One of Iceland‘s most powerful waterfalls drops 60 metres in a single, thundering sheet of water that sends spray so far you’ll feel it from 50 metres away. On sunny days, that same mist from the Skógafoss waterfall creates vivid rainbows — sometimes two at once.
Quick overview
Skógafoss is free to visit, but parking costs 1,000 ISK as of January 2026. The waterfall is accessible 24 hours a day, year-round, though visiting during daylight is essential for safety and photography.
The site sits right off the Ring Road, making it one of the easiest major waterfalls to reach in Iceland. From the car park, it’s a two-minute walk to the base of the falls.
It’s also a popular stop on Iceland south coast day tours, for those who don’t have their own vehicle.
At a glance
| Price | Opening hours | Address | Free for | Last entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free (parking 1,000 ISK) | 24/7 year-round | Skógar, Route 1, 861 Hvolsvöllur | Everyone | No restriction |
How much does Skógafoss cost?
There is no entrance fee to visit Skógafoss waterfall. Walking to the base of the falls and climbing the 527 steps to the viewing platform at the top are both completely free.
Parking fees
| Ticket type | Price | Who qualifies |
|---|---|---|
| Standard vehicle parking | 1,000 ISK | All visitors |
| 8-hour maximum | Included | No overnight parking permitted |
Payment is made via the Parka app, online platforms, or on-site kiosks. The parking fee was introduced in May 2025 when the car park was relocated and expanded to twice its previous size. Obviously, those visiting as part of a tour don’t need to worry about this.
Public toilets at the car park require a small fee for usage.
What time does Skógafoss open?
Skógafoss waterfall is accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week, throughout the year. There are no gates or restricted access times.
However, visiting during daylight hours is strongly recommended. The path to the waterfall and the metal staircase to the viewing platform are unlit. In winter (November to February), daylight hours are limited — sunrise can be as late as 11am, with sunset around 4pm.
Summer visitors can take advantage of Iceland’s midnight sun, with nearly 24 hours of daylight in June and July. This makes early morning or late evening visits possible for avoiding coach tour crowds.
Why book the South Coast full-day tour from Reykjavík?
- Visit Iceland’s dramatic south coast: See iconic sites such as the black sand beaches, waterfalls and coastal landscapes that define this scenic region.
- See powerful waterfalls: Stop at stunning waterfalls like Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss with time to take photos and explore on foot.
- Glacier and volcano views: Enjoy sweeping vistas of glaciers, volcanic terrain and rugged highlands as you travel by comfortable minibus.
- Expert local guide: Gain insight into the geology, history and folklore of Iceland’s south coast from an experienced guide.
- Easy day trip from Reykjavík: Round-trip transport makes this a stress-free way to see some of Iceland’s most famous natural wonders in one day.
Parking advice
The main car park is about 500 metres from Skógafoss, slightly further than the previous location. The parking area was moved back and made twice as big when fees were introduced on 1 May 2025.
The car park is large and surfaced with gravel. It accommodates cars, campervans, and tour coaches. Finding a space is usually straightforward except during peak summer hours (10am–4pm).
Payment is 1,000 ISK for standard vehicles, payable via the Parka app or on-site machines. Card payments are accepted; cash is rarely needed at Icelandic tourist sites.
There’s a campsite adjacent to the parking area with basic facilities. The Skógar Museum, located about 1.5 kilometres away, has its own car park with a separate 500 ISK fee.
History
Skógafoss sits on the Skógá River between two settlements, Ytri-Skógar and Eystri-Skógar, near the village of Skógar. The name translates as “Forest Waterfall,” referencing woodland that once covered this area before Iceland’s settlement.
The waterfall drops from what was once Iceland’s coastline. When the first Viking settlers arrived around 1,000 years ago, the Atlantic Ocean lapped at the base of these cliffs. Over centuries, volcanic activity and sediment deposits pushed the shoreline about five kilometres seaward.
Legend claims that Þrasi, one of the area’s first settlers, buried a chest of gold behind the waterfall. The story goes that local men later found the chest and grabbed its ring, but the chest slipped back into the water. That ring — or at least a ring claimed to be from the chest — is displayed at the Skógar Museum.
The 60-metre cascade forms where the Skógá River plunges over ancient sea cliffs. The river originates from Eyjafjallajökull glacier, the same ice cap that erupted in 2010 and disrupted European air travel for weeks.
What to see at Skógafoss
The main viewing area sits at the base of the falls, where you’ll feel the full force of the spray and might spot rainbows in the mist on sunny days. The waterfall is 60 metres high and 25 metres wide — a nearly perfect rectangular curtain of water.
A metal staircase with 527 steps leads to a viewing platform at the top of the falls. The climb takes most people 15–20 minutes. At the summit, you’ll find panoramic views across the South Coast all the way to the ocean.
The viewing platform also marks the start of the Fimmvörðuháls hiking trail, a 25-kilometre route to Þórsmörk that passes dozens of smaller waterfalls. You don’t need to commit to the full hike — even 30 minutes on the trail (known as “Waterfall Way”) reveals several stunning cascades.
