Skutafoss is a waterfall in South Iceland, in the municipality of Hornafjörður, close to the main road. It is really three falls on one stream: a small spillway at the car park, a larger fall a few metres beyond it, and a third further on that is reached on foot. At the larger fall the path continues in behind the water. Compared with the well-known waterfalls of the south coast it stays quiet, and it works as a stop rather than a destination.
Skutafoss Waterfall
Local name: Skútafoss
At the middle fall the path carries on in behind the falling water.
- Entrance
- Free
- Accessibility
- Not wheelchair accessible: neither the car park nor the approach to the falls is adapted.
- Parking
- Free car park beside the first fall.
- Difficulty
- Easy to the first two falls. The route to the third is rougher underfoot.
- Transport
- Self-drive off the Ring Road near Höfn
- Hours
- Open 24 hours.
- Address
- Þjóðvegur (Route 1) near Höfn, 781 Iceland
What makes it special
Three waterfalls follow one another on the same stream. The first is a small spillway a few metres from the car park. The second is larger and stands a few metres beyond it, easy to reach. At that one the path carries on in behind the falling water. The third is further on, over rougher ground, and it is easy to stop short and never see it. The main road runs close by, but from the falls you can barely hear it. In winter the water freezes and the wind is strong.
Good to know
- No toilets. There are none at the car park and none at the falls.
- Three falls, not one. A spillway by the car park, a larger fall a few metres beyond it, and a third past that.
- Do not stop at the second. The third lies further on and takes the longest walk of the three, over rougher ground.
- Winter. The falls freeze and the wind is strong here. Dress for standing about in the cold.
Getting there
Skutafoss sits just off the main road, and the car park is beside the first fall. The larger fall is a few metres on and easy to reach. The third takes 10 to 15 minutes on foot, and the ground is rougher than on the first stretch.
Best time to visit
Better: early in the day, when there is a real chance of having the falls to yourself.
Avoid: windy winter days if the third fall is the point of the trip.
Skutafoss draws less traffic than the well-known waterfalls of the south coast, so quiet hours are easy to find. In winter the falls freeze, which is worth seeing on its own, but the last stretch is harder going.
Sun & daylight
Nearby Places
Similar Places
Skutafoss Waterfall on the map
The riverside path to the cave is uneven and can be very windy, and the rocks freeze slippery in winter — wear sturdy footwear, watch your footing near the water, and take care on the last rough stretch.
Get directions
Your whole travel map in one place
Get inspired by new places around the world and find the ones worth the journey
Frequently asked questions
How many waterfalls are there at Skutafoss?
Three, on the same stream. A small spillway stands by the car park, a larger fall a few metres beyond it, and a third past that.Can you walk behind the water?
Yes. At the larger fall the path continues in behind the flow.Does it suit children?
The first two falls are a few metres from the car park and easy to reach. The walk to the third is rougher and suits steady feet.What is Skutafoss like in winter?
The falls freeze. The wind is strong, and the ground on the way to the third fall is harder going.