Skógá Waterfall Way
Hike overview
The Skógá Waterfall Way begins at Skógafoss, one of Iceland's most iconic waterfalls. It then heads upstream through spectacular scenery dotted with more than twenty waterfalls (25 according to some sources. I invite you to count them!). This route is the first part of the famous Fimmvörðuháls trek, and allows you to quickly escape the crowds at Skógafoss and enjoy Iceland's tranquil natural landscapes.
With its green-walled canyon, distant views of the Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers, and an uninterrupted succession of waterfalls, this hike is one of the most beautiful in southern Iceland.
Remarks
Parking: There is a large paid parking lot at Skógafoss (indicative price in 2025: ISK 1,000 or €7 per car).
Shorter option: If you're short on time, most of the waterfalls are within the first three kilometers. Turning back at this point reduces the hike to a six-kilometer round trip with a 300-meter elevation gain. However, I encourage you to continue to the end. The canyon is magnificent, and the last waterfall is one of the most beautiful on the route.
Difficulties of the hike
This hike follows the well-marked Fimmvörðuháls trail from Skógafoss Waterfall and back. Although the route does not present any particular technical difficulties, its length should not be underestimated.
What you'll love
- A succession of spectacular waterfalls: More than twenty waterfalls line the route, each with its own unique character.
- A wild and magnificent canyon: The trail winds along a stunning green canyon.
- The grand finale: a magnificent double waterfall, one of the most impressive on the route.
- Tranquility regained: While thousands of visitors flock to Skógafoss every day, only a tiny fraction venture beyond it.
Map and elevation profile of the hike
Slideshow
Nearby hikes

Chutes de Skógafoss

Fimmvörðuháls Trek
- Difficulty : Very Hard
- Duration : 10 h
- Distance : 23.8 km
- Elevation gain : 1320 m

Kvernufoss Waterfall Hike
- Difficulty : Very easy
- Duration : 0 h 45
- Distance : 1.5 km
- Elevation gain : 60 m

Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck Hike
- Difficulty : Easy
- Duration : 1 h 45
- Distance : 7.3 km
- Elevation gain : 30 m
Map of the 10 closest hikes
Hikes to discover
Let chance guide your steps: discover a random selection of the best hikes in Iceland.

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- Duration : 4 h 30
- Distance : 11.2 km
- Elevation gain : 480 m

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Múlagljúfur Canyon Hike
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Skalli Hike
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Zone géothermique de Hverir

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- Duration : 4 h 30
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- Elevation gain : 330 m
