Photographers should note that the sun’s position affects rainbow visibility. Rainbows typically appear in the spray during midday hours when the sun is highest.
What’s included with your visit?
- Access to the base of the waterfall
- Climb to the viewing platform via 527 metal steps
- Access to the start of the Fimmvörðuháls/Waterfall Way hiking trail
- Public toilets (small fee required)
- Views of the surrounding glaciers and coastline
Not included: parking (1,000 ISK), toilet usage fee, any food or drink (available at nearby Hotel Skógar or the Skógar Museum café).
Things to do near Skógafoss
Kvernufoss Waterfall (1.5km, 20-minute walk) — A quieter cascade tucked into a small canyon. In summer, you can walk behind the falls. Although parking fees have increased awareness of this spot, it remains far less crowded than Skógafoss.
Skógar Museum (1.8km, 3-minute drive) — This museum complex houses 18,000 regional artifacts across three sections: an open-air museum, folk museum, and technical museum. The legendary ring from Þrasi’s treasure chest is displayed here.
Seljalandsfoss Waterfall (30km, 30-minute drive west) — Another iconic South Coast waterfall where you can walk behind the curtain of water.
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach (34km, 30-minute drive east) — Famous for its jet-black volcanic sand, towering basalt columns, and Reynisdrangar sea stacks. Warning signs about dangerous waves should be taken seriously.
Sólheimajökull Glacier (19km, 15-minute drive northeast) — An outlet glacier with walking trails to a glacial lagoon. Guided glacier hikes depart from here daily.
Practical tips
Location and access: Skógafoss sits directly off Route 1 (the Ring Road) near the village of Skógar, 155 kilometres southeast of Reykjavík. The drive from the capital takes about two hours. The waterfall is visible from the main road.
Getting there: Self-drive is the most flexible option. Public buses run between Reykjavík and Skógar twice daily in summer (three-hour journey), though services are limited in winter. Many visitors book guided South Coast day tours from Reykjavík that include Skógafoss alongside Seljalandsfoss, Reynisfjara, and other attractions.
Time needed: Budget 30–45 minutes if you’re only viewing the base of the falls. Add another 30–45 minutes if you plan to climb to the viewing platform. Serious hikers tackling the Waterfall Way trail should allow 2–3 hours for a return journey.
What to wear: Waterproof jacket and trousers are essential — you will get wet, even standing well back from the falls. In winter, wear layers and sturdy boots with good grip, as paths can be icy. Crampons or ice cleats are recommended for winter visits. The spray creates slippery conditions year-round.
Photography: The waterfall faces south, so rainbows are most visible during midday hours. Bring lens wipes — spray will coat your camera. A polarising filter can help with the mist. The steps can be slippery when wet, so take care with equipment.
Crowds: Tour buses typically arrive between 10am and 4pm in summer. Visit early morning (before 9am) or evening (after 6pm) for quieter conditions. Winter sees far fewer visitors, though daylight hours are limited.
Accessibility: The path from the car park to the base of the waterfall is relatively flat and manageable for most visitors. However, the 527-step climb to the viewing platform is steep and not suitable for wheelchair users or those with mobility issues.
Weather: Conditions change rapidly in Iceland. Check forecasts at en.vedur.is before setting out. Wind can make the spray more intense and the steps more treacherous. In winter, blizzards can close roads entirely.
FAQs
Can you swim at Skógafoss? The waterfall’s powerful current and freezing glacial water make swimming unsafe and prohibited. The basin at the base is deceptively deep and dangerous.
Is there a café or restaurant at Skógafoss? There are no facilities at the waterfall itself. Hotel Skógar, located next to the car park, has a restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The Skógar Museum café offers light refreshments, and Mia’s Fish & Chips food truck operates nearby.
Can you visit Skógafoss in winter? Yes, the waterfall is accessible year-round. Winter transforms the landscape with ice formations and snow, creating dramatic photo opportunities. However, the metal staircase becomes extremely slippery and potentially dangerous. Daylight hours are limited (roughly 11am–4pm in December/January), and roads can close due to storms.
How long does it take to climb to the top of Skógafoss? The 527 steps take most visitors 15–20 minutes to climb at a steady pace. The descent is quicker but requires care, as the metal steps can be slippery. Some people find the climb challenging due to the steepness and exposure.
Is there mobile phone signal at Skógafoss? Mobile coverage is generally good at Skógafoss and along the Ring Road. However, signal can be unreliable on hiking trails beyond the viewing platform. Download offline maps before setting out on longer hikes.
More Iceland travel
Other Iceland travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- .Black sand horse riding in Vik, Iceland.
- In Reykjavik, should you book Perlan tickets in advance?
- Why buy Reykjavik Lava Show tickets in advance?
- How to spend 24 hours in Reykjavik.
- Do you have to pay to enter Hallgrimskirkja, Reykjavik?
