Skogar

Travel Guide

Skogafoss which includes a waterfall and a river or creek
Skogafoss showing a cascade and a gorge or canyon as well as an individual male
Skogafoss featuring a waterfall and a gorge or canyon
Skogafoss featuring a cascade
Skogafoss featuring a waterfall as well as a small group of people
Look for rainbows in the rushing cascade, trek across a glacier and learn about Icelandic traditions around this town.

Home to one of the country’s most important waterfalls, Skogar is a small town with a population of about two dozen people. Visit its open-air folk museum, quaint houses and ocean cliffs that have receded several miles inland.

Gaze up at the humbling waterfall of SkogafossOpens in a new window that drops vertically from cliffs that once loomed over the Atlantic Ocean. The land has since been reclaimed, so the cascade of water hits the ground, with its spray generating single and double rainbows. Ascend the steps to the right of the waterfall’s base leading to its summit.

A 5-minute walk southeast from the waterfall leads to Skogar Museum, an open-air exhibit showcasing traditional Icelandic homes. Note how the roofs of its buildings blend in with the grass of the surrounding hills. Explore the replicas of houses, a church and shops from the early 20th century.

The museum holds about 15,000 handicrafts and other items that play an important role in Icelandic culture. Peruse the collection of communication devices used in the country.

Travel north of town to see the looming presence of the glacier Eyjafjallajökull that sits atop a volcano at a height of 5,417 feet (1,651 meters). It last erupted in 2010, causing disruption to air travel around Europe. A visitor center explaining the causes and effects of the recent eruption is a few miles west of Skogar.

Join a tour during which operators will help you to make a safe, gentle walk on ice at the glacier of Solheimajokull. Take photos of the rocky formations seemingly trapped in the ice. Learn from the guides about the formation and nature of the glacier.

The town’s name translates to “Forests,” in reference to the dense woodland on the surrounding hills. Hike along paths among trees and enjoy a picnic with your family in the picturesque region.

In southern Iceland, Skogar is a 2-hour drive southeast from ReykjavikOpens in a new window, which holds the nation’s main airport. Skogar is a charming hamlet blending traditional Icelandic culture with the country’s impressive natural behemoths.

Hotel Skógafoss by EJ Hotels

Hotel Skógafoss by EJ Hotels

3 out of 5
Skogar, Rangárþing eystra
The price is ¥51,601 per night from Jul 21 to Jul 22
¥51,601
¥58,242 total
Jul 21 - Jul 22
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Rangárþing eystra. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (615 reviews)
"I gave this just “okay” because even though it is a lovely hotel with great staff and service, for $500 plus at night I think it should have a hot tub. Just saying."

Reviewed on Jul 11, 2025

Hotel Skógafoss by EJ Hotels
Hotel Skógá by EJ Hotels

Hotel Skógá by EJ Hotels

3.5 out of 5
Skógarfoss, Rangárþing eystra, South Iceland
The price is ¥56,029 per night from Aug 18 to Aug 19
¥56,029
¥63,161 total
Aug 18 - Aug 19
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Rangárþing eystra. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (297 reviews)
"Location was great. No full time staff. Basic accommodations. Very pricy."

Reviewed on Jul 17, 2025

Hotel Skógá by EJ Hotels
Skogar Hostel

Skogar Hostel

1 out of 5
SVistavegur 1-3, Rangárþing eystra, Rangarthing Eystra
The price is ¥36,381 per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
¥36,381
¥41,348 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hostel in Rangárþing eystra. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Skogafoss and Skógar Museum are located ...
7.8/10 Good! (62 reviews)
"Better than expected actually. Big kitchen. A washing machine would make the stay even better"

Reviewed on Jul 10, 2025

Skogar Hostel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Vík Apartments

Vík Apartments

3.5 out of 5
Sléttuvegur 4-8, Vik I Myrdal, South Iceland
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Vik I Myrdal. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (575 reviews)
"Stayed at the studio unit, design was well thought out, good amenities"

Reviewed on Jul 11, 2025

Vík Apartments
Black Beach Suites

Black Beach Suites

3 out of 5
Vik I Myrdal, Vik I Myrdal, South Iceland
Stay at this 3-star beach aparthotel in Vik I Myrdal. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,174 reviews)
"I loved everything about this place. Not only do I want to come back to Iceland, but I want to specifically come back and stay at this place for a longer stay."

Reviewed on Jul 15, 2025

Black Beach Suites
Starlight Camping Pods

Starlight Camping Pods

2.5 out of 5
South Lambafell, Rangárþing eystra, Rangárþing eystra
Stay at this cabin in Rangárþing eystra. Enjoy free parking, daily housekeeping, and a garden. Popular attractions Skogafoss and Rutshellir Caves are located ...
4.8/10 (13 reviews)
"Easy comfortable"

Reviewed on May 20, 2025

Starlight Camping Pods
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Skogar

4.5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
12
5 - Excellent 55%
4 - Good
9
4 - Good 41%
3 - Okay
1
3 - Okay 5%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Will be coming back!!

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Would opt for Vik next time

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

The hotel, Bistro, and museum staff were very friendly and helpful. It was a pleasure to stay here.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Hiked back 6 miles from the top of the waterfall one day. Every time we went over a hill and saw a wonderful site I never thought it could get any better, but it always did. There were so many beautiful waterfalls, canyons, and views.

5/5 - Excellent

Jeff

Beautiful and quiet place with a central location for visiting all of southern Iceland!

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