Stunning Skogafoss Waterfall In South Iceland
Skogafoss is one of the most famous waterfalls in Iceland and a hugely popular stop on any exploration of the country’s picturesque South Coast.
If you enjoy watching the power of a big waterfall, then you must definitely accord Skogafoss a top spot on your Iceland itinerary. A striking photo op, Skogafoss will overwhelm you with the sheer power of its plunge.
Whether you visit Skogafoss independently or you join a South Coast guided tour, you will be mesmerized by the sight of this majestic waterfall.
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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!
Skogafoss Waterfall: At a Glance
| Skogafoss Waterfall Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Skógar, South Iceland — right off Route 1 (Ring Road) |
| Height | ⬆️ 60 meters (197 feet) |
| Width | ⬅️ 25 meters (82 feet) |
| Water Source | Skógá River — originates from Eyjafjallajökull & Mýrdalsjökull glaciers |
| Viewpoints | Base: Yes — you can walk right up to the base (prepare to get wet!) Top: Yes — panoramic views, trailheads, and smaller waterfalls upstream |
| Famous For | Giant curtain of water, double rainbows on sunny days, Game of Thrones filming site |
| Best Nearby Attractions | Seljalandsfoss, Gljúfrabúi, Fimmvörðuháls Trail, Dyrhólaey, Reynisfjara Black Beach |
| Best Time to Go | 🌅 8am–10am or late evening for softer light and fewer crowds |
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Skogafoss Waterfall: Details
Skogafoss is the last waterfall formed by the Skoga River before it enters the ocean. The river forms many, many waterfalls before Skogafoss, and, in fact you can walk upstream along the river from Skogafoss to admire some of them.
Skogafoss is mighty, with a single powerful plunge of 60 meters (about 197 feet) and a width of 25 meters (about 82 feet).
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In fact, it’s a massive wall of flowing water and it creates so much spray and mist that on sunny days you are very likely to see not one but two or even three rainbows across the falls.
The cliff over which Skogafoss plunges used to mark the coastline at one point, but the ocean has since receded several kilometers, leaving behind the long cliff as a wall between the lowlands and the highlands.
At the bottom of the cliff, the Skoga River picks up its journey again and cuts through the landscape on its way to the ocean.
The cliff and the lowlands are covered in a bright green in summer and make for a lovely colorful backdrop to the waterfall. During bloom season, a carpet of lupines makes for a colorful foreground.
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In winter, you’ll likely see some snow on the cliffs and icicles hanging from the cliff to frame the still flowing waterfall.
Mighty Skogafoss has featured in many movies and shows including Game of Thrones and Justin Bieber’s music video “I’ll Show You.”
There is a viewing area at the base of Skogafoss and you can walk close to the foot of the falls. Wear a waterproof outer layer and shoes with good grip if you want to get close!
Sunset is a fabulous time to visit for memorable photos.
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Climbing the Staircase at Skogafoss to the Upper Viewing Area
If you are up for a challenge there’s a staircase (with over 500 steps) going up the cliff to the right of Skogafoss that you can climb.
At the top is a viewing area with a different (albeit not as stunning) a perspective over the waterfall.
This staircase is also the starting point of the Waterfall Way hike, part of the longer Fimmvörðuháls Trail.
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Walking to Skogafoss from the Parking Area
It’s a short and flat walk from the Skogafoss parking lot to the base of the waterfall.
In fact, you can see (and hear) the waterfall from the parking area.
Top-Rated South Coast Tours with Skogafoss
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 |