SKÓGAFOSS WATERFALL

Skógafoss waterfall sits along the south coast of Iceland, about 4 kilometres from the sea. In fact, the rocky cliffs from which the waterfall tumbles once marked the coastline of Iceland, before volcanic activity created new land between here and the sea. It is a 156-kilometre (around a 97-mile) drive from Reykjavík to Skógafoss and it takes about two hours and fifteen minutes to reach here from the capital. The closest village to Skógafoss is the pretty seaside village of Vik, which is a half-hour drive away (34 kilometres).

If you are hiring a car, it is relatively easy to drive yourself from Reykjavík to Skógafoss. The directions couldn’t be simpler; just follow the Route One ring road eastwards from Reykjavík and after two hours or so, you’ll actually be able to spot Skógafoss from the road. An island with a small population, driving in Iceland is easy as long as the weather holds out. You should always consult the SafeTravel app before embarking on a road trip in Iceland to check road closures and weather conditions.

In late autumn, winter and early spring, Iceland’s weather can be harsh and conditions can change in a heartbeat, so driving can be a challenge. Joining an organised day tour of the south coast from Reykjavík is a hassle-free way to visit Skógafoss. Led by an experienced local driver and guide, you can explore the sights of the south coast safely and have the bonus of commentary on local customs, history and culture along the way. There is also a public bus that runs twice daily in summer from Reykjavík to Skógafoss.

If you only want to visit the base of the waterfall to gaze up at the white cascade flowing from the towering rocks, it is just a five-minute walk along the narrow trail from the carkpark. However, most people want to enjoy the view from the top of the waterfall as well. You should allow between twenty minutes and half an hour to hike to the top of Skógafoss and back. Skógafoss also marks the beginning of the Fimmvörðuháls hiking trail. This 25-kilometre waymarked trail winds through the unspoiled Icelandic Highlands and takes around eight hours to complete, ending at Þórsmörk.

There are 527 steps up to the top of the waterfall. The fairly steep metal staircase of 4-500 steps leads to the top of the fall and can be slippery in winter.

Generally, visitors tend to spend between half an hour and forty-five minutes at Skógafoss, depending on whether or not they tackle the path to the top of the falls. Those that just walk to the base of the waterfall for a few photos can wrap up their visit in around half an hour, and those that hike to the top should allow an extra fifteen to twenty minutes for the journey.

As a public space, there is no entrance fee to visit Skógafoss and it is also free to walk to the top of the waterfall. Parking in the carpark is free and there are also well-maintained toilets on-site with no fee for use.

The closest place to the waterfall is the tiny settlement of Skógar which has a local museum within turf houses and a tiny church. Within a half-hour drive, you’ll find the pretty coastal village of Vik with a handful of museums, restaurants and accommodation. From Vik, the famous Reynisfjara black-sanded beach stretches for miles along the coastline and you’ll also find ziplining and ATV adventures in the area. Also within a half-hour drive is another of Iceland’s famous falls. Seljalandsfoss is unique in that you can actually walk behind the curtain of white water falling from the cliffs above.

Skógafoss is one of Iceland’s biggest waterfalls and it tumbles from a height of 200 feet (around 60 metres). The sheer height of the waterfall means that there’s a constant mist at the base where rainbows shimmer when the sun hits the water particles.

The secret waterfall next to Skógafoss is called Kvernufoss. It's located just a short hike from Skógafoss in Iceland, but it's not as well-known or visited as its famous neighbor. Kvernufoss is smaller than Skógafoss but still quite beautiful, and its secluded location can make it feel like a hidden gem for those who discover it.

Like nearly all outdoor sights in Iceland, you should prepare for cold weather at Skógafoss, no matter what time of year it is. In summer, wearing a t-shirt, warm jumper and waterproof coat can cover all eventualities, weather-wise. A waterproof jacket is essential as the powerful spray from the waterfall can soak through your clothes. Waterproof hiking boots are a good idea too, especially if you plan to hike to the top of the waterfall. In winter, you’ll want to bring a woolly hat, thermal gloves and a chunky scarf to keep warm.

Both Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss have their own charm. Skógafoss is known for the rainbows that appear in the mist around the falls, creating a fairytale image when the sun shines. Whereas, the attraction of Seljalandsfoss is that you can walk behind the cascade and gaze at the mossy landscape through the plume of white water. As both waterfalls are so close to each other, and are both found along Route One on the south coast, there’s no need to choose between the two. You can easily visit both on the same day trip from Reykjavík.