Skógafoss Step by Step: Viewpoint, Upstream Route and Kvernufoss
Skógafoss is a classic south-coast stop right on Route 1: you can see the waterfall from the base and from the upper viewpoint in one short visit. Plan 60–90 minutes for the “bottom + stairs + short river walk” loop, and longer if you continue the trail upstream.
In short (60 seconds):
- Parking: usually 1000 ISK, typically via the Parka app.
- Stairs: about 527 steps to the upper viewpoint.
- Time on site: 45–90 min for bottom + top; 2–3 h with the river walk.
- Conditions: wind + spray = slippery rocks and wet gear fast.
Skógafoss is one of the most accessible waterfalls in south Iceland – it stands right by Route 1 and is about 60 m high and 25 m wide. In one stop, you’ll see it from below under the water curtain and from above after climbing the stairs to the viewing point (Unfortunately, to be honest, from the platform you can only see a fragment of the curtain, but for fun you can go up to see it if you have time or you’re starting one of the three Fimmvörðuháls trails from which you can branch off to Þórsmörk or extend the Laugavegur).
The simplest plan is: bottom → stairs → a short walk along the river – then you’ll make the most of the place even with a 60–90 minute stop.
If you’re planning a whole trip around the island, start with a map of Iceland and regions, then check step-by-step travel planning, and finally fit stops into the Iceland in 7 days plan. Skógafoss naturally fits into the south coast day.
Quick checklist on site (60 seconds):
- Parking: usually 1000 ISK, typically payment via Parka (after registration).
- Stairs: about 527 steps to the viewing point on the right side of the waterfall.
- Time: 45–90 minutes for bottom + top; 2–3 hours if you continue along the river.
- Photo/video: water spray and wind = drops on the lens very quickly; microfiber and a rain cover really help.
- Camping: in Skógar there is a campsite near the waterfall (paid, with showers and electricity).
Use the table of contents below to jump straight to parking, the stairs, the river walk, camping, and the photo spots.
Table of Contents
Skógafoss – where it is, how many meters, and what makes it stand out in Iceland
Skógafoss is located by Route 1 in south Iceland, near the village of Skógar. The waterfall plunges from the cliff of the former coastline – the ocean once reached further inland, and today the shoreline is farther out towards the sea. On site, it’s worth approaching both the base of the water wall (being careful on the wet rocks) and climbing the stairs to the top, as these two spots offer completely different perspectives.
If you’re driving the route around the island, Skógafoss is a natural stop for the day on the south coast – you can find the stop order and driving sequence here: South coast of Iceland on the Ring Road: route and stops. And if you want to quickly compare waterfalls and choose them for your route, this comparison will also help: The most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland: list and map.
In practice, the best order is: first the bottom of the waterfall, then the stairs to the top, and finally a short walk along the river. This gives you a full picture of the place even when the weather changes every few minutes.
If you’re building a short itinerary focused on south Iceland, Skógafoss fits perfectly into a compact plan: Iceland in 4 days – day-by-day plan (first trip). And if you have more time to spread stops without rushing, use the longer version: Iceland in 7 days – day-by-day itinerary.
Getting there and parking at Skógafoss – fees, app, and practical tips
Getting there is simple: Skógafoss is “by the road”, no off-roading or gravel roads needed. In the summer season and on days with good weather, it can be crowded, so if you prefer a quieter visit, come in the morning or late evening.
Parking: the fee is usually 1000 ISK for a passenger car, and payment is made via the Parka app. In Parka, there might be a time limit (often 8 hours), and overnight parking may be restricted – the rules are described on the signs at the parking lot.
Stairs to the viewing point at Skógafoss – how many steps and what you see at the top
The stairs to the viewing point are a permanent feature of Skógafoss: a metal structure climbs up the right side of the waterfall and has about 527 steps. The climb is steep but short. The wind is often most noticeable – it’s frequently stronger at the top than in the parking lot.
From the top, you’ll see the edge of the waterfall and a panorama towards the ocean. It’s also a good spot for shots without random people in the foreground – especially in the middle of the day.
