The ultimate guide to visiting Skogafoss in Iceland (2023)

Skogafoss is one of the most beautiful sights in Iceland. In this guide, I'll share everything you need to know about visiting Skogafoss.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means that if you make a purchase through my links, I will receive a commission at no additional cost to you.

When most people think of Iceland, they think of volcanoes, glaciers and maybe the aurora borealis. While all of these things are definitely worth seeing in Iceland, there is one thing you shouldn't miss: the Skogafoss waterfall.

Skogafoss is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Iceland - and for good reason! This waterfall is absolutely massive and the view from the bottom is amazing.If you're visiting Iceland, Skogafoss waterfall should definitely be on your must-see list.

In this guide, I'll share everything you need to know about visiting Skogafoss, including how to get there, what to expect when you get there, and more.

lie:If you are traveling right now, you shouldgood travel insurance. If the last two years have taught us anything, it is that we cannot know what the future holds! Because of the risk of getting sick, being quarantined, or having your travel plans disrupted, it's important to buy travel insurance for every trip. I use and recommend itTravel insurance Safe Wings. They cover unexpected quarantines, COVID-19 treatment, travel delays and more. Look at themPrices and more details click here.

Skogafoss fast facts

What is Skogafoss?

Skogafoss is a spectacular waterfall on the Skoga River in southern Iceland.It is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the country.

The falls are about 60 meters (200 feet) high and 25 meters (82 feet) wide, and the view is amazing!

The name "Skogafoss" comes from the Old Norse"Skogur"means "forest" and "Fossmeans "to fall".

This magnificent landmark has been a popular tourist destination for years due to its stunning views. He even appeared in many movies and TV shows like Game of Thrones, Game of Thrones seriesVikingsEven the Marvel movie Thor.

Skogafoss is also one of the most photographed waterfalls in Iceland, which is no surprise. Be sure to bring your camera!

Where is Skogafos?

Skogafoss is located on the Ring Road in South Iceland, the most popular road trip route in Iceland.

It is about a 2-hour drive from Reykjavík and close to other popular attractions such as Seljalandsfoss and Seljavallalaug Pool.

How to get to Skogafoss

As for getting to Skogafoss, there are many different options depending on your starting point and preferred mode of transportation.

by car

If you're traveling from Reykjavík, the best way to get to Skogafoss is to rent a car. The route is about 2 hours, the scenery is very beautiful, definitely worth considering. Just watch your speed - Iceland is notorious for speeding fines!

Driving to the falls is actually quite simple: from Reykjavík, head east on the Ring Road, then continue straight on the road. After about two hours of driving, 155 kilometers, you can see Skogafoss from the road.

You can park your car for free in the Skogafoss parking lot. This is a popular tourist spot, so try to come at an off-peak time if you want to be sure of parking.

[related:Should you stay in one place in Iceland?]

Buses and public transport

Visitors to Iceland can also take a bus to Skogafoss, although this is admittedly less convenient and takes longer.

The first option is to take bus 51 from Reykjavik to Selfoss (the closest town to Skogafoss) and then change to another bus (bus 52) to go straight to the falls. The one-way trip to the waterfalls takes about 2.5 hours in total.

Another option is to take a bus from Reykjavik to Vik (the town further east on the ring road), then walk or hitchhike the last 13 km to Skogafoss.

Both options are quite time-consuming and not very practical, so I definitely recommend renting a car! This will give you the flexibility to explore other nearby attractions at your own pace.

Tour of Skogafoss

If you don't want to rent a car or take a bus, you can also travel from Reykjavík to Skógafoss and other nearby attractions.

Here are some of the best travel routes from Reykjavik to Skogafoss:

The best time to visit Skogafoss

The best time to visit Skogafoss is usually summer, the weather is more stable and the hours of sunshine are longer, giving you more time to explore.

If you are visiting in summer, you can visit the falls even in the middle of the night to avoid the crowds. Due to the high latitude of Iceland, the time for sunset in summer is very short. This means you can visit the falls at 4am and it will be as bright as noon!

At this time of the year, the large rocks around the waterfall are covered with moss and the scenery is very beautiful.

However, Skogafoss can be visited all year round! In winter, the rocks surrounding the falls are covered in snow, creating an equally unique and beautiful experience.

If you're visiting in the colder months, be sure to dress warmly - winter temperatures can drop as low as 3°C (37°F) in this part of Iceland!

One of Iceland's most popular sights, Skogafoss attracts many tourists at any time of the year, so it's usually always busy regardless of the time of year.

If you want to avoid the crowds, I recommend going early in the morning or early in the evening. This especially applies to the peak summer months (July and August) when tourism is at its peak.

