DeirdreStanding at an impressive 125 feet tall, Skógafoss is one of southern Iceland’s most renowned and breathtaking waterfalls. While many visitors come solely to admire the falls, they often overlook an extraordinary hiking opportunity just beyond the waterfall’s edge. From the top of Skógafoss, you can embark on a remarkable day hike that’s part of the longer Fimmvörðuháls Trail.
This trail offers stunning views and diverse landscapes as it runs parallel to the Skógá river and past several waterfalls. If you’re looking to avoid the logistics of a point-to-point hike or if you’re traveling with children, you can enjoy it as an out-and-back adventure.
This guide will offer essential details on trailhead locations, route descriptions, and additional helpful information to make your hike enjoyable and stress-free.
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Table of Contents
Skógafoss Trail Information
- Distance: 17km roundtrip (our map showed closer to 18km)
- Duration: 5-8 hours (including breaks)
- Elevation Gain: ~700m
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Route: Out and Back
- Facilities: At trailhead
Trail Difficulty
I would classify this hike as moderate in difficulty, primarily due to its length. The elevation gain is gradual throughout, although the initial stair ascent to the top of Skógafoss is quite strenuous, steep, and will elevate your heart rate.
The stairs wind their way up to a stunning viewpoint that offers an impressive vantage point over the waterfall.
Beyond this point, the terrain transitions to a mix of loose dirt and rocky paths. Throughout the route, you will gain additional elevation, but it never as consistently steep as that initial climb.
The hike is a total of 17km roundtrip and took us approximately 7 hours to complete. This included many washroom and food breaks for my young daughter.
How to Reach Skogafoss
Skógafoss is conveniently located about 156 kilometers (roughly a 2-hour drive) from Reykjavik. To reach this majestic waterfall, follow Route 1, also known as the Ring Road, which encircles the island of Iceland.
This road is well-paved and accessible to both 2WD and AWD vehicles, making it an easy drive for most travelers. As you travel along the Ring Road, you’ll pass through some picturesque landscapes, offering a glimpse of Iceland’s natural beauty even before you reach Skógafoss.
The drive is straightforward, and there are clear signs guiding you to the waterfall. Once you arrive, you’ll find a designated parking area close to the falls, from which it’s just a short walk to the viewing area.
If you’re planning to explore further or visit other nearby attractions, the Ring Road provides a scenic route with additional points of interest along the way.
Parking and Facilities
Skógafoss offers lots of free gravel parking right near the waterfall, making it convenient for visitors. The parking area also includes a campsite, so you might notice tents set up just outside the lot.
For restroom facilities, there is a small washroom for campers that requires a 2-krona fee (payment is made inside the unit). Additionally, there is a separate toilet block available for tourists at no charge.
There are very few private spots along the hike where it would be suitable to dip into the bushes to relieve yourself. I would strongly recommend using the facilities before starting the hike… even if you have a child who doesn’t have to go right now.
Nearby, you’ll find a hotel and restaurant, providing options for dining or accommodations if you wish to extend your visit.
When we arrived at Skógafoss around 10 a.m., the parking area was quite busy, as it is a popular spot for both tourists and campers.
Use the facilities at the parking area, as there are no designated washrooms once you hit the trail.
Skógafoss Route Overview
The trail to explore Skógafoss begins just past the parking lot, at the base of the waterfall. Take a moment to enjoy the breathtaking views before heading up the metal stairs located on the right side of the falls.
These stairs can often become congested, so be mindful of other hikers both in front of and behind you as you ascend. The climb will lead you to a viewing platform that offers stunning panoramic views of Skógafoss from above, making the effort well worth it.
Once you’ve taken in the views from the platform, the trail continues along a scenic dirt path.
This path winds alongside the Skógá River and passes several other beautiful waterfalls. Follow the roped trail that guides you past notable falls such as Hestavaðsfoss, Fosstorfufoss, and Steinbogafoss.
Each of these waterfalls offers its own unique charm and picturesque settings, providing ample opportunities for viewing and photography. The trail is a wonderful way to experience the diverse beauty of the area, with each waterfall offering a distinct perspective on Iceland’s stunning natural landscape.
Around the 2-kilometer mark, the trail starts to become less clearly defined, as many visitors choose to turn back at this point. From here, the path descends along a narrow dirt trail leading to a small cavern before ascending again.
The rope barrier that once guided you vanishes shortly after this area, giving way to wooden posts placed every few meters. These posts will serve as your guide for the remainder of the route, helping you stay on track as you continue through the less marked sections of the trail.
From this point onwards the trail changes into long stretches of paths winding around the river.
It’s common to look into the distance and be able to point out other hikers on the trail at various hills and heights ahead. You’ll encounter a variety of terrains and scenic views, adding to the adventure of the hike.
The transition from rope to wooden posts signals a significant drop in the crowd as most people who came to see the waterfall do not venture beyond the rope paths into the more rugged path.
Trail Continuation and Views
At this point, the trail offers stunning views of Eyjafjallajökull, with its snow-covered peak becoming increasingly visible.
The path runs through deep grassy trenches, so proceed with caution, as the ground here can be unstable and prone to collapse. Along this section, you’ll encounter several notable waterfalls, including Fremri-Fellsfoss, Rollutorfufoss, and Skálabrekkufoss.
As you continue, the landscape becomes more barren, but it reveals deeper canyons along the river, showcasing even more dramatic waterfalls. There is one section during which the path loops around the inner cliff of a large canyon.
The path is narrow and the drop is high so I would advise extreme caution. After proceeding through a larger rock field, the trail descends down into a sort of valley that runs as close to the river as you will get.
Many people use this as a great spot to take a break on the grass next to a particularly calm section of river. The trail features several minor elevation gains and losses, adding to the rugged charm of this part of the hike.
The section concludes with a small wooden and metal bridge marking the end of this part of the trail. Be cautious when crossing the bridge, especially during high winds, as it can feel a bit unstable.
If you plan to extend your hike along the Fimmvorduhals Trail, the Baldvinsskáli Hut is located another 5 kilometers further along a gravel road. However, we chose to end our hike at the bridge. To return to the parking lot, simply retrace your steps and follow the same route back.
Places to Stay near Skogafoss
Hotel Drangshlid: Just 4 km from Skógafoss, this hotel features private bathrooms, a comfortable seating area, and an on-site restaurant. Horseback riding tours can also be arranged.
Hótel Skógafoss: Situated right by Skógafoss, this hotel offers free Wi-Fi and private bathrooms. Enjoy traditional Icelandic cuisine at the on-site restaurant.
Rauðafell ChickenCoop: Located 8 km from Skógafoss, this one-bedroom apartment includes a kitchenette with an oven and microwave. Free parking is available on-site.
