- Highlights: Waterfalls!!
- Distance: 4.1 miles out and back
- Elevation Change 1,070 feet
- Trail Surface: Dirt with a few rocks
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
- Trailhead Parking: Skógafoss parking area, Skógar, Southern, Iceland (follow the signs)
- Trail Markings: None, signs at each waterfall
- Website: AllTrails
- Beer Pairings: Lebowski Bar—Viking Gylltur & Úlfur 3 IPA
Trail Map:
The Hike:
This hike on the Fimmvörðuháls Trail may have the highest “number of waterfalls to miles hiked” ratio. We were in Iceland a few years ago and realized we never posted this hike. Better late than never. Starting with the spectacular Skógafoss, it seems like there is another waterfall around every bend in the trail. Skógafoss is the most popular and the closest to the parking area. The trail to the top of the falls requires about 500 steps. The views at the top are worth the climb.
The crowds quickly thin out as you continue along the Fimmvörðuháls trail. Next up is Hestavaðsfoss, about 200 meters above Skógafoss. Speaking Icelandic is a bit of a challenge. In addition to please and thank you, we also learned “foss” is waterfall. Fostorfufoss is up next.
At about 2 miles is Steinbogafoss and we turned around here. Hike as far as you like. The trail gradually ascends to Skálabrekkufoss and then it’s an easy hike back to the parking area. The 500 steps to Skógafoss are the most challenging part of this hike. The views and these amazing waterfalls speak for themselves.
Hike Photos:
Click on an image below for an enlarged view.
Beer Pairing:
We were staying in Reykjavík and the Lebowski Bar was near our hotel. They have great burgers and a decent selection of Icelandic beer. Viking Gylltur (5.6% ABV • 25 IBU) is a decent pilsner. Úlfur number 3 (5.9% ABV) is a west coast, American-style IPA. Either one goes well with a burger. The Dude abides.
Hike and drink responsibly. Never drink and drive. Stay safe, be responsible, and leave no trace.