- The waterfall drops 60 metres from a cliff that once marked Iceland's coastline, now 5 kilometres inland
- A 527-step staircase on the slope gives you a viewing platform at the top of the falls
- The Fimmvörðuháls trail starts at the eastern side and crosses between Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers
- Expect spray near the base: on sunny days you will usually see a single or double rainbow
Geography and formation
Skógafoss sits on the Skógá River at a cliff marking the former coastline. The former coastline is now about 5 kilometres from Skógar. The waterfall has a drop of 60 metres and a width of 25 metres.
The amount of spray the waterfall produces means visitors can be drenched if they go too near. Waterproof layers and a camera rain cover are sensible if you want close photographs.
A single or double rainbow is normally visible on sunny days due to the amount of spray.
Skógafoss Waterfall Tours & South Coast Trips
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A 527-step staircase leads up the slope to the top of the waterfall. The stairs lead to a viewing platform above the waterfall.
The climb is steep and exposed to wind. Handrails are fitted throughout. Take your time if the steps are wet or icy. At the top, spray drifts less than at the base, so views are clearer.
Descending requires care: wet metal treads can be slippery. Trekking poles help some visitors.
- The staircase offers a top-down view without specialist equipment or guides
- Rainbows appear frequently when the sun shines, thanks to the heavy spray
- Serves as the start point for multi-day treks to Þórsmörk and Landmannalaugar
- Heavy spray soaks clothing and camera gear if you approach the base too closely
- The 527 steps can be tiring
Hiking trails from Skógafoss
At the eastern side of the waterfall, a hiking trail leads up to the pass Fimmvörðuháls. The pass sits between the glaciers Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull. The trail goes down to Þórsmörk on the other side.
The trail continues as the Laugavegur trail to Landmannalaugar. Together the two form one of Iceland's classic multi-day treks.
Check weather and river conditions on safetravel.is before you set out. Many hikers join guided groups that arrange hut bookings and transport.
If you plan a longer trek in Iceland, multi-day tours cover the highlands and glacier regions. Consider combining sections with these organised itineraries.
Visiting Skógafoss on a tour
Skógafoss appears on most south coast tours. Some itineraries pair the waterfall with Seljalandsfoss, Reynisfjara beach and Vík.
Small-group departures and private vehicles allow flexible timing. Small group tours often spend longer at each stop. Private tours let you adjust the schedule if weather improves later in the day.
Check the tour details before booking to see which stops and activities are included.
| Tour type | Typical group size | Flexibility |
|---|---|---|
| Coach | Large groups | Fixed schedule |
| Minibus | Medium groups | Moderate |
| Small group | 6 to 8 people | High |
| Private | Your party | Complete |
Compare prices, reviews and free-cancellation options before you book.
Check availability →What to bring
Waterproof jacket and trousers are sensible if you plan to approach the base or climb the stairs. Spray can drench clothing.
Sturdy footwear with grip helps on wet steps and paths.
Pack a lens cloth or small towel for your camera. A UV filter or clear protector shields the front element from water drops. If you fly a drone, check current aviation rules.
In winter bring gloves and a hat. Metal handrails freeze, and windchill at the top of the staircase is severe. Crampons or ice cleats improve safety on icy steps.
Combining Skógafoss with other stops
Many visitors pair Skógafoss with Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and Diamond Beach on a long day trip.
Skaftafell offers glacier hikes. The Katla ice cave tour operates from a base near Vík. Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon lies further east and adds another stop.
If you have limited time, a shorter loop covers Skógafoss, Seljalandsfoss and the Golden Circle.
Cruise passengers can reach Skógafoss on dedicated shore excursions. Check the itinerary to confirm which stops are included.
Compare prices, reviews and free-cancellation options before you book.
Check availability →Legend and history
According to legend, the first Viking settler in the area buried a treasure in a cave behind the waterfall. The settler was Þrasi Þórólfsson. A young man supposedly found the chest and grabbed a ring on the side. The box slipped back into the water.
The old church door ring is now in the Skógar museum, a short distance from the waterfall. The museum also holds turf houses, fishing boats and domestic tools from the past.
The treasure story may be true or invented to explain the ring. Either way, the tale adds colour to a stop at the falls.
Skógafoss combines easy access with dramatic scale: the 60-metre drop and 527-step climb suit visitors who want a quick photo and those who enjoy a steeper workout.
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How many steps lead to the top of Skógafoss?
A staircase with 527 steps climbs the slope beside the waterfall to a viewing platform above the falls.
Can you see rainbows at Skógafoss?
Yes. On sunny days the spray usually creates a single or double rainbow near the base of the waterfall.
Where does the Fimmvörðuháls trail start?
The trail starts on the eastern side of Skógafoss. It crosses between the Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers, then descends to Þórsmörk and continues to Landmannalaugar.
Will I get wet visiting Skógafoss?
Yes, if you approach the base. The waterfall produces heavy spray that drifts downwind and can drench clothing and equipment.
Is there a legend about Skógafoss?
Legend says the Viking settler Þrasi Þórólfsson buried treasure in a cave behind the falls. The old church door ring, said to come from the chest, is now in the Skógar museum.
