Iceland’s third tallest waterfall, Skogafoss is a 197 feet high by 82 feet wide curtain of powerful perfection.
It is easily visible driving the Ring Road in Southern Iceland and a super accessible parking lot makes viewing a cinch.
So renowned this waterfall even comes with its own legend. In the year 900 a giant named Þrasi hid a chest filled with treasure in a cave behind the falls. In the nearby Skogar Folk Museum there is a gold ring on display that is said to be from that very chest! For those that will go searching for riches, be warned that walking up to the falls means you’re bound to get drenched! The large volume of mist often results in rainbows on a sunny day. Five hundred and twenty seven steps lead up to the top of the waterfall on its eastern side to a viewing platform.
Up here there is a chance to lose the crowds and find dozens of additional waterfalls further up the Skoga River.
The bright bubbling white water coupled with the emerald moss on a sunny day made this a sublime experience.
Fishermen are often found along the shores of the river in the summer because it has a large char and salmon population.
The trail stretches fourteen miles between glaciers all the way to the highlands and Þórsmörk, where overnight camping is available.
So you can hike until your hearts content.
Good to know:
+Parking is free
+Restrooms charge a fee
+There is a campsite available
Fun fact:
Skogafoss was used in the movie Thor: The Dark World, a Justin Bieber song, and in the History Channel series Vikings
Nearby: