Explore Skógafoss in the Winter

Throughout all seasons of the year, Skógafoss is one of Iceland’s most visited waterfalls. This waterfall is in the top 5 largest in the country, with a dizzying drop of 60 meters. Skógafoss is especially unique because it comes directly from two glaciers. Millions of gallons of glacier water cascade over the huge cliff every day. Because it is located right off the Ring Road in a small town called Skóga, many people stop by for a quick photo op. Skógafoss is much less crowded during the winter time and the cliffs are covered in snow. From the parking lot, you’ll be able to see the falls which are just a short walk away.

The weather in Iceland is quite volatile and can change in a matter of minutes, so be sure to dress warm and be prepared for rain or snow without notice. During the summertime, the waterfall and surrounding cliffs take on a different character and you can often see a rainbow through the great mist produced by the falls. You can get as close to the falls as you want, but be warned that the mist is quite powerful. After you’re done exploring around the waterfall, you can take the set of stairs on the eastern side of the falls which leads you to a viewing deck at the top of the falls. These stairs are also the beginning of the Fimmvörðuháls pass. This trail, which goes between the Mýrdalsjökull and Eyjafjallajökull which leads to Þorsmörk, has upwards of 20 waterfalls along its path. There’s also a rumor that one of the first settlers in Iceland, Þrasi Þórólfsson, hid a treasure chest somewhere behind Skógafoss.