Skogafoss Waterfall Hike: Iceland’s Most Beautiful Waterfall Trail
WANT TO KNOW ALL ABOUT THE SKOGAFOSS WATERFALL HIKE? Look no further!
Skogafoss is one of Iceland’s most-loved water features and just one photo shows you exactly why! The waterfall is absolutely huge and so, so beautiful.
Hiking to the top of the waterfall and beyond gives such an incredible feeling and you shouldn’t skip the opportunity if you find yourself in southern Iceland.
This article will give you all you need to know about the wonderful Skogafoss waterfall hike and lots of details about why Skogafoss is a must-see location!
Where is Skogafoss?
Skogafoss is a stunning waterfall situated in the southern part of Iceland.
It is located near the small village of Skogar, which is approximately 150 kilometres east of the capital city, Reykjavik.
The waterfall is one of the country’s most iconic and popular tourist attractions, mainly because of its impressive height of 60 metres and width of 25 metres.
Skogafoss is part of the Skoga River, which originates from the Eyjafjallajokull glacier. The waterfall is fed by water from both the Eyjafjallajokull and Myrdalsjokull glaciers.
The surrounding area is characterized by lush green landscapes and is also home to the Skogar Museum, which offers some great insights into Iceland’s cultural heritage.
Accessible by road, Skogafoss is easily reached and is a must-visit destination for those exploring the breathtaking natural beauty of Iceland.
How to get to Skogafoss?
Skogafoss is very accessible by road so if you’re hiring a car for your visit then you’ll have no bother getting to the site.
You’ll have around a two-hour drive to undertake after setting off from Reykjavik but it’s not too tasking, especially in summer. Follow the ring road eastwards from Reykjavik, and eventually, you will be able to see Skogafoss from the road. Turn left to get to the parking lot, around one kilometre from the main road.
However, if you’re opting to spend your trip to Iceland on tour buses then there is an endless list of tour options which stop at Skogafoss – particularly if you’re taking a South Shore day tour or a Golden Circle one.
Here’s a small list of the best tours that you can take that will stop off at Skogafoss so that you can get some wonderful pictures and views.
My Top 3 Picks: Tours Which Stop at Skogafoss
#1 TOP PICK
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
From Reykjavik: South of Iceland Full-Day Trip
✔️ 10-hour tour from Reykjavik
✔️ Stop at Skogafoss, Seljalandsfoss and many other top spots
🚫 Large group size
#2 PICK
From Reykjavik: Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach
✔️ See Skogafoss and many other water-wonders!
✔️ Optional boat cruise on a lagoon
🚫 No hotel pickup or dropoff
#3 PICK
From Reykjavik: South Coast Tour & DC-3 Plane Wreck
✔️ See several major volcanoes and Skogafoss
✔️ Stop at a cool tourist attraction- the DC-3 Plane Wreck
🚫 Reviews say stop times are short
Can you climb to the top of Skogafoss?
Yes! You can climb to the top of Skogafoss and you should! The stairs to the side of the waterfall take you up over 60 metres to see the waterfall from above and the views are incredible!
How many steps are there to the top of Skogafoss?
Skogafoss waterfall hike consists of 572 steps to the top. You will get some amazing views and so it is well-worth it, but it’s not recommended if you have mobility issues as the steps can be quite steep and slippery in places.
When is the best time to visit Skogafoss?
Skogafoss is incredible all year round and there are perks with every season. Summer and autumn are my favourite seasons to see Skogafoss as there is a lot more water cascading over the cliff, giving a greater impression of the Skogafoss’ power.
The lighting is just perfect with the angle of the sun often giving multiple rainbows to admire to the sides of the waterfall.
Looking on social media, you’d probably be convinced that many people are editing rainbows, but they aren’t! The rainbows at Skogafoss are completely natural and some of the brightest rainbows I’ve ever seen in my life.
Something to bare in mind is that you might want to opt to visit quite early in the morning or late in the afternoon if you have the freedom of your own car as summer and autumn are extremely busy with tourists at the waterfall.
If you want the perfect photo with no people in the background then you’ll need to time it right!
Fimmvorduhals Trail – Skogafoss Waterfall Hike
While a quick visit to Skogafoss can consist of a small hike (climbing to the top), there is a greater hike that you should not miss if you have the time.
Skogafoss can actually be used as a starting or finishing point of the Fimmvorduhals hiking route.
Fimmvorduhals is one of Iceland’s most popular hiking routes with hundreds of travellers completing it each year. It can only be completed in the summer months when there are better conditions and less risk of ice and other hazards.
The Fimmvorduhals hike takes in 26 waterfalls, 1 volcano and 2 glaciers – and is an unforgettable experience. It also gives you a great glimpse of the wildlife of Iceland.
It’s quite incredible that the route takes in so much and is actually quite short at around 25 kilometres long.
Here are the key highlights of the trail, starting at Skogafoss:
Beginning at Skogafoss, you will hike past numerous other waterfalls along the Skoga River, witnessing beautiful cascades and Kvernufoss.
Hikers will then cross volcanic landscapes formed by the infamous Eyjafjallajokull eruption in 2010. The highest point of the hike: Fimmvorduhals Pass, gives stunning panoramic views of glaciers and mountains.
Another highlight is the Magni and Modi Craters which were formed in the eruption. They provide a great insight into how the volcanic eruption went down.
Hikers will then descend down into Thorsmork Valley, heading back into green landscapes and away from the alien-like terrain that was previously ventured through.
The hike is considered moderately challenging but most experienced hikers will be able to complete it in one day. Some travellers decide to split the journey over two days and stop overnight in a lovely, rural hut.
The most challenging aspect of the hike is the elevation gain with over 1000 m covered in a short distance.
Walking the Skogafoss waterfall hike is a fabulous experience that you shouldn’t miss out on if you have during your trip.
If you aren’t travelling around Iceland in your own car, then you can still definitely undertake the Skogafoss waterfall hike.
The experience of hiking the Fimmvorduhals trail is one of the top contenders with the Fagradalsfjall tours or a volcano helicopter tour.
There are several private hiking tours of the Fimmvorduhals route but this one is by far the best value one that I could find and passes all of the most beautiful areas:
Conclusion: Skogafoss Waterfall Hike
Whether you only have time for a quick stop off at Skogafoss or have a day or two to commit to one of Iceland’s most popular hiking trails, the waterfall is sure to find a place in your heart.
The photos that you can get of the waterfall with even the simplest of cameras are just incredible and you’ll be left wishing you can see it day-in day-out. In need of the perfect Instagram caption to accompany your amazing photos? Click here!
The Skogafoss waterfall hike should be high on your priority list when visiting Iceland, but you’ll be blown away just as much from the short climb to the top of the cliff face.
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