Skogafoss Waterfall in Iceland

Skogafoss is one of the biggest waterfalls in Iceland, with a width of 25 metres (82 feet) and a drop of 60 metres (200 feet). Due to the amount of spray the waterfall consistently produces, a rainbow is normally visible on sunny days.

According to legend, the first Viking settler in the area, Þrasi Þórólfsson, buried a treasure in a cave behind the waterfall. The legend continues that locals found the chest years later, but were only able to grasp the ring on the side of the chest before it disappeared again. The ring was allegedly given to the local church. The old church door ring is now in the Skógar museum.

Skogafoss, along with Seljalandfoss, is part of the Golden Circle route. It offers great photo opportunities, especially in winter when the Northern Lights dance across the sky. We were lucky enough to have a clear night and enjoy Aurora Borealis in this majestic location.

At the top right of the waterfall there is also a vantage point. If you climb the 370 steps to the top of the hill you’ll be rewarded with an awe-inspiring view out over south Iceland’s coastline. This is also the start of the Fimmvorduhals pass, a popular hiking route. 

Since this waterfall is easily accessible you will find many tourists no matter what time of the day it is. It is just a two hour drive from Reykjavik (155km), and 28km from Seljalandsfoss. Follow the ring road eastwards from Reykjavik, and eventually you will be able to see Skogafoss from the road. There is also a camping area next to it in case you want to spend the night there.

Most people seem to spend 10-15 minutes in this location. However we visited Skogafoss more than once. In fact we visited it early in the morning when it was just us, in the evening where there were much more people and in the night when Aurora Borealis was dancing above the magnificent waterfall!

No wonder why this beautiful waterfall is such a famous travel destination! And if you don’t mind getting a little wet you can get really close to the waterfall!

If you like my photos of Skogafoss waterfall they are all available as fine art prints, metal prints, canvas and other products!