Skogafoss is a waterfall in Iceland which is part of the Golden Circle.  In fact, it’s one of the wonders of Iceland, things to do at Skogafoss Waterfall include;

  • Skogafoss Waterfall viewing and photographing
  • Aerial viewpoint of Skogafoss Waterfall
  • Filming location of Thor – Dark World
  • Crashed DC 3 Plane Wreck

If you wish to sleep where a Thor movie was made then there are a few hotels nearby.

Skogafoss Parking

There is complimentary Skogafoss parking as well as complimentary viewing of the waterfall.  You’ll also find bathrooms and a restaurant, however, the fee to use the bathroom is over $2 which I got a huge thrill out of not paying.

Skogafoss Waterfall

Skogafoss Waterfall, Wonders of Iceland

Skogafoss waterfalls are part of the famous Golden Circle of Iceland.  There are 2 main viewing points of the falls.  Firstly, from the directly in front of it.  Lastly, you can climb up the Skogafoss stairs to the aerial viewpoint.  Where is the best place to photograph the falls from?   I would recommend visiting both viewpoints, however, the lower viewing point is definitely the best.  In addition, it’s much better to photograph the falls at sunset or sunrise for 2 reasons.  There’ll be much more color but more importantly, fewer tourists.  Alternatively, if you’re very lucky you could photograph the falls at night with the Northern Lights in the background.

Skogafoss Waterfall Viewing Platform

Skogafoss Waterfall Viewing Platform - Wonders of Iceland

I have to be honest with you, the view from the upper viewing platform is not so brilliant as you cannot see the falls right to the bottom.  Additionally, the platform is not in a great position for viewing.  In fact, it’s quite small and there are lots of tourists fighting for space.  Having said all this, you can witness a 25 meter wide river dropping 60 meters off a cliff edge which is a sight to behold.  Despite the fact that the waterfall view is not as good as below, I still recommend you climb up.


Skogafoss Stairs

It can be a stress getting up and down the Skogafoss stairs as there are lots of tourists.  It’s a narrow metal staircase which climbs 60 meters.  Unfortunately, a lot of the tourists are quite unfit and will either walk slowly or block the route.  Finally, at the top is a small viewing platform which is quite a distance from the falls.

Skogafoss Panoramic

Skogafoss Waterfall Panoramic, Wonders of Iceland

Do you need another reason to climb those Skogafoss stairs?  Maybe the panoramic sea view will persuade you!  An interesting fact about the cliffs of Skogafoss is that they used to be the cliffs of the former coastline.


DC3 Plane Wreck

DC Plane Wreck - Iceland

A short drive from Skogafoss waterfall is a crashed DC 3 plane.  This plane has become an iconic landmark of Iceland in itself.  As a matter of fact, photographers visit at night to shoot it with the Northern Lights as a backdrop.  The plane is located on a black sand beach called Solheimasandur.  To reach it you must walk 4 km from the route 1 DC 3 Plane parking area.  The plane is actually the United States Navy Super Douglas Super DC-3 airplane and had to crash land on the beach after suffering from severe icing.  Today, it remains abandoned and only the fuselage remains.  This is a top Instagram spot in Iceland and you can climb on as well as inside the plane to pose!

How to get from Skogafoss to Seljalandsfoss

If you’re part of an organised tour, you’ll be taken between Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss.  This is extremely convenient but the negative is that you’ll arrive with several people and leave together with them.  If you travel independently, you can visit long after the tourists have gone home.  As a result, you’ll have much better photos as well as a more peaceful Skogafoss experience.  The drive between Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss takes only 30 minutes on Iceland Route 1, enjoy the scenery!

Seljalandsfoss to Gullfoss