Skógafoss is one of Iceland's most famous and beautiful waterfalls, along with nearby Seljalandfoss. Over 25 metres wide, the Skógá River falls here from 60-metre cliffs that once marked the coastline, which is now 5 km further south. These cliffs stretch for several hundred kilometres, separating the coast from the Icelandic highlands.
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Skógafoss waterfall is also impressive because it falls the entire 60 metres in a single line without any cascades to visually diminish it. The rocks from which Skógafoss flows are also densely covered with green mosses and lichens, creating a very photogenic environment.
It is no coincidence that many film crews have chosen Skógafoss for filming. For example, Thor: The Dark World or several scenes of the series Game of Thrones were filmed here.
400 steps and a hiking trail
From the car park below the waterfall, climb the 400 steps to the wide sheltered lookout just above the waterfall, where you can enjoy spectacular views directly into the waterfall's throat and into the distant countryside. On a clear day, you can even see the Dyrhólaey cliffs almost 30km away.
From here you can continue on through an idyllic green landscape full of gorges and valleys through which the waters of the Skógá River flow. The long-distance trek over the Fimmvörðuháls Pass starts here, and after 25 km you will reach the famous Þórsmörk area. Many travellers opt for just the shorter part of this trek and the same route back to the car below Skógafoss waterfall.
Accommodation
The small village of Skógar, located just below the waterfall, also serves as an ideal overnight stop during the tour around Iceland. You can stay in several guesthouses (the cheapest ones from 125 eur per night include Guesthouse Skógafoss or Hotel Kverna).
How to get here?
Skógafoss is one of the best places to get to, as it's only about 1.5km from the main Ring Road 1, the turn-off is clearly signposted and passable all year round for all types of car. There is a large car park directly below the waterfall. The distance from Reykjavik is 156 km (route map: google.com/maps).
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