Is there an entry fee for Skógafoss?

No, there is no entry fee to visit Skógafoss waterfall. Parking may incur a small fee.

Can I walk behind Skógafoss?

No, unlike some other Icelandic waterfalls, it is not possible to walk behind Skógafoss due to the sheer force of the water and the cliff structure. However, you can walk right up to its base.

What should I wear when visiting Skógafoss?

It is highly recommended to wear waterproof clothing, including a jacket and trousers, especially if you plan to walk close to the base, as the spray is considerable. Waterproof hiking shoes are also advisable for the stony terrain.

Is the staircase to the top difficult to climb?

The staircase to the top of Skógafoss is steep and consists of many steps, so it requires a moderate level of fitness. However, it is well-maintained and offers handrails, making it manageable for most visitors.

When is the best time to see a rainbow at Skógafoss?

Rainbows are most likely to appear on sunny days, particularly in the morning or late afternoon when the sun's angle is lower and can catch the mist from the waterfall. Double rainbows are also a possibility.

Iceland/south-iceland

Skógafoss

Skógafoss is one of the most powerful waterfalls in Iceland, dropping 60 meters with a width of 25 meters. The sheer volume of water creates a permanent rainbow…

At a Glance

Visit time

1-2 hours

Best season

Morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds and potential rainbows; sunny days for best rainbow chances.

Access

Easily accessible via paved roads (Ring Road 1), with a large parking area. A short walk over stony ground leads to the waterfall's base.

GPS

63.5321, -19.5114

Plan Trip Navigate

About

About Skógafoss

Skógafoss is one of the most powerful waterfalls in Iceland, dropping 60 meters with a width of 25 meters. The sheer volume of water creates a permanent rainbow on sunny days and fills the air with a fine mist that can be felt from far away.

Experience the raw power of nature up close and witness magnificent rainbows born from the waterfall's mist.

Photos

Photo Gallery

Background

History & Background

According to Icelandic legend, the first Viking settler in the area — Þrasi Þórólfsson — hid a treasure chest in a cave behind the waterfall. Centuries later, local people reportedly found the chest but only managed to grab the ring on its side before it disappeared. That ring was donated to the local church and is said to still exist today. You can climb 370 steps to the top of the waterfall for panoramic views over the South Coast.

Skógafoss drops about 60 metres from cliffs that once marked the coastline before the shoreline moved south. Visitors can approach the base across the gravel plain, where spray can be heavy, or climb the long staircase on the eastern side to a viewpoint above the waterfall. The upper route also connects with the trail following the Skógá upstream past additional waterfalls. Paths and stairs can be slippery in rain, spray or winter conditions.

Folklore

Story & Folklore

The air hums with anticipation as you approach Skógafoss, the roar growing louder with each step across the stony ground. Then, it appears – a colossal white curtain of water, plummeting from the ancient, moss-draped cliffs. The sheer force of it creates a constant, ethereal mist that dances in the sunlight under a clear blue sky. Looking closely, a faint arc of color shimmers in the spray near the base, a fleeting rainbow promising good fortune. A solitary figure in a bright red jacket stands dwarfed by its grandeur, a testament to the immense power of this Icelandic icon. You feel the cool spray on your face, a kiss from nature, and a profound sense of awe washes over you, connecting you to the wild heart of Iceland.

💡 Did You Know?

Legend says a Viking settler, Þrasi Þórólfsson, hid a chest of gold behind Skógafoss, which a local boy later reportedly found and retrieved a ring from.

Explore

Hidden Gems Nearby

✦ Staircase to the Top

Ascend the steep but well-maintained staircase on the eastern side of Skógafoss for breathtaking panoramic views of the cascading water and the surrounding landscape.

Offers a unique top-down perspective of the waterfall and the Skógá River's journey towards the sea.

✦ The Legend of Þrasi's Gold

Seek out the mythical spot behind Skógafoss where Þrasi Þórólfsson, an early Viking settler, is said to have hidden a chest of gold. While the chest remains elusive, the folklore adds a magical layer to your visit.

Engage with local history and folklore, adding a sense of mystery and adventure to the powerful natural wonder.

Help