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.

Hike technical sheet

Activity: Hiking
Difficulty: ModerateiDifficulty levels explained here:
➡️ Hiking parameters
Average duration: 5 h 30iFind out how we calculate the duration here:
➡️ Hiking parameters
Length: 15.7 km
Type of route: Out and back
Elevation gain: 650 m
Maximum altitude: 605 m
Vertiginous: SlightlyiVertiginous levels explained here:
➡️ Hiking parameters
Marked: Yes
Popularity: Moderate
Region: South
Start point: 63.52830, -19.51225

Map and elevation profile of the hike

Skógá Waterfall Way