Must-sees and hidden gems: what to see and do in Skógar?
1. Take in the majesty of Skógafoss waterfall
At about 200 feet tall, with a perfectly straight curtain of water, Skógafoss is truly breathtaking. From below, the roar of the falls echoes in your chest, while the mist often forms a rainbow at the foot of the mountain. It’s also a dream spot for photographers, especially at sunrise, when the light dances across the spray. For another perspective, climb the staircase to the top: the view over Iceland’s south coast is spectacular.
2. Hike the Fimmvörðuháls Trail
The Fimmvörðuháls Trail begins right behind Skógafoss waterfall. This 16-mile trek leads to Þórsmörk, in the heart of the Highlands, passing between two glaciers along the way. Expect a dramatic sequence of 26 waterfalls, frozen lava flows, jagged ridges, and valleys of black ash. Some hikers complete it in a day, while others prefer to take their time over two days, with a night in a mountain hut. An unforgettable hike for anyone who loves raw, untamed landscapes.
3. Explore the Skógar Museum
A fascinating dose of Icelandic culture you won’t want to miss. The Skógar Museum offers a vivid look at everyday life in Iceland in centuries past. Discover reconstructed farmhouses with turf roofs, traditional objects, fishing boats, and even an old schoolhouse. The carefully furnished interiors tell the story of Icelandic families whose lives were both harsh and remarkably resourceful. Next door, the Museum of Transport and Technology rounds out the visit with vintage vehicles and old radios.
4. Be amazed by Kvernufoss waterfall
Less famous than its neighbor Skógafoss, Kvernufoss is a true hidden gem. Just a 15-minute walk from the museum, a small canyon leads to this waterfall tucked into mossy cliffs. The experience feels almost private: it’s not unusual to have the place to yourself. Even better, you can walk behind the waterfall, feel the water vibrating around you, and enjoy a suspended moment between gusts of wind and cool spray.
5. Sleep at the foot of the waterfall
Spending the night just steps from Skógafoss means falling asleep to the steady sound of the falls, like a distant drum. Several guesthouses and environmentally responsible hotels line the river, with direct views of this powerful cascade. In winter, you might even watch the northern lights in complete comfort from a private hot tub. In summer, the long twilight can bathe your dinner in a golden glow. A poetic night where nature and comfort meet beautifully.
6. Try the fish and chips at Mia's Country Grill (Sveitagrill Miu)
Not far from the waterfall, tucked inside a red wooden food truck, Mia serves truly legendary fish and chips and their reputation is well deserved. You’ll also find warm bread, homemade pastries, and steaming hot chocolate for rainy days. The welcome is warm, sometimes with a little Icelandic guitar music in the background.
7. Go in search of Viking legends
According to legend, a chest filled with gold is hidden behind Skógafoss, left there by Þrasi Þórólfsson, a Viking chieftain. It’s said that a young boy once found one of the chest’s rings and that it now decorates one of the doors at the Skógar Museum. Every stone here seems to have its own story. Local guides, true Nordic storytellers, know how to bring these tales to life, weaving together folklore, magic, and ancient traditions.
8. Watch puffins at Dyrhólaey, just a short drive away
Just 20 minutes by car from Skógar, the Dyrhólaey peninsula is a perfect place to see Atlantic puffins between May and August. These small birds with colorful beaks nest along the cliffs, completely unfazed by the wind sweeping across the headland. From above, the view over Reynisfjara’s black-sand beaches is mesmerizing. Here, facing the endless ocean, you can feel the pulse of wild Iceland.
9. Photograph Skógafoss under the stars
When night falls, Skógafoss changes completely. The waterfall seems to slip silently into the darkness, and on clear nights, the sky fills with stars. In winter, the area becomes a perfect stage for the northern lights. With so little light pollution, it’s a favorite spot for night landscape photographers. Set up your tripod, adjust your long exposure, and wait. Sometimes a fluorescent green glow appears, ribbons of light begin to swirl, and the silence of Skógafoss surrounds you.
Make Skógar a stop on your tailor-made trip to Iceland
With Evaneos, you’ll plan your trip to Iceland hand in hand with a local, English-speaking travel expert based in the country. They know every corner of Iceland, from its most spectacular sights to its quietest hidden paths, and can help you get far from the crowds.
Want to include a stop in Skógar, between majestic waterfalls and green mountains? Your expert will create a tailor-made itinerary shaped around your pace and interests. With their guidance, every stop has meaning, and your trip becomes a true immersion in the heart of Iceland.