Hi, I’m Krystian “dziadzia przewodnik” from OndaTravel.pl!
The North is my greatest passion, but the world is far too beautiful to stay in just one climate. On my blog, I combine the raw landscapes of Iceland and Norway with the exotic energy of Thailand or Vietnam, showing you how to travel authentically — with passion and a camera in hand.
What will you find on OndaTravel.pl?
Visual storytelling: As a photographer and filmmaker, I don’t just describe places — I take you there with professional photos and video.
North expert: Ready-to-use road trip plans for Iceland and Norway, smart tips for budget travel, and my original Northern Lights Radar (locations and forecast).
Travel through the lens of cinema: I track down filming locations — from icy scenes in Interstellar to tropical frames from world cinema.
New direction: Exotic destinations: I love contrast, so the blog is featuring more and more practical knowledge about Vietnam and Thailand. I’ll show you how to find your way around Southeast Asia and come back with your best memories.
P.S. follow me here
Main trail from Skógar – a short walk along the river and further direction into the mountains
After reaching the top, you can continue along the Skógá river. Even a short walk offers peace and quieter compositions. If you have 30–60 minutes “in reserve,” this section is usually the best addition to the basic sightseeing.
Skógar is also the classic starting point for the Fimmvörðuháls trail towards Þórsmörk (between the Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers). It’s a demanding hike and a topic for a separate trekking post – especially if you want to approach it photographically and describe the conditions on the trail.
Camping at Skógafoss – Skógar Campsite, prices, rules, and on-site conditions
Right next to the waterfall, Skógar Campsite operates – it’s one of those places where you pay mainly for the location. If you camp here, it’s easier to catch the waterfall at dawn or late evening when it’s quieter and the light is often softer.
Prices (often quoted for 2025): the rate per adult (14+) is often described as 2200 ISK per night. Showers are sometimes paid separately (e.g., 400 ISK for 5 minutes, coins), and electricity hookup for campers may be an additional charge (e.g., 1200 ISK, limited number of sockets). Payment may be made on site (kiosk/staff), and the rules and current price list are best checked on the signs or in the facility’s current announcement.
Facilities: toilets, showers, water, electricity hookup possible, waste disposal point. In season, it can be quite busy, and the infrastructure is limited, so expect a “practical” campsite, not a recreational one.
Accommodation near Skógafoss – where to stay to see the waterfall outside peak hours
If you’re not camping, it’s still worth considering accommodation in the area to visit Skógafoss outside the busiest times. In practice, the difference in the number of people between midday and early morning can be huge.
Skógar (closest): best if your priority is quick access back to the waterfall. Vík: the largest selection of accommodations in south Iceland. Hvolsvöllur: a sensible stopover base if you’re splitting up your route.
If you’re just starting to plan your whole Iceland trip, begin with the basics and only then finalize accommodations: Iceland: step-by-step travel planning guide and Iceland in 7 days – day-by-day sightseeing plan.
Skógar Museum and the area – how to plan the day when the weather turns bad
When the weather gets capricious (which is normal in south Iceland), a good complement to your visit is the Skógar Museum. It’s a plan that allows you to use time sensibly when the wind blows the water spray horizontally.
Opening hours are seasonal: June–August 9:00 AM–6:00 PM and September–May 10:00 AM–5:00 PM (off-season, it’s worth checking the announcement on the museum’s website, especially around holidays).
In the area, there’s also a more intimate waterfall in a gorge, often compared to Skógafoss in terms of photo opportunities. For now, I’ll link to places where you already have mentions of it: South coast of Iceland on the Ring Road and The most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland. If you want to add a quieter waterfall in a gorge near Skógar, Kvernufoss is usually the best addition for the same day.
