Skalabrekkufoss is a waterfall in South Iceland. The main fall is a short walk in and easy to reach, and it is where most visitors stop. A long stairway climbs beside it to a viewing platform at the top. From there a trail follows the gorge upstream past at least three more waterfalls and carries on to an old bridge. The same trail links the fall with the top of Skogafoss, about 5 miles (8 km) there and back.
Skalabrekkufoss Waterfall
Local name: Skálabrekkufoss
At least three more waterfalls stand within a 20-minute walk up the gorge above the main fall.
- Entrance
- Free entry.
- Accessibility
- The entrance is not wheelchair accessible.
- Parking
- Two car parks about 2.3 km and 2.5 km from the waterfall; the asphalt one at 2.5 km charges a fee.
- Difficulty
- Easy. The main fall is a short walk from the car park; a long stairway then climbs to the viewing platform, and the gorge trail above it is easy going. Good footwear and warm clothing needed.
- Transport
- Nearest bus stop about 2.7 km away; the rest of the way is on foot.
- Hours
- Open 24 hours, every day.
- Address
- 861 Eyvindarhólar (Skógar area), Iceland
What makes it special
The main fall is a short walk in and easy to reach, and most visitors stop there. The climb changes that. A long stairway leads to a viewing platform at the top, and from the platform a trail follows the gorge upstream. At least three more waterfalls stand within a 20-minute walk, and the path carries on past others to an old bridge. Approached from the other end, from the top of Skogafoss, the walk is about 5 miles (8 km) there and back. It stays far quieter than Skogafoss throughout.
Good to know
- Footwear and layers: the trail above the fall is easy going, but good boots and warm clothing are needed.
- Stairs to the platform: a long flight of steps climbs from the main fall to the viewing platform above it.
- Allow time: the gorge trail runs well beyond the first upstream falls, as far as an old bridge.
- Children: the site is suitable for children.
Getting there
The main fall is reached on foot. The nearest car parks lie about 2.3 km and 2.5 km away, and the last stretch is walked. From the foot of the fall a long stairway climbs to a viewing platform at the top, where the trail up the gorge begins. The waterfall can also be walked to from the top of Skogafoss, about 5 miles (8 km) there and back, passing several other waterfalls on the way.
Best time to visit
Best: a sunny afternoon.
Avoid: a late start, if you mean to follow the gorge trail as far as the old bridge.
Sun in the afternoon can put a rainbow in the spray of the main fall. The upstream trail takes longer than it looks, and walkers who set off late turn back before the bridge.
Sun & daylight
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Frequently asked questions
How far is it to the waterfalls above the main fall?
At least three more waterfalls lie within a 20-minute walk of the viewing platform at the top. The trail carries on past further falls to an old bridge.Is the walk difficult?
The main fall is easily reached. Above it a long stairway leads to the viewing platform, and the gorge trail beyond is easy going. Good footwear and warm clothing are needed.Can it be combined with a visit to Skogafoss?
Yes. From the top of Skogafoss the round trip is about 5 miles (8 km), with several waterfalls along the way.Is it crowded?
No. It draws far fewer people than Skogafoss.