Trip report by BestHike editor Rick McCharles
I’ve seen most of the famous waterfalls of the world — and cannot recall a better series of falls anywhere.
Skógafoss is massive. Powerful.
The Skógafoss Waterfall hike (also called the Skógá Trail or Waterfall Way) is one of Iceland’s most spectacular easy walks. Perhaps 25 waterfalls and spectacular canyons.
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This trail starts at massive Skógafoss and follows the Skógá River upstream for 8 km (5 miles). If you reach the bridge, I’d say you’ve gone too far. 😀
In fact, hike as far as you want. Turn back when you like.
Elevation Gain: 500 meters
I waited about 5 days for a good weather window — and it was worth it. I even had some sunshine.
I hiked the waterfalls up and down twice over 3 days. Going early morning and late evening to minimize the number of other hikers on the trail.
The trailhead is at Skógar on the Ring Road (highway 1). There is a campground and hotels. Book well in advance.
Earth Trekkers posted an excellent trip report.
Skógafoss is also the start / finish of the challenging Fimmvörðuháls trail which ends at Thórsmörk. In good weather you can do the entire 22 kilometres (14 mi), 1,000 metres (3,300 ft) of climbing in a long day. It crosses a glacier between two recently active volcanoes — which you can also climb.
Of course Thórsmörk is the start / finish of the most famous hike in Iceland, the Laugavegur. If you have 4-6 days, the BEST hike is Landmannalaugar to Skógar. It includes the The Skógafoss Waterfall Way, connecting Fimmvörðuháls and Laugavegur.
I did the Laugevagur Trail as a YOYO in 2023.
related:
- AllTrails – Skógafoss, Steinbogafoss and Skálabrekkufoss via Fimmvörðuháls Trail
- The Photo Hikes – Skógafoss and the Waterfall Way Hike, Iceland
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