Skogafoss Waterfall in Winter: Our Top Tips for Visiting
Planning on visiting Skogafoss waterfall in winter? After visiting the waterfall several times in the winter months, here are all of our top tips.
When it comes to waterfalls in Iceland, Skogafoss is easily one of the most popular. This was the first waterfall we ever visited in Iceland. We’ve visited several times since and the beauty of it never fails to amaze us.
But, when it comes to visiting in winter, there are several things you should know in terms of getting to the waterfall and exploring the area.
Here’s the ultimate guide if you plan to visit Skogafoss in winter.
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❤️ If you want to visit via a day-tour, this is the tour we recommend!
Where is Skogafoss Waterfall?
Skogafoss waterfall is located along the South Coast, between Reykjavik and Vik. It sits along the Skógá River, which originates from the Eyjafjallajökull glacier.
Skogafoss is one of the largest and most famous waterfalls in south Iceland and is visited by hundreds of people every day. It’s 60 metres (197 feet) tall and plunges over a rocky cliff. It’s also one of the best things to do in south Iceland.
The waterfall is approximately a 2-hour drive from Reykjavik. It’s a very popular stop on a south Iceland itinerary along the famous Ring Road.
How To Get to Skogafoss Waterfall in Winter
Driving in Iceland in winter can be much more of a challenge than driving in the summer months. As such, getting to Skogafoss can be slightly more problematic.
If you’re basing yourself in Reykjavik or aren’t the most confident driver, then the easiest way to visit the waterfall would be via a guided tour. If you’re spending 3 days in Reykjavik or less, we highly recommend doing a day tour here.
Pretty much any south-coast Iceland day trip will include a stop at Skogafoss, and this is a great way to see the falls without navigating the potentially treacherous road conditions.
If you’re a more confident driver or are staying along the south coast, then the best way to reach the falls is by hiring a car. The main road is usually kept in very good condition, although freak winter weather can certainly change this.
One of the best ways to judge driving conditions in Iceland is by using the website safe.is which has a detailed map of all roads in Iceland and their current condition. It was a lifesaver when we drove around Iceland in March.
🚗 We only ever use this car hire company as they have a great range of cars and always have the best prices.
Climbing To The Top of Skogafoss
There are two ways to view Skogafoss: from the base of the waterfall and from the top. To get to the top of Skogafoss, you have to climb a rickety metal staircase up the cliffside next to the falls.
There are 527 steps in total, so it’s not the easiest on your legs. But once you’re on the viewing platform, you get great views over the top of the waterfall and the surrounding countryside.
Furthermore, if you’re visiting Iceland in the summer months, then this is the start of the gorgeous Waterfall Way hike. Here, you’ll get to see no less than 26 waterfalls along the Skogar River and see even more beautiful scenery along the way.
However, I only recommend doing this hike in the summer when there’s no snow on the trail.
If you’re not doing the hike, I still think it’s worth climbing to the top of Skogafoss for the views of the surroundings. But, in all honesty, the best views of the waterfall itself are from the bottom.
What to Expect When Visiting Skogafoss in Winter
In my opinion, winter is a great month for visiting Skogafoss as the waterfall is beautiful in winter. Here’s what to expect when visiting;
Fewer crowds
Being the most popular waterfall in Iceland, Skogafoss can get incredibly busy. In winter, it will likely still be busy, but nowhere near as crowded as the summer months. As such, you can often get pretty good photos without having to get to the falls at the crack of dawn!
Dramatic weather
Icelandic weather is quick-changing. In the winter months, it can be even more fickle, and you can have blue skies one minute and pouring rain the next!
If you’re visiting Skogafoss in winter, you will definitely need to pack waterproof clothing. The weather can change at the drop of a hat, and you don’t want to be caught short when the heavens open!
Ice and snow
As well as potential rain, Skogafoss is cold at this time of year.
The winter months can bring temperatures as low as -15°C, and a lot of the time you’ll be lucky if they rise above freezing.
The cliffs around the waterfall will likely be covered in snow from late January onwards, and while the waterfall itself won’t freeze, the surrounding area can get very icy.
When we visited in March, we had to be very careful while walking around the waterfall as the floor was super slippery. I was very grateful to have bought my snow boots!
As well as that, even when it’s not raining, the spray of the waterfall can be just as chilly as if it were!
Limited daylight
During our first time in Iceland, we visited in mid-December. There were literally 4 hours of daylight when we first saw Skogafoss.
We’ve also visited Iceland in January, and it was a similar situation, although the daylight steadily increased as the month went on.
We managed to see it in the daylight, but you’ll only have a slim window to visit the falls until February, when the daylight starts becoming a little more normal again.
👉Check out our full guide to the best time to visit Iceland for all our tips.
How to Avoid the Crowds at Skogafoss
Despite the winter months being much less crowded, you might still have to battle through throngs of people when you visit Skogafoss.
