Scandinavia is full of stunning landscapes, but at the top of the list has to be the famous Iceland waterfall, Skogafoss. While this is totally a must on any Icelandic itinerary, I think it’s also important to get a little off the beaten track and look for all the hidden gems it has to offer. Fortunately, with a car a little determination, all things in Iceland are possible!
None of the content in this article is sponsored, but it does contain affiliate links. This means I get a commission if you book an experience I’ve shared. I only ever share things I have done/bought or would do/use myself.
Yes, THAT famous Iceland waterfall
There’s no doubt in my mind this is the most famous Iceland waterfall. I’d say even one of the most recognizable falls in the world behind Niagara and, like, what… Iguazu? Yosemite maybe if you’re American?
And it’s famous for a reason! Just look at it in all its glory! It’s perfect!
When I visited in 2012, I hadn’t heard much about Iceland besides the Blue Lagoon, so I didn’t even go to Skogafoss!
By my second visit in 2015, I’d found a couple photos on Instagram and made sure to prioritize it and it did not disappoint.
I loved it soooo much that I made sure to see it again on my most recent visit in 2023. It was just as stunning as I remember and I’ll go see it again if I ever go back. But it’s gotten much busier, and I think that’s highly correlated to Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok. No tea, no shade, but its facts, fam.
Between being all over social media and being the backdrop for some pretty iconic Scandinavian movies and tv shows, Skogafoss is now the quintessential Icelandic waterfall. Vikings, Game of Thrones, and the Thor movie have all used Skoga on set. Game of Thrones took it one step further and made it taller. I’m not really sure why, but ok.
Foss means falls in Icelandic, by the way. So you don’t need to say “Skogafoss waterfall.”
Where to find the most famous Iceland waterfall
In Iceland, obviously? But I guess you’ll want some more specific instructions.
Fortunately, you don’t need to do any extreme trekking or drive the entire Ring Road to find Skogafoss. It’s just 2 hours from Reykjavik! 2 hours if you’re driving straight there, which you absolutely shouldn’t because there’s a ton of cool stuff to do along the way. Iceland’s South Coast is the perfect adventure if you’re just making a quick 3-day stopover.
You’ll find Skogafoss just before the town of Vik. This is a good place to stop for some gas and a snack before heading back to Reykjavik. I also suggest stopping at the Seljavallalaug natural hot springs near Skogafoss.
When to visit Skogafoss
Time of year-wise, it’s stunning all year round.
In the winter, you’ll get the magical snowy Scandinavian dream. If you’re in a campervan or don’t mind driving in the dark, you could try to catch the Northern Lights over the falls. That’s some once-in-a-lifetime sh*t.
In the summer, everything is lush green, which just adds to the drama. If the sun is out, you’ll probably catch a rainbow. Lupins usually bloom in June or July, and there’s a lupine field within eye’s shot of the falls. So that can make for some Insta-perfect photos of the famous Iceland waterfall you came here to see!
The shoulder seasons are still beautiful, but maybe slightly less dramatic. But who cares. GO!
This area is blocked off now because it’s a death trap
My brother, a true viking
Time of day-wise, go as early as possible.
Big coach busses full of day-trippers roll up to the falls all day, which can make it pretty busy. But as they’re coming from Reykjavik and make other stops along the way, getting there as early as possible can help you beat the crowds. We went at 9am and there was basically no one else there except for the campervan-ers. Highly recommend!
If you plan to do a lot of things along the South Coast in one day, you could consider boosting straight to Skogafoss. Then you can take your time hitting the other activities as you make your way back to Reykjavik.
The backpack I brought to Iceland
I took my trusty Osprey bag to Iceland – it’s lasted me through 33 countries over 11 years and is still going strong! Osprey is a Canadian brand and I absolutely love it.
I can’t recommend this bag highly enough. It can be either a backpack or a rolling suitcase, which has been amazing for when I’m at the airport or checking into a fancy hotel and want to look more the part lol.
Mine is old af, and the design has changed a bit, but you get the idea.
You can get it on Amazon, or the Osprey website.
3 lesser-known waterfalls to add to your itinerary
For a better shot at some peace and quiet away from the crowds, you can check out these “secret” waterfalls near Skogafoss. I almost feel bad sharing these with you, but fortunately for you, no one reads my blog. So if you’re reading this, you’ve found a hidden gem already!
Kvernufoss - right next to the most famous Iceland waterfall!
You could almost walk to this from the Skogafoss parking lot, but you might as well drive. It’s super close, so I have no idea how this has stayed a secret for so long!
Park at the Skogar Museum and head to the right (if you’re looking at the museum). There will be a sign and a maintained pathway. Now you just have to walk 15 minutes and voilà! You’ll reach this stunning waterfall, and you can even walk behind it if you’re willing to get a little wet. This was also featured in Vikings. It’s similar to the famous Seljalandsfoss and is a quieter alternative. But let’s be honest, you should totally go to both.
Important-ish note:
So technically you’re supposed to pay to park at the Skogar Museum. It’s 750 ISK ($5 USD) or “included” with your 2500 ISK museum ticket. The museum is pretty cute, but if you only have a day and you’re trying to hit a lot of stuff on the South Coast, it’s better to skip it.
We paid for both, but the girl at the desk literally told me it’s just an honour system. No cameras, no one walking around to make sure you paid. So I dunno, for an hour of parking, I’d probably risk it. Convenient that she told me after we’d paid for the museum lol.
P.S. Please don’t blame me if you get a ticket.
This is what happens when you use panorama mode on a waterfall lol
No one around
Gljufrabui (Gljufrafoss)
This little hidden gem is a short walk from Seljalandsfoss, another famous Iceland waterfall on the South Coast. You can get to it by following the path to the left of the falls (if you’re looking straight at Seljalandsfoss) for about two minutes.
It’s hidden behind a wall of rocks, so if no one else is around you may have to do a little searching, but you’ll find it! If you want to get up close, you have to prepare to get wet. Like really really soaked, as once you’re past the wall it’s just water everywhere. This is, for obvious reasons, more of a summer activity.
Fagrifoss
Ok so I have to admit I didn’t make it to this one, but that just goes to show it really is a secret! I didn’t hear about it until after we left. So now you have to go on my behalf! It looks epic, but you need to go prepared with a 4×4 vehicle to cross a small river that blocks the road. Definitely do not not not not try this in a regular car.
.jpeg)
Photo by Roberto Ivan Cano, found on Wikimedia.