Hiking the Skogafoss (also known as the Skoga Walk or Waterfall Way) is one of the most underrated experiences in Iceland.
The trail starts at the magnificent Skógafoss and follows the Skóga River upstream for 8 kilometers (5 miles). As you walk through this lush landscape, you'll see 25 more waterfalls, spectacular canyons and glacier-capped volcanoes in the distance. This is a beautiful, exciting ride and can become one of the highlights of your trip to Iceland.
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Skogafoss Trekking Statistics
distance:16 kilometers (10 miles) round trip
Height:500 meters
difficulty:easy
duration:4 to 6 hours
When we start:This hike is best done between June and September when there is no snow on the trails.
Important note:Since this is a circular hike, you don't have to hike the entire 16 km. When you want, just turn. Even a 30-45 minute walk upstream from Skogafoss will give you great views and keep you away from the crowds.
What is Waterfall Road?
This excursion has many names:Waterfall Way, Skoga Trail i Skogafoss Trekking.
I know from several sources that there are 26 waterfalls on the river Skoga. We didn't count, but I can tell you there are a lot of waterfalls. You might think it will become monotonous, but it isn't. With canyons and changing scenery, this is a fun hike from start to finish.
The river Skoga rises near Eyjafjallajökull and Myrdalsjökull. As it flows towards the southern coast, it gradually decreases in height, forming 26 waterfalls. Skogafos is the last waterfall before the river flows into the sea.
This track is also part of the spectacleFive protective gates 步道. The Fimmvörðuháls walk starts at Skógafoss and follows the Skógá River along the Waterfall Trail, continuing to Eyjafjallajökull and Myrdalsjökull (Mýrdalsjökull) and finally 25 kilometers (15.5 mi) later to Thórsmörk. Not only will you see many waterfalls, but you can hike between two recently active volcanoes and walk through one of the youngest landscapes on Earth.
This hike was our favorite experience in Iceland and one of our favorite day hikes in the world. If you're looking for a great experience in Iceland, consider putting this on your bucket list.
Find out more: How to hike the Fimmvörðuháls trail: Iceland's best day hikes
Skogafoss Trekking
Step-by-step route guide
Skogafos
This walking tour starts at Skogafoss, one of the most famous waterfalls in Iceland. It is very convenient to visit. Just park your car in the large parking lot and take a short walk to the falls.
Professional travel tips:It is a very busy place almost all day. However, if you come early, you may get everything. And you really don't need to be here that early. Our photos were taken at 8am (on two different days... yes, we love Skogafoss so much we visited it twice).
along the river Skoga
The hardest part of the hike was climbing the huge staircase next to Skogafoss. When you reach the top, catch your breath, enjoy the view and get ready for a beautiful walk.
On the right side of this photo you can see part of the path and steps leading to the top of Skogafoss.
Skogafoss top
Most simply enjoy the view from the top of the stairs, although a few may continue down the path. The further you go from Skogafos, the less people you see. Plus, some of the best waterfalls and views come later in the hike, as you'll see in the photos below.
It's an easy uphill ride from Skogafoss to the turnpike at the bridge. There is nothing too difficult about this walk, no big climbs or technical sections, but just enough climbs that you know you are going uphill. Anyone of average fitness can do this hike, including children.
I have divided this walking tour into parts below. I have listed approximate walking distances and times from Skogafoss. This will help you decide how far to go and how long it will take if you don't want to walk the entire route. The given times and distances are one-way and rough estimates.
Skogafos on peaks and waterfalls
Skogafoss do Cascade Falls:3 kilometers, about 45 minutes
As you drive north from Skogafoss, you will immediately enjoy the view of the coast. In summer, the landscape is flooded with vivid green, almost iridescent colors.
In the first part you see some small canyons, but these are just hints of what is to come. If you're impressed with this stretch, you'll want to keep going (it gets better!).
Pictured are the first 3km of the trail, which ends at High Peaks and Cascading Falls.
Peak Falls
Pad
From high waterfall peaks to subtle waterfalls
From the top to the waterfall:2.7 kilometers, about 45 minutes
Skogafoss to the Delicate waterfall:5.7 kilometers, about 1.5 hours
This is the most impressive part of Waterfall Road. Hidden waterfalls, gorges overgrown with moss and even more beautiful views of the coast. Now that you are closer to Eyjafjallajökull and Myrdalsjökull, you can see them more easily. Probably a lot of people have changed their minds by now.
Staza do Basara, kraj planinarje Fimmvörðuháls.
fini vodopad
tanki slap za most
Fini vodopad on mostu:2.3 kilometers, about 30 to 45 minutes
Skogafoss on mostu:8 kilometers, 2 to 3 hours
The last part of the ride is probably the least exciting. However, towards the end of this section you will see one of the most impressive waterfalls on this trail besides Skogafoss. it is saidsunset is falling, which is a beautiful two-tiered waterfall hidden in a gorge. Sunset Falls is near the bridge (turnpike) so you have to walk almost the entire Falls Road to see it.
sunset is falling
Bridge on the river Skoga
The turning point is a bridge over the river Skoga. Here the landscape has changed. The green vegetation begins to disappear, and is replaced by gray rocky landscapes. Not far away are Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull.
If you continue, you will find yourself on a bumpy dirt road through a gray gray landscape. This is the most boring part of the Fimmvörðuháls trail and you have to hike an extra 6 kilometers each time to see the change of scenery again.
In my opinion, if you plan to hike the entire Fimmvörðuháls trail, it's worth continuing just over the bridge.
If you're curious about moving forward, don't miss outFive guard planinarenje.
Walk back to Skogafoss
To return to Skogafoss, follow the road to the waterfall back the same way. Now it's a full downhill walk, an easy, pleasant walk and repeat views of the falls.
Tips for the best experience
Start early in the morning.The earlier the departure time, the less crowded it will be at Skogafoss and the first part of the trail.
Wear hiking shoes or boots.Parts of the trail can be muddy and slippery, especially if it's raining (or has recently rained...which is likely to happen in Iceland), so a good pair of waterproof hiking shoes or boots is ideal.
There are many sections that approach the edge of a canyon or cliff, within a few meters of the edge.If you're hiking with small children, don't let them get too far away from you, especially around the middle third of the trail.
Bring water, snacks, even a picnic lunch.
Don't forget to bring your camera!
what to do next
If you do this hike in the morning, you'll still have a good chunk of the afternoon to explore further.
Vodopad Kvernuis another large waterfall worth visiting, near Skogafoss. This is a smaller version of Seljalandsfoss and you can walk behind the falls. Park in the park near the Skogar Museum and walk to the falls in 10 minutes.
notes:The waterfall is on private property. Stay on the trails and don't sweep or leave trash behind. Even if you don't plan to visit the Skogar Museum, there is a small parking fee.
Gamla Fjosid (Old Barn)Great restaurant not far from Skogafoss. An old barn has been converted into this cozy restaurant. Gamla Fjosid serves dishes from their farm, mostly beef from their farm.
If you are planning to hike Skogafoss and have any questions, please leave a comment below.
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