Skógafoss Waterfall

Skógafoss

South Iceland

One of Iceland's largest and most majestic waterfalls — a thundering 60-meter curtain of water famous for its rainbows, Viking legend, and the 527-step staircase to breathtaking views from the top.

About Skógafoss

Skógafoss is one of the biggest and most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland, with a width of 25 meters and a drop of 60 meters. The waterfall is situated on the Skógá river at the cliff that once marked Iceland's coastline — the sea has since retreated about 5 kilometres, leaving the dramatic cliff face behind.

Due to the massive spray the waterfall produces, single and double rainbows are frequently visible on sunny days — making it one of the most photographed locations in Iceland. The waterfall has also appeared in major films and TV shows, including Game of Thrones, Thor: The Dark World, and The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.

According to local legend, the Viking settler Þrasi Þórólfsson hid a chest of treasure in a cave behind the waterfall. Locals reportedly found the chest but could only grasp its ring handle before it vanished. That ring is said to be preserved at the Skógar Folk Museum nearby. A 527-step staircase climbs to the top of the falls, offering magnificent views and access to the famous Fimmvörðuháls hiking trail between Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers.

Distance from Cabin

~118 km / about 1 hour 40 minutes by car from Northern Lights Cabin via Route 1 (Hringvegur).

Waterfall Dimensions

60 m high (200 ft) and 25 m wide (82 ft). One of the largest waterfalls in Iceland.

Visit Duration

45–90 minutes. Add extra time for the 527-step staircase to the top. Open year-round, 24/7.

Admission

Free entry and free parking. The Skógar Folk Museum is nearby for an additional fee.

Our Photos

Skógafoss Gallery

Photos from our visits to this magnificent waterfall on Iceland's south coast.

Skógafoss waterfall with visitors at its base showing the immense scale

The Mighty Falls

Skógafoss up close — feel the power

Skógafoss waterfall with rainbow in the mist

Rainbow at the Falls

Rainbows appear almost every sunny day

The Staircase

527 steps to the top of the falls

View from the Top

Looking down at the cascade and out to sea

Skógá river above the waterfall with lush green landscape

Above the Falls

The Skógá river before the big drop

Skógafoss waterfall panoramic view with surrounding cliffs and green hillside

The Full Picture

Skógafoss and its dramatic cliff setting

Skógafoss waterfall from a distance showing the cliff and surrounding landscape

The Ancient Coastline

The cliff that once marked Iceland's shore

Skógafoss waterfall in summer sunshine with vivid green moss and blue sky

Summer Glory

Skógafoss on a perfect summer day

Getting There

Location & Directions

Skógafoss is about a 1 hour 40 minute drive from Northern Lights Cabin along the scenic south coast.

From Northern Lights Cabin

Distance: ~118 km (73 miles)
Drive time: ~1 hour 40 minutes
Route: Head south to Route 1 (Hringvegur / Ring Road) and drive east along the south coast. Skógafoss is clearly signposted.
Parking: Free parking lot right at the waterfall. Short walk from the car to the base of the falls.

Good to Know

Wear waterproof clothing — you will get soaked near the base of the falls!
The 527-step staircase to the top is steep but worth it for the incredible views.
Visit on a sunny day for the best chance of seeing rainbows in the spray.
Combine with nearby Seljalandsfoss (30 km west) for an epic waterfall day trip along the south coast.