I had many questions about the Extreme Iceland Two-Day Tour that I booked for June 2017. I wanted to know what to pack, what to wear, food choices, Internet service and more. Here I will share my experiences about the trip so that you will know what to expect if you go. Click here for all posts about Extreme Iceland.
As magnificent as Seljalandsfoss Waterfall was, and it was very, it was only an appetizer for what was to come on Extreme Iceland’s Two Day Tour in June 2017. Next up on our tour was Skogafoss Waterfall, one of the five largest waterfalls in all of Iceland. While Seljalandsfoss is known for the pathway behind the falls, Skogafoss is known for the pathway to the top. Aron (our tour guide) said it was 377 steps to the top and would take about eight minutes. He also said we only had thirty minutes at this waterfall, so we bounded out of the minibus and off we went.
Even from the highway, Skogafoss Waterfall is a sight to behold.
The waterfall is located in the idyllic Icelandic town of Skogar.
About half way up I started to feel the burn. Taking a quick breather I looked back onto an incredible green pastoral valley. Soon I was at the top, a little winded but awestruck at the power of this waterfall.
There is a viewing platform with a metal grate for a floor.
I had read that rainbows are often seen at the waterfall due to the large amount of mist, and sure enough there was a rainbow on my visit!
Behind the waterfall is one of Iceland’s most popular trails – the Fimmvörðuháls Hike. But there was no time for that on this visit, time was running out and I still wanted to see the falls from the bottom.
At the bottom of Skogafoss Waterfall you will find the perfect backdrop for your next Instagram post. You can walk right up to the falls, but be prepared to get wet if you get close.
According to legend, the first Viking settler in the area, Þrasi Þórólfsson, hid a treasure chest in a cave behind the waterfall. Some time later, as the legend continues, locals found the chest and tried to pull it out by a ring on the side of the chest. But the ring came off and the chest disappeared again. The alleged ring was given to the local church and is now on display at the Skogar Museum.