Skógar Museum – turf houses and history
Skógar is a picturesque village in south Iceland, famous for the impressive Skógafoss and Kvernufoss waterfalls, as well as the Skógar Museum. The museum, founded in 1949, has a rich collection of over 18,000 artifacts related to Icelandic folk culture, presented in three main sections: the Folk Museum, the Technical Museum, and the Open-Air Museum. In the Folk Museum, you can see exhibits related to fishing, agriculture, weaving, and natural history, as well as items dating back to the Viking age. The Open-Air Museum allows you to feel the atmosphere of bygone centuries, showcasing traditional Icelandic turf and stone buildings, illustrating how Icelanders lived over the centuries. The Technical Museum presents the history of transport, communication, and technology in Iceland in the 19th and 20th centuries. Visiting Skógar Museum gives you a unique opportunity to delve into Icelandic history and culture, admiring diverse exhibits and authentic buildings that will transport you back in time and help you better understand the lives of past Icelanders.
Legends and tales of the Skógafoss area – Þrasi’s treasure and the ring from Skógar
Skógafoss has its own local story: the legend features a chest of treasure hidden behind the waterfall by the Viking Þrasi Þórólfsson. According to the tale, when the chest was found years later, only the ring on its side was caught – the rest supposedly vanished back “under the water.”
The most interesting part is that the ring motif lives on in Skógar to this day: the Skógar Museum describes an artifact known as “Þrasi’s Ring” and the associated rhyme about the treasure under Skógafoss. If you like such details, it’s a great reason to combine the waterfall with a short visit to the museum.
Skógafoss in movies and series From Thor to Game of Thrones ending with Vikings
Skógafoss regularly appears in lists of film locations in Iceland. Among the most frequently mentioned productions are Thor: The Dark World and The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. In pop culture, it also appears in the series Vikings, and Skógafoss is sometimes pointed out as a location associated with the final season of “Game of Thrones” (a scene with Jon Snow and Daenerys). In 2015, the waterfall also appeared in music clips and productions (e.g., it’s mentioned in the context of Justin Bieber’s music video “I’ll Show You”).
How to frame the shot on site: if you want “film-like” shots, stick to two setups that are easiest and most repeatable: the shot from below (water wall as background, black gravel in the foreground) and the shot from above (the river just before the waterfall edge). For video, it’s also worth adding short shots of sound and close-up water spray – this builds a good atmosphere in the edit.
Skógafoss in films: From Thor to Game of Thrones
Interestingly, Skógafoss Waterfall has appeared in popular film productions such as:
“Thor: The Dark World” In one of the film’s scenes, Thor fights with the picturesque Skógafoss waterfall in the background. It is the moment when Thor fights a creature known as Kursed on another planet.
Vikings. Although it’s not a film, it’s worth mentioning that this popular historical series also used Skógafoss waterfall in many scenes. Throughout most of the series, the waterfall provides an impressive backdrop for dramatic battles and other events.
Game of Thrones Skógafoss is sometimes mentioned online in the context of Iceland filming locations. If you’re visiting with “film frames” in mind, treat it mainly as a place for similar compositions (the black sand foreground + the water wall, or the river above the edge) rather than a guaranteed “scene 1:1 recreation”.
Gallery and shot ideas for Skógafoss for photography and short films
Below are shot ideas that usually work best at Skógafoss – for both photos and video. These are simple compositions that don’t require a drone.
- Rainbow in the water spray – stand slightly to the side and wait for a moment when the sun is behind you.
- Scale of the place – one person on the black gravel at the bottom of the waterfall shows proportions without additional descriptions.
- View from the edge – the river just before the drop (wide angle often works best).
- Slow motion – short shots of droplets and water spray in the wind work well in reels and vlogs.
- Long exposure in photos – with a protected lens, you can get a soft water texture, even under an overcast sky.
If you’re building a list of waterfalls for photos and video, you can also find a comparison of “which one offers what character” in my compilation: The most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland.
