Reykjavik To Skogafoss
How to Get to Skogafoss from Reykjavik?
Skogafoss is located just off Iceland’s famous Ring Road and is very convenient to visit from Reykjavik.
There are two main ways visitors to Iceland arrive at Skogafoss: driving, or as a part of a guided tour. There is also a bus from Reykjavik to Skogar, the town where Skogafoss can be found.
Planning a trip to see the waterfall? Bookmark our Skogafoss web site for the complete rundown on every single detail!
And if you’re just starting to plan your visit to Iceland, check out the some of the top things to do in Iceland, many of which you absolutely don’t want to miss!
Reykjavik to Skogafoss Travel Guide Summary
| Reykjavik to Skogafoss | Details |
|---|---|
| Distance | ~155 km (96 miles) |
| Driving Time | Approx. 2–2.5 hours via Route 1 (Ring Road), depending on weather and traffic |
| Route | Head east on Route 1 (Þjóðvegur 1) → follow signs to Skógar village and Skógafoss |
| Best Way to Get to Skogafoss | Self-drive is the most flexible; allows scenic stops (Seljalandsfoss, Gljúfrabúi, Eyjafjallajökull) (Car rental or campervan) |
| Tour Options | Full-day South Coast tours (~10–11 hrs) include Skógafoss, Seljalandsfoss, Vík, Reynisfjara |
🌄 Iceland South Coast Full-Day Small-Group Tour Discover the breathtaking landscapes of Iceland’s south coast, including Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, black sand beaches, and the Sólheimajökull glacier. Check price and availability now!
Driving to Skogafoss from Reykjavik
You can rent a car in Reykjavik (or a campervan) and drive southeast along the southern coast of Iceland to Skogafoss.
You’ll be driving for most of the route along Iceland’s Ring Road, Route 1, followed by a brief stint on the side road that leads to the Skogafoss parking lot. From the Ring Road, you take the turnoff for the town of Skogar.
The parking lot at Skogafoss is currently free!
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The driving distance from Reykjavik to Skogafoss is 156 kilometers (about 97 miles) and, in normal traffic and road conditions, it should take you about 2 hours and 10 minutes to make the journey one way without stops (see map).
A self-drive trip to Skogafoss (and along Iceland’s South Coast in general) offers the greatest flexibility in terms of when you depart and return, and where and for how long you choose to stop at places along the way.
🛶 Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon Boat & South Coast Tour from Reykjavik Witness the breathtaking beauty of Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon on a boat tour, combined with visits to stunning south coast attractions like Diamond Beach and Vatnajökull National Park. Check price and availability now!
But some travelers are not comfortable driving on Icelandic roads, especially when the weather is not ideal. In the winter, roads on the south coast of Iceland are no strangers to snowstorms and ice, and the wind can create poor driving conditions on top of the ice and snow.
Although the roads are kept cleared, visiting Skogafoss on a guided tour means you avoid all the logistical hassles and just enjoy the experience.
This highly-rated and very popular tour of the South Coast of Iceland stops at Skogafoss for 40 minutes, ample time to walk to the base of the waterfall and enjoy it up close at leisure.
>>> Check price and availability for this Skogafoss and South Coast tour now!
🐋 The Original Classic Whale Watching from Reykjavik Set sail from Reykjavik to spot majestic whales in their natural habitat. This tour follows a code of conduct for responsible whale watching, ensuring minimal disturbance to marine life. Check price and availability now!
Where to Stop on the Drive from Reykjavik to Skogafoss
On your drive from Reykjavik to Skogafoss, you’ll be traversing the “Waterfall Alley,”: this part of Iceland’s scenic South Coast has many visit-worthy waterfalls.
We suggest starting early so you can stop at as many of these stunning waterfalls as you can!
Gluggafoss
Gluggafoss is accessed via a short detour from the Ring Road, but if you love chasing waterfalls, it’s worth the time!
The waterfall flows through several holes or “windows” the water has created in the soft rock, hence its name. The waterfall is beautiful , with a tall initial plunge and a fan shaped bottom.
Seljalandsfoss
Seljalandsfoss is the famous “walk behind” waterfall on Iceland’s South Coast.
In the summer, you can actually walk a path behind the waterfall and peer out at the landscape through the curtain of water. It’s a very cool experience!
🌋 Golden Circle Classic Day Tour from Reykjavik Explore the iconic Golden Circle route, visiting Thingvellir National Park, Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss waterfall. Check price and availability now!
Gljufrabui
There’s a short trail you can walk from Seljalandsfoss to another stunning waterfall that’s known as the “hidden waterfall,” because it is located between the walls of a tall canyon.
You can view Gljufrabui from the trail, or wade through the stream to get a better view of the whole cascade.
You can also drive up to Gljufrabui if you do not wish to walk.
Skogar
Skogar is a little village right next to Skogafoss, with places to stay and eat.
The Skogar Regional Museum makes for an interesting browse. Don’t miss the stunning eight-oar fishing vessel!
There’s also a ring, said to have detached when a couple of boys tried to pull up a treasure chest hidden at Skogafoss.
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Taking a Guided Tour from Reykjavik to Skogafoss
A variety of guided tours from Reykjavik that include Skogafoss as a stop are available.
A guided tour is a relaxed way to tour Iceland’s South Coast and visit attractions such as Skogafoss without the need to worry about driving or parking.
Plus, your guide will offer insights into the area’s history, geology, and culture as you tour, enhancing your experience.
This highly-rated tour of Iceland’s south coast includes a stop at Seljalandsfoss before you arrive at Skogafoss. You’ll then travel on to Solheimajokull Glacier, the Reynisfjara black sand beach, and the cute village of Vik before traveling back to Reykjavik.
You’ll ride in an air-conditioned Mercedes minibus with complimentary wifi. Pick up from select places in Reykjavik is included.
On this tour, you will have 40 minutes at Skogafoss, plenty of time to admire the massive wall of water and capture lots of photos and video.
>>> Check price and availability for this Iceland south coast tour now!
This popular tour of the south coast of Iceland stops at Skogafoss but also features a hiking stop at nearby Solheimajokull Glacier.
You will also have stops at Seljalandsfoss and Reynisfjara Beach.
You will travel by minibus in a small group, and pick-up from several different stops in Reyjavik is offered.
>>> Check price and availability for this Iceland south coast tour with glacier hike now!
Want to venture further along the South Coast on your day tour? This highly-rated South Coast tour stops at Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss, but also takes you to the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach.
It’s a longer day, but the sights are well worth it.
>>> Check price and availability for this South Coast of Iceland tour now!
Best Things to Do in Iceland at a Glance
| Location | Best Tours (Reserve now, these sell out fast!) |
|---|---|
| Area highlights | Golden Circle, South Coast, South Iceland, Ring Road |
| Reykjavik & from Reykjavik | Food walk, Northern Lights, Reykjavik city walk, whale watching, lava show, Icelandic horseback riding, Silfra snorkeling, puffins, volcano from helicopter, ATV |
| Vik & nearby | Easy glacier walk, black sand beach horse riding, zipline, glacier lagoon kayak |
| North Iceland | Whales & puffins, white water rafting, Godafoss |