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After leaving Seljalandsfoss around 5:30 PM, with a light drizzle falling, we drove 30 minutes east toward Skógafoss. The road was stunning, with tall green cliffs on one side and wide plains stretching to the sea on the other and every turn felt like a movie scene.

Along the way, the Icelandic landscape kept catching our eyes, always offering incredible views. Mossy green cliffs, distant mountains peeking through clouds, red-and-white houses tucked at the base of the mountains, and wide plains full of vibrant wildflowers… the whole scene was unbelievably beautiful.

And just down the road, a herd of Icelandic horses trotting along the road, their manes flying in the wind!  We made a quick stop at Rútshellir Caves, a tiny ancient looking stone house built into the base of a massive, moss covered rock formation. Everything around us was so green and quiet, and we loved how peaceful it felt.

We reached Skógafoss around 6 PM, parked and paid the parking fee at the machine, and walked toward the falls. Even from a distance, we could see the tall, wide, and graceful waterfall perfectly framed by green cliffs. Skógafoss stands 197 feet (60 meters) tall and 82 feet (25 meters) wide, fed by the Skógá River. It was so beautiful that we were hardly bothered by the rain and cold. Standing there, we could only imagine how it would look in sunlight, with mist rising and a rainbow forming. Skógafoss feels magical no matter the season…rain, shine, or even snow.

We walked along the flat gravel path from the parking lot toward the waterfall and paused for a moment…WOW…it was huge. We did not go all the way to the base, but even from a distance, the view was impressive. With the rain, the valley looked even greener, and the whole area felt fresh and peaceful. Only a few visitors were around, which made the experience even nicer.

On the left side of the waterfall, the Skógá River ran through a lush green meadow, with hills in the background and a few red-and-white farmhouses scattered across the landscape. We even saw some people horseback riding near the stream. On the right side, the long steep staircase leading up to the viewpoint was clearly visible against the cliffs.

It started raining again, so we decided not to climb the stairs to the viewpoint, though we saw several people making their way up. We knew the view from the top would have been amazing, looking out over the winding river, the waterfall crashing down, the farmland below, and the mountains stretching into the distance.

We spent only about 20 minutes at Skógafoss, but it left us with such beautiful memories. Eventually, we headed back to the car, wondering why it had to be raining again and couldn’t be sunny. Still hoping the weather might change, we continued our drive toward the nearby Sólheimajökull glacier. 

Here’s a slideshow of some beautiful Skógafoss photos from our visit.

Here’s what you should know before visiting

Quick Facts and Tips:

• Best time to visit:
  • Summer (June to September): Long daylight hours, lush greenery, rainbows in the spray, moderate crowds.
  • Winter (November to March): Snow and Icy scenery, frozen cliffs, fewer visitors, slippery paths.
  • Shoulder seasons (May and September): Cooler weather, fewer crowds, still plenty of daylight.
• Always check road conditions at road.is and weather forecasts at vedur.is.
• Skógafoss is open year-round, but daylight hours are very short in winter, so plan accordingly.
• Skógafoss is located about 2 hours from Reykjavík via Route 1 in the South Iceland region, and it can be easily combined with the well-known, beautiful Seljalandsfoss.
• For more info, check the Skógafoss website.
• No admission fee, but there is a fee for parking, 1,000 ISK, valid for the whole day, usually paid using credit cards at the machine in the parking lot or via the Parka mobile app.
• The parking lot is quite large and can accommodate many cars and tour buses.
• Skógafoss offers two main access points, both starting from the parking area just a short walk away.
  • Path to Base View: A short, easy, flat gravel path leads directly to the base of the waterfall and is accessible in all seasons. Perfect for getting misty, close-up photos of the full cascade.
  • Staircase to the Upper Viewpoint: A long, steep staircase about 527 metal steps, open year-round, climbs up the right side of the waterfall to a viewing platform above the falls. Features panoramic views over the coastline and a look down into the Skógá River canyon. 
  • The paths at the bottom and the staircase leading to the top can be slippery and very icy due to the freezing spray and snow in winter.
• Allow 1 to 1.5 hours to fully experience Skógafoss, including time to walk to the base, climb the 527-step staircase to the upper viewpoint, and take photos from various spots
• The seasonally opened designated campsites are located right next to the waterfall. It’s first-come, first-serve (no need to book ahead), and you pay the camping fee at the on-site kiosk/office upon arrival.
• There are restrooms, a visitor center, and a small cafe offering hot drinks, snacks, and sometimes simple meals near the parking area.
• Bring layers and a waterproof jacket, and even spare clothes as the waterfall spray can soak you. 
• Sturdy shoes recommended for the base and staircase.
• Use a wide-angle lens for photos, and keep a microfiber cloth handy for wiping mist from your camera lens or glasses.
• Use waterproof covers or bags to protect your electronics.
• Stay on the marked paths and respect warning signs to stay safe.
• No casual drone flying is allowed.
• Nearby Attractions:
  • Seljalandsfoss Waterfall – Walking Behind the Falls and Gljúfrabúi Waterfall
  • Sólheimajökull Glacier: A Walk Into Iceland’s Frozen Wild
  • Eyjafjallajökull volcano area
  • Reynisfjara Beach: Basalt, Black Sand, and the Wild Atlantic
  • Vik Town
  • Þórsmörk hiking trails
    

Conclusion
Skógafoss is one of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls: wide, powerful, and incredibly photogenic. Whether you see it from below, where the water crashes down, or from above, where the landscape opens up, Skógafoss leaves a lasting impression. Definitely make time for it on the South Coast route, it is well worth the visit.