Skógafoss

About Skógafoss

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

Þrasi's Hidden Gold

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 was preserved through generations. It 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 and decide for themselves whether the rest of the treasure still lies hidden behind the falls.

Viewing Options

Fimmvörðuháls Trail

One of Iceland's most famous and rewarding hiking trails begins right 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, each more beautiful than the last. The trail climbs steadily upward through lush green valleys before reaching the barren highland pass between the Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers, where the landscape transforms into a stark, otherworldly expanse of snow, ice, and volcanic rock. The 2010 eruption of Eyjafjallajökull created entirely new lava fields along portions of the route, adding a dramatic geological dimension to the hike. The trail is typically passable from late June through September and requires good fitness, proper gear, and careful attention to weather conditions. Most hikers complete it in one long day or split it into two days with a hut stay at the pass.

Visiting Tips

Getting There

Skógafoss is located approximately 150 kilometers from Reykjavik, a drive of around two hours heading east along Route 1. The waterfall is clearly visible from the Ring Road and well signposted. It sits about 30 minutes east of Seljalandsfoss, making it easy to visit both waterfalls in the same trip. The village of Skógar at the base of the falls offers basic accommodation and the outstanding Skógar Folk Museum, which houses an extensive collection of Icelandic historical artifacts including the legendary ring from the Viking treasure chest. Most South Coast day tours from Reykjavik include both Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, along with the black sand beach at Reynisfjara and the Dyrhólaey promontory.

Frequently Asked Questions