skóga are spacious with lovely views. They have a self-checkin which is really convenient, especially if you happen to arrive late. Oh, and free coffee is always available… arguably the most important amenity of all! 😉
👉 Make a booking: Hotel Skóga
Guesthouse Skógafoss: The facilities here are modern, clean, and the accommodations are comfortable. There’s a shared kitchen if you feel like whipping up a quick meal. All in all, great value for money!
👉 Make a booking: Guesthouse Skógafoss
Skógafoss Campground
Another fantastic option is to take advantage of the camping facilities right by the falls.
The Skógafoss campsite is open year-round, and you can even pitch your tent with a view of the waterfall… incredible!
However, if tent camping is a little out of your comfort zone, but you still want the experience, then I highly suggest renting a camper van.
This way, your vehicle AND accommodation are sorted, you don’t have to check in and out of hotels, and the camper comes fully equipped.
Happy Campers’ vans have a built-in kitchen to prepare meals, a Wifi hotspot with unlimited data, and you have incredible flexibility, especially if you’re traveling with children.
They’re the original camper van company in Iceland and family-run. Plus, their customer service is genuinely second to none.
Hence the thousands of rave reviews!
Get a discount when you book with Happy Campers by using my special code 👉 IWV10.
Take a look at what you can expect when you rent one.👇
Dining Options: Skógafoss Restaurants
There are restaurants and food trucks nearby, and many of the hotels have onsite restaurants where you can pop in and grab a bite to eat.
Freya cafe: Inside the Skógar Museum, this charming vintage floral-style café serves delicious homemade food and pastries. You’ll find breakfast and lunch options, plus a delightful high tea experience.
Mia’s Country Van: You can’t miss this red food truck covered in white polka dots near Skógafoss! They serve incredible fish and chips with homemade batter and sauces. Perfect for when you’re feeling peckish after your hike.
Skógafoss Bistro Bar: Located inside Hotel Skógafoss, the menu covers breakfast, lunch, and dinner, offering everything from comforting soups and fresh seafood to pasta and classic Icelandic lamb dishes.
Things to Do Around Skógafoss Falls
Skógafoss might be the main event, but don’t just snap a pic and leave…this corner of South Iceland is stacked with things to see and do!
Waterfalls
There’s no shortage of waterfalls near Skógafoss. But you can never have enough waterfalls, can you? 😊
Kvernufoss waterfall: I promised you hidden gems, didn’t I? Well, this one is truly special. It’s honestly one of my favorite places in all of Iceland.
Here’s how to find it: drive to the Skógar Cultural Heritage Museum and park around back. While the waterfall itself has no fee, there is a parking fee at the museum. From there, cross over a fence, and you’ll reach a river. Follow that river as it winds into the valley… and soon enough, you’ll see the waterfall. Brace yourself…it’ll take your breath away!
Seljalandsfoss: This is another very famous waterfall near Skógafoss. Seljanlandsfoss is impressively tall, and you can even walk behind it. But please bring waterproof gear because you WILL get wet!
Gljúfrabúi: A 5-minute walk north of Seljalandsfoss will bring you to another hidden gem called Gljúfrabúi. This waterfall is inside the cave, and so many people miss it because you can barely see it from the outside, but it’s well worth it!
Seljavallalaug
This geothermal pool, filled with natural spring water, is located at the base of a glacier and naturally heated by a nearby volcano.
(Remember to bring your swimsuit, towel, and flip flops when you visit.)
It’s also the oldest pool in Iceland and can be a little tricky to find. That’s why having a map that pinpoints exact locations is so important when you visit Iceland.
My 👉 Iceland Maps + Guidebooks comes with a digital map with hundreds of pinned locations including those hard-to-find spots and hidden gems you won’t just stumble upon on your own.
Hiking
We’ve already covered the Waterfall Way, but what happens beyond that? Take a look…
Fimmvörðuháls Trek: I don’t want to brag… but I’m going to – just this once. 😉 I completed this epic 16-mile hike that takes you from Skógafoss all the way into the lush valley of Þórsmörk.
You can either complete it in one day or split it up over two days. But, let me warn you, it’s not easy and definitely not something you want to try as your first hike, but man-oh-man is it spectacular!
➡️ READ: Fimmvörðuháls Hike: A Step-by-Step Guide To One Of Iceland’s Most Epic Adventures
Kvernufoss waterfall hike: If your typical hike sounds too intense, this short scenic walk is a good one to try out. It’s mostly flat and will only take you about 15-20 minutes.
Skógar Museum
The Skógar Museum is a fascinating stop if you’re curious about how Icelanders lived in the past.
It’s an open-air heritage museum, and it’s so cool to see the old artifacts and the Icelandic turf houses.
If you love discovering more about the history and culture of a place, here’s a list of some of the best museums in Iceland.👇
➡️ READ: The 16 Best Museums in Iceland You Need to Experience on Your Trip!
Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck
You can find the Sólheimasandur airplane crash site on the way to Vík.
While it’s definitely a cool experience to see the crash site, it is quite busy, and I suggest that you visit on a good weather day!
Here’s my honest review of the experience.👇
➡️ READ: Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck: How to Get There, When to Go & Essential Tips
Take a Skógafoss Tour
If you’d rather enjoy South Iceland’s highlights without worrying about routes, timing, or logistics, a guided tour is a good option.
Personally, I love the freedom of driving myself, especially in South Iceland, where there’s so much to see. But everyone travels differently, right?
If ticking off bucket-list spots like Dyrhólaey, Vík, and Reynisfjara Beach sounds appealing, without having to plan a single thing, this tour could be right up your alley.👇
➡️ TAKE A TOUR: South Coast of Iceland – Eyjafjallajökull Volcano, Skógafoss & Reynisfjara
Excited for More Waterfall Hikes Around Iceland?
Hikes in Iceland are incredible on their own, but when your effort is rewarded with a waterfall at the end of it, it takes the experience to a whole new level!
Here are a few more waterfall hikes in Iceland, just be sure to double-check which seasons they’re accessible:
👉 Why Glymur Waterfall Should Top Your Iceland Hiking Bucket List
👉 Goðafoss: Your Complete Guide to One of Iceland’s Most Famous Waterfalls
👉 The Magical Brúarfoss Waterfall: A Hidden Gem in Iceland’s Golden Circle
👉 Háifoss: A Breathtaking Adventure to One of Iceland’s Highest Waterfalls
Skógafoss might be one of the stars of this stretch of South Iceland, but as you’ve probably noticed, it’s just one piece of a much bigger, wildly beautiful puzzle.
This area is full of incredible places that deserve more than just a rushed visit.
The challenge is knowing what’s worth your time, how long to spend, and how to connect it all without overplanning or missing something special.
That’s exactly why I created my region-specific 👉 Iceland Maps + Guidebooks.
Inside, you’ll find curated stops, hidden gems, realistic planning tips, and an interactive digital map that shows you where to find the must-see sites, hidden gems, and even practical stops like restrooms, gas stations, and clinics.
If you want help pulling it all together without overplanning (or losing hours to research), my 👉 Iceland Maps + Guidebooks are made for exactly that.
HAPPY PLANNING!
