Iceland's often-overlooked Kvernufoss Kvernufoss is actually right near Skógafoss, and the path to the waterfall isn't long or hard to walk. Since basically everyone who goes to Iceland ends up at Skógafoss, I find it kind of unbelievable that Kvernufoss gets so much less attention. Skógafoss is much bigger in scale, but Kvernufoss is completely its own style — I think this kind of beautiful canyon is unique even across the whole ring road trip. You can park at the nearby Skógar Museum, the ticket includes parking. Turf houses are a distinctive Icelandic thing, but other than that there wasn't much interesting inside the museum. Skógafoss is a must-visit for most tourists, but not far from it, there's a small hidden waterfall — Kvernufoss. While looking for it, I walked along the canyon, the walls on both sides slowly closing in, until the waterfall appeared right in front of me! Keep following the path further in, and you can walk to behind the waterfall — looking out from there, it feels like a whole different world! Here's the practical info: Navigate to "Kvernufoss parking lot," costs 750 krona/car (you can pay right before leaving, scan and pay through the app). From the parking lot it's only a 10 min walk to reach the waterfall, the route is very simple! Kvernufoss: located east of Skógafoss, hike in from behind the Skógar Museum, about 15–20 minutes walking and you'll see it — a white ribbon hanging straight down the mountain, spray flying everywhere, tucked away in a groove in the canyon! Very few tourists, and you can also walk to behind the waterfall — happened to see a couple having a small wedding there. Kvernufoss: a picture-perfect fairyland. Follow the winding stream all the way, the waterfall is at the end; the stream, the valley, scattered rocks and driftwood, and a rainbow passing through — every step really is a new view, good for photos both up close and far away; this is also a waterfall you can walk through to the back of.
Kvernufoss
Waterfall height
Plan your visit to Kvernufoss
Please verify on the official website before you go
Why is Kvernufoss famous?
Kvernufoss is beloved as Skógafoss's 'hidden sister' — a quieter, less-crowded alternative where visitors can walk behind the 30-meter cascade in a narrow gorge. Its secluded location and intimate scale make it a favorite for photographers seeking Iceland's waterfall magic without the tour-bus crowds.
Can you swim at Kvernufoss?
No — the pool at the base is shallow and cold; swimming is not practical or encouraged. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Are dogs allowed at Kvernufoss?
Dogs allowed on-leash on trails in the area. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Is Kvernufoss free? Do you need a permit?
Free — no entry fee or permit required to visit Kvernufoss. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Is there parking at Kvernufoss?
Free parking available at a small gravel lot near the Skógar campsite, east of the main Skógafoss car park. The walk to the waterfall is about 10-15 minutes from the parking area. Please verify on the official website before you go.
How long is the hike to Kvernufoss?
About 1.5 km / 0.9 mi return from the parking area near Skógar campsite, taking roughly 20-30 minutes round trip. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Kvernufoss hike difficulty
Easy — mostly flat trail along a farm track, with minimal elevation gain and well-maintained path. Please verify on the official website before you go.
When is the best time to visit Kvernufoss?
May to September for the best weather and accessibility; waterfall flows year-round, but winter can bring ice and difficult trail conditions. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Route and trail notes for Kvernufoss
From the small parking area near Skógar campsite (east of the main Skógafoss lot), follow the marked trail eastward along a dirt farm track. The path passes through a gate and continues beside fields. After about 700-800 meters you'll reach the narrow gorge where Kvernufoss drops. You can walk right up to the base and even go behind the waterfall curtain through the cave-like space.
Kvernufoss official website
Attractions near Kvernufoss
- •Skógafoss — massive 60m waterfall just 10 minutes' walk away, one of Iceland's most famous falls
- •Skógar Folk Museum — open-air museum showcasing Icelandic heritage and turf houses
- •Fimmvörðuháls hiking trail — dramatic multi-day trek between glaciers to Þórsmörk
- •Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck — famous DC-3 crash site on black sand beach, 20 min drive
- •Seljalandsfoss — waterfall you can walk behind, about 30 km west
Safety information
Waterfalls can be unforgiving. Read these before you go — and please, use your judgement on the day.
Full safety guide →Questions & answers
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