In the South of Iceland, you will find a cliff that marks the former coastline of Iceland. From this cliff, one of the biggest waterfalls named Skógafoss Waterfall in Iceland makes a spectacular scenery of tumbling water. The cliffs remained after the coastline had receded. This creates a perfectly clear border for many kilometers that separates the coastal lowlands from the highlands of Iceland.
The waterfall is 25 meters (82 ft) wide and the drop of this particular waterfall is 60 meters (200 ft).
What makes the Skógafoss waterfall so unique is that the spectacular water flow comes from two glaciers individually known as the Eyjafjallajokull and Myrdalsjokull. Additionally, the mist from the falls nearly consistently produces a rainbow that you might have a better chance of adoring on a sunny day.
Legend has it that the first Viking to settle in the area had a treasure buried behind the waterfall.
What are the Tourist Activities for Skógafoss Waterfall?
The tourist activities for Skógafoss Waterfall are all specifically catered to allow you to admire the majestic falls and the beautiful landscape associated with the area. Activities that can be enjoyed are:
- Photography
- Guided tours
- Hiking
- Hotel stays and camping
Skogafoss waterfall is commonly enjoyed as part of the Golden Circle Route along with other waterfalls like the Seljalandfoss falls. These types of tours are fantastic for taking photos and enjoying the experience of seeing the Northern Lights.
You can enjoy the hiking trail between the two glaciers Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull that will lead you to Landmannalaugar. To the eastern side of the Skógafoss falls, you will find one of the most famed hiking routes in Iceland known as the Fimmvörðuháls pass.
For the formidable hiker, there’s a 370 step climb to the top of Skógafoss waterfall. At the top, you can relax while enjoying an awesome view over the Southern coastline of Iceland.
While visiting the area, you could have a lovely hotel stay or an adventurous campout. There is a camping area right by the Skogafoss falls, where visitors can camp for a small fee.
What are the Hotels for Skógafoss Waterfall?
The hotels for Skogafoss waterfall are some of the most authentic hotels in Iceland. They capture the true essence of what it feels like to be in the land of fire and ice.
Some of the most popular hotels include The Barn, Farmhouse Lodge and Hotel Fljotshlid where you can enjoy a relaxing stay in a pleasant atmosphere.
How to Go from Reykjavik to Skogafoss
Skógafoss Waterfall in Iceland is about two hours’ drive from Reykjavik (approximately 155km). To get to the waterfall, you will follow the ring road in an eastern direction from Reykjavik and after a while, you’ll be able to see Skogafoss from the road. From there you turn left onto the 1km long road that leads to the parking lot of the waterfall.
What are the Facts about Skógafoss Waterfall?
The Skogafoss waterfall comes from the Skógá river. The cliffs that it falls from form part of the former coastline in the south of Iceland. These falls are among some of the biggest waterfalls in Iceland. It stretches to about 25 meters (82ft) and has a drop of 60 meters (200ft).
The popularity of this thunderous waterfall is well-deserved. One of its best features is its accessibility as it is visible from the ring road (HWY 1). The base of the falls is also accessible and it takes an easy walk to get to it.
You can also view Skogafoss from above. There are some steps to the right of the falls which form a bit of a climb. But once you’ve reached the top, the view will be well worth your effort.
As it is an extremely popular waterfall you could expect to see many other tourists and perhaps some local fisherman. The portion of the river below the waterfall has a healthy population of salmon and char.
What are the Camping Sites in Skógafoss Waterfall?
The tent camping sites at Skógafoss Waterfall along with the facilities especially catered for serious campers are fantastic. You’ll be in touch with nature in a true sense as there are only a few toilets, showers, and an adventurer’s dream… an outdoor kitchen.
If you’re a nature lover, there’s a lot to do for you and you can enjoy your stay in camping style. Each morning. You can wake up to the fresh misty smell of the waterfall and the natural scent of the lovely green grass.
Is there a National Park for Skógafoss Waterfall?
For the Skógafoss Waterfall in Iceland, Skógar is the primary settlement. It forms part of the National parks in Iceland in the Southern Region near Vik. It also forms part of the famous Ring Road.
Which Canyons are Connected to the Skógafoss Waterfall?
The Canyons of Iceland connected to the Skógafoss Waterfall are moss-covered and they essentially form part of the former coastline. These cliffs serve as a division between the high-lying areas and the lower-lying areas of the south coast.
Which Rivers are connected to the Skógafoss Waterfall?
The rivers of Iceland most commonly flow with fresh meltwater that comes from glaciers. The river that’s specifically connected to Skógafoss fall is the Skógá river.
