Skógafoss — Iceland's Mighty Curtain of Water
60m-tall, 25m-wide cascade on the South Coast with rainbow-filled spray
Skógafoss is one of the biggest and most magnificent waterfalls in Iceland, plunging 60 meters from the cliffs of the former coastline with a thundering width of 25 meters. Located on the Skógá river in South Iceland, the waterfall produces an enormous cloud of spray that frequently generates single or double rainbows on sunny days, making it one of the most photogenic natural wonders in the country. The cliffs where Skógafoss falls once marked the edge of the Icelandic coast, before the sea retreated and left behind the flat coastal plain that extends southward today. Perhaps most remarkably, the legendary Fimmvörðuháls hiking trail begins right at the top of Skógafoss, ascending past 26 additional waterfalls on its way to the high pass between the Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers.
Legend of the Viking Treasure
According to Icelandic legend, the first Viking settler of the Skógar area, Þrasi Þórólfsson, hid a chest filled with gold behind the powerful cascade of Skógafoss. For centuries, locals believed the treasure remained concealed in the cave behind the falls, protected by the relentless torrent of water.
The story goes that years later, a local boy discovered the chest and managed to grasp the iron ring on its side. But as he pulled, the ring broke free and the chest slipped back behind the waterfall, lost once more to the thundering water. The ring itself survived and is now displayed in the Skógar Folk Museum, just a short walk from the waterfall, where visitors can see this tangible connection to the Viking age.
Viewing Options
- From the base: walk right up and feel the power, best angle for rainbow photographs
- From the top: 527 steps lead to a viewing platform with panoramic South Coast views
- Rainbow tips: sunny days with spray create perfect conditions, best chance mid-morning
Fimmvörðuháls Trail
One of Iceland's most famous hiking trails begins at the top of Skógafoss. The Fimmvörðuháls trail stretches 25 kilometers from Skógar to Þórsmörk, ascending along the Skógá river past an extraordinary procession of 26 waterfalls. The trail climbs through lush valleys before reaching the barren highland pass between the Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers. The 2010 eruption of Eyjafjallajökull created entirely new lava fields along portions of the route. Typically passable from late June through September.
Getting There
Skógafoss is located approximately 150 kilometers from Reykjavik, about two hours east along Route 1. It sits about 30 minutes east of Seljalandsfoss, making both waterfalls easy to visit in one trip. The village of Skógar at the base offers basic accommodation and the outstanding Skógar Folk Museum.
Safety Information
Rocks at the base are slippery from spray. The 527-step stairway can be icy in winter. Strong wind gusts near the top. Waterproof clothing recommended. Stay on marked paths at all times.