ICELAND - best places to travel in 2026

While every part of my Iceland trip was absolutely magical, some experiences truly left a mark. You know how everyone talks about the waterfalls? They're not wrong! I wanted to give a special shout-out to Skógafoss because it was truly breathtaking and definitely deserves more of the spotlight. So, for anyone planning their own Icelandic adventure, here’s a deeper dive into what made Skógafoss a standout. First off, just getting there is part of the fun. Skógafoss is conveniently located right off the Ring Road, making it an easy stop on any South Coast itinerary. Parking is straightforward, though it can get pretty busy, especially mid-day. My advice? Go early in the morning or later in the evening if you can. Not only will you avoid the biggest crowds, but the light can be absolutely incredible for photos. When you first arrive, the sheer power of Skógafoss is overwhelming. This powerful waterfall cascades down a rocky cliff, dropping 60 meters into a black sand area below. The mist that rises from its base creates a constant, ethereal cloud, and if you’re lucky, you’ll witness a vibrant rainbow arching through the spray – just as I did! It’s truly a sight to behold, and you can get surprisingly close to feel the force of the water and the cool mist on your face. Just be prepared to get a little wet, and make sure your camera is water-resistant or protected! But the experience doesn't end at the base. There’s a staircase on the eastern side of the waterfall that leads up to an observation platform at the very top. The climb is a bit of a workout – over 500 steps – but trust me, the panoramic views from above are absolutely worth every single one. From up there, you get a completely different perspective of the Skógá River as it tumbles over the edge, and the vast, green landscape stretching out towards the ocean. This is also the starting point for the famous Fimmvörðuháls hiking trail, which goes all the way to Thórsmörk. Even if you don’t do the whole hike, walking a little way along the path at the top offers more stunning views of the river and a series of smaller, picturesque waterfalls further upstream. For photography enthusiasts like myself, Skógafoss offers endless opportunities. The contrast of the white water against the dark cliffs and the black sand creates dramatic scenes. Try different angles – from wide shots capturing the full grandeur to close-ups of the water’s texture. And don't forget to look for those rainbows! They’re often most vibrant when the sun is out and shining on the mist. Having a good rain jacket and waterproof hiking boots are absolute essentials here, allowing you to explore comfortably without worrying about getting soaked. Compared to other famous waterfalls like Seljalandsfoss, which you can walk behind, Skógafoss offers a different kind of immersive experience with its sheer power and the option to ascend to the top. It’s not just a quick photo stop; it’s a place where you can truly connect with the raw beauty of Iceland. Make sure to allocate enough time to fully explore both the base and the upper viewpoints. It’s an unforgettable highlight that truly captures the spirit of Iceland’s incredible natural wonders.