Scandinavia is full of stunning landscapes, but at the top of the list has to be the most 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!
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Yes, THAT famous Iceland waterfall: Skogafoss
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. I just did the Golden Circle tour to Thingvellir National Park and Gullfoss.
By my second visit in 2015, I’d found a couple photos on Instagram and made sure to prioritize Skogafoss, 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 to Iceland. 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 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! Well, 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 2 or 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 on the way — it’s one of the best hot springs in Iceland.
When to visit Skogafoss
Here’s when to visit this famous Iceland waterfall to get the best views and most epic photos with the fewest crowds. The time of year and the time of day you visit can make a big difference.
Time of year
It’s stunning year-round, but summer and winter are the prime times.
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 behaviour.
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! They’ll also be less crowded, and Iceland is never not stunning.
This area is now blocked off because it’s a death trap
My brother, a true viking
Time of day
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.
No people in the background!
Activities in Iceland
Many tour itineraries include Skogafoss so it should be easy to fit into your trip whether you’re doing a self-drive or joining a tour.
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: Check out Kvernufoss, Gljufrabui, and Fagrifoss.
I almost feel bad sharing these, but fortunately for you, no one really reads my blog. So if you’re reading this, you’ve already found a hidden gem!
From East to West: Gljufrabui, Skogafoss (red), Kvernafoss, and Fagrifoss.
Kvernufoss — right next to Skogafoss, 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.
Hot tip
So technically you’re supposed to pay to park at the Skogar Museum. It’s 750 ISK ($5 USD) or “included” with your 2,500 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 the museum ticket, 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, though lol.
P.S. Please don’t blame me if you get a ticket.
This is what happens when you use vertical 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 I did the whole Ring Road, so that just goes to show it really is a secret! I didn’t hear about it until after we left. 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.
Use the “Car Specifications” tab on Discover Cars to search for rentals with 4WD or AWD to make sure you get a car that can handle it. This is a good idea for any trip to Iceland, but especially if you plan to get more off the beaten track.
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Photo by Roberto Ivan Cano, Wikimedia.
Renting a car in Iceland
Doing a self-drive excursion anywhere in this incredible country allows for the most flexibility.
The main roads are well-paved and easy to navigate. People tend to drive safely and the road rules are easy to follow. It’s truly the perfect place for an epic road trip! As mentioned above, I highly recommend a 4WD (AWD, 4×4, whatever you want to call it) so you can comfortably handle any bumpier roads. We rented a KIA SUV through Hertz, and it was the perfect way to get around.
