Viking Hiking
Skógá Waterfall Hike
The mighty Skógafoss is one of the prime locations on the south coast. It drops a total height of 60m from what used to be a coastline. Visitors can stand close or hike up stairs to see the waterfall from the top. There you also have a great view over the south coast! But while most people leave here, hiking up the Skógá river is very rewarding. The river has even more waterfall to offer, along with spectacular canyons, and great views over the nearby mountain range of Fimmvörðuháls. From there, the way continues into the Þórsmörk valley, but you can turn around at any time, making this hike very flexible for all conditions. Take a drink and bite at the Hotel Skogafoss afterwards!
hike
type
1-4 hours
duration
10 km
distance
3/5
difficulty
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temperature
Conditions
Weather today
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Forecast
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Road conditions
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Details
duration
1-4 hours
distance
10 km
difficulty
3/5 - Easy to follow path, with a steady incline and some steeper sections that require sure footing.
tourist density
low to medium
Nearby
Food & Drink
Hotel Skogafoss, Skógarfoss, Iceland
Food & Drink
Skógar Street Food, Skógarfoss, Iceland
Food & Drink
Gamla fjósið, Hvassafell, Eyjafjöllum, 861, Iceland
Toilets
Hotel Skogafoss, Skógarfoss, Iceland
Supermarkets
Krónan, Austurvegur 20, 870 Vík, Iceland
Hotels and camp grounds
Hotel Skogafoss, Skógarfoss, Iceland
Hotels and camp grounds
Guesthouse Skógafoss, Skógarfoss, Iceland
Location
(Nearest) address
Skógarfoss, Skógafoss, Iceland
Accessiblity
Directly at paved road, close to Route 1
GPS Coordinates
63.532000, -19.511333
Distance to Reykjavík
Reykjavík is 156 km away. It takes about 120 minutes (or 2 hours) to drive by car.
Distance to nearest town
Vík í Mýrdal is the nearest city at 34 km distance. It takes about 30 minutes (or 0.5 hours) to drive by car.
Parking
Summary
Large parking lot close to the waterfall with lots of traffic
Way to start of hike
short hike on gravel path
GPS Coordinates
63.529361, -19.513111
Google Maps Plus Code
GFHP+PQ Skógar, Iceland
Capacity
around 200
Security
none, but many visitors
Alternative
none, but many visitors
Costs
free
Tips for visiting
Recommended Car Type
normal car, no 4x4-drive needed
Don't miss
The deep gorges and views on the amazing waterfalls as you progress up the trail.
Recommended Equipment
Sturdy sport shoes or decent hiking boots
Photo Opportunities
Down onto the beach at the south. The gorges with their green moss, nearby volcanoes to the north (Eyjafjallajökull)!
Do's and don't
Stay on the designated paths. Respect the signs that close certain parts of the trail! Don't leave trash behind.
Things to watch out for
Some of the paths are close to the edges of the gorge. These paths are not always secured, especially after the winter, so don't take risks going too close or climbing into the gorge.