Skógafoss, Seljalandsfoss, and Kvernufoss – a comparison for a one-day route
If you’re short on time, the question often arises: “which waterfall to choose in south Iceland?”. The table below will help you decide. You already have mentions of Seljalandsfoss and Kvernufoss in these two posts: South coast – Ring Road and The most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland.
| Waterfall | Best “in 10 minutes” | Biggest plus | Minus / trap | For whom |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skógafoss | Bottom of waterfall + 1–2 side shots | Scale and two views (bottom + top) | Wind blows water spray – easy to get soaked | Anyone wanting a strong point of the day without a long trek |
| Seljalandsfoss | Front shot + (when conditions allow) walking behind the water | Most recognizable shot with a walk behind the water curtain | Very wet and slippery; crowded in season | People hunting for an unusual shot |
| Kvernufoss | Short walk and a shot in the gorge | More intimate, great canyon atmosphere | Can be slippery in the gorge when it rains | Those who prefer a quieter spot for photos |
On the south coast route, many people do Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss in one day, adding Kvernufoss as a quieter addition to the plan. The driving sequence and stop order are outlined here: South coast of Iceland on the Ring Road.
Safety at Skógafoss – wind, water spray, slippery rocks, and winter
Skógafoss is logistically easy, but conditions can be surprising. The most common issues are water spray, slippery rocks at the bottom, and stronger wind on the stairs.
- Water spray – in the wind, it flies horizontally and can soak you quickly.
- Wet rocks – it can be slippery at the bottom even in summer; shoes with a good sole make a difference.
- Winter – icing on the stairs can be a real problem; if conditions are poor, it’s not worth the risk.
If you’re planning Iceland more “according to the weather” than an ideal hourly schedule, start with the basics: Iceland – map and guides.
How much does parking cost at Skógafoss and how do I pay for it?
The fee is usually 1000 ISK for a passenger car and is typically paid in the Parka app (by license plate number). Check the parking rules and any time limits on the signs at the parking lot.
How much time should I plan for Skógafoss to see the bottom and the viewing point?
For approaching the waterfall + climbing the stairs to the top and taking photos, 45–90 minutes is usually enough. If you plan to walk along the river above the waterfall, add 2–3 hours.
How much does Skógar Campsite cost and what is extra?
In 2025, the rate often quoted is 2200 ISK per adult (14+) per night. Showers are sometimes paid separately (e.g., 400 ISK for 5 minutes), and electricity hookup for a camper may be an additional charge (e.g., 1200 ISK, limited spaces). It’s worth checking the price list on site or in the facility’s current announcement.
Does Skógafoss appear in ‘Game of Thrones’?
Yes — Skógafoss is sometimes pointed out as a location used in the final season of ‘Game of Thrones’ (including a scene with Jon Snow and Daenerys). In practice, many shots in Iceland were also processed in post-production, so it’s best to treat it as inspiration for compositions, not as ‘perfect 1:1 scene recreation’.
What legend is associated with Skógafoss and what does the museum in Skógar have to do with it?
The local tale features a treasure chest hidden behind the waterfall by Þrasi Þórólfsson. According to the account, it was found years later, but only the ring from the chest was caught — this ring is associated with the Skógar Museum.
Read also / next
- Iceland – essential guides and place maps
- Iceland: step-by-step travel planning guide
- Iceland in 7 days – day-by-day sightseeing plan
- South coast of Iceland on the Ring Road: route and stops
- The most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland: list and map
- Iceland in 4 days – a day-by-day itinerary for a first trip
Hi, I’m Krystian “dziadzia przewodnik” from OndaTravel.pl!
The North is my greatest passion, but the world is far too beautiful to stay in just one climate. On my blog, I combine the raw landscapes of Iceland and Norway with the exotic energy of Thailand or Vietnam, showing you how to travel authentically — with passion and a camera in hand.
What will you find on OndaTravel.pl?
Visual storytelling: As a photographer and filmmaker, I don’t just describe places — I take you there with professional photos and video.
North expert: Ready-to-use road trip plans for Iceland and Norway, smart tips for budget travel, and my original Northern Lights Radar (locations and forecast).
Travel through the lens of cinema: I track down filming locations — from icy scenes in Interstellar to tropical frames from world cinema.
New direction: Exotic destinations: I love contrast, so the blog is featuring more and more practical knowledge about Vietnam and Thailand. I’ll show you how to find your way around Southeast Asia and come back with your best memories.
P.S. follow me here