As I mentioned, it’s a very popular spot and most people will have this majestic waterfall on their Iceland bucket list.
If you want to guarantee fewer crowds, the best idea would be to arrive at the waterfall early in the morning.
If you’re visiting between November and the end of February, this will be quite tricky as the sun doesn’t rise before 9 am, so, you’ll be visiting in the dark, which won’t be the best experience.
During this time of year, there’s not a huge amount you can do to compete with the crowds except get there as soon as the sun does rise and hope that it’s not too busy!
However, the sun doesn’t rise until 9 am until the end of October, and in March, the sun starts to rise at 8:30 am and steadily gets later and later as the days go on. Arriving when the sun comes up is a great way to beat the crowds here.
Plus, you’ll also be treated to that glorious golden hour that’s so great for photography.
Practical Tips for Visiting in Winter
Here are a few of our top tips for visiting this wonderful waterfall in winter:
- Check Weather Conditions: Before you even arrive at Skogafoss, check what the weather is going to be doing that day. I recommend using the Vedur app which is one of the best apps for checking the forecast in Iceland. Iceland’s weather can be unpredictable, so be prepared for changes and plan accordingly.
- Dress Warmly: You’ll need to dress in layers if you’re visiting in the winter months. Layer up with thermal clothing, waterproof outer layers, gloves, hats, and sturdy waterproof boots with good traction. Check out our suggested packing list here.
- Drive Safely: If you’re driving to Skogafoss, the roads can be very icy. All hire cars in Iceland will come with winter tyres as a requirement anyway, but, if you want any extra grip, you might want to consider renting a 4WD vehicle for better traction and stability. This is especially true if you plan to explore further in Iceland.
- Stay on Designated Paths: There are several safety barriers at Skogafoss, particularly when you climb to the top of the waterfall. Remember to always stick to these and don’t stray from the paths. They’re often in place to protect the wildlife around the falls as well as prevent people from having accidents in slippery conditions.
- Respect Nature: Practice leave no trace by disposing of any rubbish you bring with you properly and respecting wildlife and vegetation. There are bins in the car park at Skogafoss, but if you can’t find a bin or they are full, take all rubbish away with you.
- Plan for Limited Daylight: Daylight is limited in Iceland in winter. As such, you might need to consider starting your visit as early as the sun allows you to maximise your time at Skogafoss.
Where to Stay Near Skogafoss
If you want to spend more time at Skogafoss or along the south coast in general, there are plenty of great places you can stay near the waterfall. Here are a few of my top picks:
LUXURY ADVENTURE HOTEL
With a private black sand beach and huge rooms, this hotel is just a 15-minute drive from Skogafoss.
AFFORDABLE LUXURY HOTEL
This hotel has spacious rooms, an on-site restaurant, and is walking distance from the waterfall.
BUDGET-FRIENDLY HOTEL
For an affordable stay within easy reach of Skogafoss, this hotel is perfect. It’s located just 4km from the waterfall.
👉 For more of our top recommendations, check out our favourite places to stay in south Iceland.
FAQ
Still have questions about visiting Skógafoss waterfall in winter? Here are a few of the most frequently asked questions.
Does Skogafoss freeze in winter?
No. Because of the volume of water and the power of the falls, Skogafoss never completely freezes in winter. However, the path leading up to the waterfall and the area around the bottom of the falls will freeze and can get very icy and slippery.
Can you climb to the top of Skogafoss in winter?
Yes, you can still climb to the top of Skogafoss in winter. However, you need to be extra careful. The metal staircase can also get quite slippery in the winter months, and it’s also pretty wobbly.
If it’s especially slippery, I recommend wearing crampons if you want to climb to the top of the falls.
How much time do you need to visit Skogafoss?
I suggest allowing around 30 minutes to visit Skogafoss if you only wish to see the bottom of the falls. You may want to allow an hour if you plan to climb to the top as well.
What facilities are there at Skogafoss?
The car park at Skogafoss is free and there are toilets in the car park. You can find the exact location here.
Is Skogafoss on the Golden Circle?
No, Skogafoss is not on the Golden Circle route. It’s along the south coast, however, both are easily accessible on a road trip around Iceland.
Can you walk behind Skogafoss?
No, if you want to visit a waterfall that you can walk behind in Iceland, I recommend Seljalandsfoss and Kvernufoss which are also both along the south coast.
Is it Worth Visiting Skogafoss Waterfall in Winter?
Yes, it’s 100% worth visiting Skogafoss in the winter.
The waterfall is stunning, and it’s one of the best places to visit in Iceland for a reason. We’ve visited the waterfall twice during our adventures in Iceland; once in December and again in March. We loved it on both occasions.
If you’re planning to explore southern Iceland, you truly can’t miss this gem. Just be sure to bear these top tips in mind, and I’m confident that you’ll have the best time.
👉 Planning on visiting the south of Iceland? Check out the best hotels on the south coast!
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