Visit Skogafoss

Now that you know a little about Skogafoss and how to get there, it's time to start planning your visit!

where to park

Parking in Skogafoss is very convenient and easy to navigate. there is onePARKINGLocated next to Skogafoss, it's easy to find and free to use.

Just look for the signs that lead you to the falls. It is less than a 10-minute walk from the parking lot to the foot of the waterfall.

The parking lot fills up quickly at peak times, so it's best to arrive early, but luckily there is free parking. There are also restrooms next to the parking lot that are technically free to use, but charge a small fee.

entry price

The good news about Skogafoss is that you don't need a ticket to see the falls – it's completely free!You can admire the falls and walk the trails behind them without paying a penny.

This is one of the reasons why Skogafoss is so popular - it's an amazing natural landmark and it costs nothing to visit.

How much time to spend in Skogafoss

The recommended length of stay in Skogafoss depends entirely on your schedule and travel plans!

If you don't have time, I recommend spending about 30 to 45 minutes here.This will give you enough time to walk, take photos and enjoy the scenery.

If you have more time and want to hike to the top of the falls, it's definitely worth spending 1-2 hours here and a short hike to the viewpoint.There are no opening or closing times for the falls, so you can enjoy the weather whenever you want!

If you have a whole day to spend at Skogafoss, you can hike the entire Waterfall Way Hike. This 10-mile (16-kilometer) hike takes you to the top of Skogafoss and passes several waterfalls and views of the gorge. We will discuss this hike in detail in the next section!

Skogafoss walking tour

Skogafoss is one of the few waterfalls in Iceland where you can hike to the top! Let me tell you, the view from the top is absolutely amazing.

This oneHiking trail to Skogafoss waterfallThis is a moderate 10 mile (16 km) hike that takes you along the Skoga River to the top of Skogafoss.

This trail is considered medium difficulty, mainly due to its length and small climb. The hike can be long, but your hard work will be rewarded with endless views of waterfalls, canyons and rivers.

Should you hike the entire waterfall trail?

No, you don't have to hike the entire Falls Way to see the amazing views!The best thing about this hike is the beautiful scenery from start to finish. You can go as far as you want and come back when you are tired.

We didn't hike the entire trail to the waterfall, but we hiked from the top of Skogafoss for about an hour. We passed through many views of stunning waterfalls and lush green canyons.

[related:7-day Iceland itinerary: How to spend an unforgettable week in Iceland]

How long does it take to walk the Falls Trail?

The amount of time you need to hike the waterfall trail depends entirely on your fitness level and hiking pace.A full hike usually takes 4 to 6 hours.

However, you can hike however you want! This ride is round-trip, so you can make a U-turn whenever you want. I recommend spending at least 30 minutes walking to some of the other waterfalls along the river.

Frequently asked questions about Skogafoss

Should you hike Skogafoss?

No, you don't have to hike to see Skogafoss. The falls are clearly visible from below and there are many places to take pictures.

However, a hike to the top of the falls gives you a chance to admire this magnificent waterfall from a new perspective.

Can you walk behind Skogafoss?

You can walk behind Skogafoss, but only at certain times of the year.

Walking behind Skogafoss in winter is not recommended because of the glacier and the danger of the glacier falling. But in summer you can walk behind Skogafoss!

Just know that you will get wet as the mist from the falls will blow towards you. If you decide to walk behind the falls, it's best to wear waterproof clothing and shoes, and I recommend bringing a towel to dry off.

To reach the path that leads behind the waterfall, go along the left side of the waterfall. You will see a board with the inscription "Skoga" which marks the beginning of the trail.

It only takes 10 minutes to walk behind the falls, which is considered easy. When you're done, you can return the same way or continue hiking along the Skogafoss waterfall road to the top of the falls.

In Iceland, Seljalandsfoss is a waterfall that you can hike to all year round. This waterfall is so close to Skogafoss that you can walk behind it without getting wet.

final thoughts

Skogafoss is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland and definitely deserves a place on your itinerary. This popular waterfall is only a 2-hour drive from Reykjavík, making it a great day trip.

If you are visiting Skogafoss, you will be delighted by the fact that there is no entrance fee and parking is completely free. You can park your car in the large parking lot next to the waterfall.

You only need 30 minutes to an hour to experience the falls, but I definitely recommend staying longer and hiking the waterfall trail behind Skogafoss. This hike will take you down the Skoga River, passing many beautiful waterfalls and gorges.

We hope this guide has inspired you to add Skogafoss to your Iceland bucket list.

Are you in urgent need of a vacation? You should also check out a few more travel guides below:

• 7-day Iceland itinerary: How to spend an unforgettable week in Iceland
• Should you stay in one place in Iceland?
• The perfect 10-day itinerary in Guatemala
• 9 amazing things to do in Valladolid, Mexico