A Guide to Kvernufoss Waterfall in South Iceland
Kvernufoss Waterfall, often overlooked for its flashier neighbor Skogafoss, is located in South Iceland, and you should put this hidden gem in your itinerary. Where is Kvernufoss Waterfall located, how to get there, and what can you expect to see? All of that and more things you should know before you go are answered in our travel guide.
Are you a waterfall person? Are you looking for more off-the-beaten-path places in Iceland? Then you cannot miss Kvernufoss Waterfall, one of the most striking waterfalls in Iceland.
That you've never heard this name before when searching for the best waterfalls to see in the Land of Ice and Fire?
It is not exactly the fault of Kvernufoss but the otherworldly top attractions around as it is being overshadowed by the famous Skogafoss, a huge waterfall that is easily accessible just across the road.
If you are traveling the southern part of the Ring Road, we think it would be a shame, when visiting Skogafoss, not to include Kvernufoss in your Iceland itinerary as well, especially when it is so close.
What are the features that should persuade you to visit Kvernufoss Waterfall?
One of the perks is the fact that only a handful of people decide to visit it, so there is a chance you'll have it just for yourself as we did.
Also, same as with the over-hyper Seljalandsfoss, it is possible to go behind the waterfall and take some wonderful photos.
What we saw as an advantage was also the short hike we had to take from the parking lot so we could stretch our legs a bit.
One of the things to know about Iceland is that road tripping is one of the best ways to explore places, but we always welcome the possibility to compensate for all the sitting in the car.
In this Kvernufoss travel guide, we would like to share with you photos and our experience of visiting this amazing waterfall.
The post includes tips on how to get to Kvernufoss, where to stay, and what to expect from the Kvernufoss hike.
How to Get to Kvernufoss Waterfall
Getting to this waterfall is very easy as the Kvernufoss parking lot is less than two kilometers away from Skogafoss, which you will most likely visit first.
Car
From Skogafoss, return onto Skogar road, but here turn left (in the opposite direction than Ring Road), and then right to get to Skogar Museum.
If Kvernufoss is the first stop and you will visit it before its more famous brother, it is located just off the Ring Road, so from this road turn onto Skogar road, and then turn right to Skogar Museum (it is signposted).
As you can see, the best way to get to Kvernufoss Waterfall is by rental car or campervan.
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Tours
Many tours do not include Kvernufoss on their itineraries because the South Coast has so many highlights it is not possible to see all the waterfalls in one day.
Yet, we found one company that apparently knows the best waterfalls in the area, and their South Iceland Tour includes the hike to Kvernufoss.
The price might seem high at first, but it is good to know that it is for a group of up to five people, which is ideal for families or friends who travel around Iceland together.
Public Transport
As we've mentioned in our post dedicated to Skogafoss, there is public transport from Reykjavik to Skogar, a settlement near both Skogafoss and Kvernufoss.
The bus stops at Skogar Campsite so in case you travel around Iceland by bus, you have to walk from the campsite to Kvernufoss on foot, which is absolutely doable.
Entrance Fee
We’ve established that Kvernufoss is worth a visit. What is the only downside? Visiting Kvernufoss is not entirely free.
You must pay 500 ISK for the parking in the Skogar Museum (cash or credit card), but we think this small amount is worth it for what you get.
Even for hose who travel in Iceland on a budget.
Kvernufoss Hike
Kvernufoss hike is mostly flat; therefore, it is suitable for everyone. Expect to walk 1.6 kilometers each way, so it should take you fifteen to twenty minutes to get to the waterfall.
We strongly recommend you to get as close to Kvernufoss as you can because the most interesting part is to walk behind it, so do not turn around once you get a glimpse of the cascade.
You can actually see Kvernufoss from the Ring Road, but the angle is not the best, plus it is far less spectacular from a distance.
Trailhead
Park your car next to the museum (this is another thing you can consider doing here), walk to the end of the parking lot, where the trail starts.
You must cross stiles over the fence to get on the official trail.
This indicates that you are on private property, so be respectful and leave no trace behind. The walk itself is not very interesting until you reach the Kverna River.
Trail
Here the trek gets more scenic because of the river and the gorge. You still cannot see the waterfall, but it will not take long.
Once you cross a small hill, Kvernufoss appears in its full glory. Carry on until you reach the base that falls down the gorge from approximately 30 meters.
Walk carefully around until you get behind the waterfall and enjoy the sensational view.
The trail is safe, although it is wet and muddy, so be careful and watch your steps. We visited Kvernufoss in the summer, and the conditions of the trail were fine.
Staying Safe
In case you are in the area in the winter, make sure that walking behind the waterfall is safe.
The path might be more slippery, and ice can fall down the overhang, so pay attention, and if the walk is not doable, enjoy the views from the safety.
For this kind of hike, no matter how short it is, we recommend you wearing hiking boots to minimize the chance of slipping.
Also, wear a rain jacket because of the mist and spray, waterproof dry bag to keep your valuables safe, and tripod and your travel camera.
Kvernufoss Waterfall
Unlike Seljalandsfoss, it is not possible to make a full loop behind Kvernufoss; you can walk, let's say to three quarters, and then you must return the same way back.
You should allocate for visiting Kvernufoss approximately one hour.
It is possible to take a hike to Kvernufoss all year round, but the weather in Iceland, especially outside the summer season, can be icy and windy.
Well, it is windy even in the summer, so dress appropriately, and make sure you follow the official trail to avoid sliding into the river.
There is a constant danger of falling rock when you get too close to the waterfall, so walking behind the waterfall might not be worth the risk.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
Where to Stay
Kvernufoss is located on the Ring Road, and as this particular stretch of the road is very popular because it offers many things to see and do, there are plenty of options on where to stay.
You can decide to sleep right in Skogar and choose the least frequented time to visit both waterfalls.
Other popular places to stay that are within driving distance are Reykjavik, Selfoss, or Vik.
It is recommended to make a reservation well in advance because the southern part of Iceland is heavily trafficked. Here's the list of hotels in each location to make your decision easier.
Skogar | Hótel Skógafoss - Conveniently located hotel only a few hundred meters from Skogafoss offers different types of rooms; some of them even have waterfall views. It is only a short drive from here to get to Kvernufoss.
Selfoss | Selfoss Hostel - Selfoss is a small town that offers plenty of activities, but not that many hotels. Selfoss Hotel is one of the few ones; it is a budget-friendly accommodation that provides travelers with clean facilities and an on-site kitchen.
Reykjavik | Midgardur by Center Hotels - Close to all top attractions, this hotel offers its guests amazing services. Except for comfortable beds and a tasty breakfast, you can relax in an on-site spa.
Vik | Hotel Vík í Mýrdal - Wonderfully decorated hotel close not only to Skogafoss and Kvernufoss but also to the famous Black Sand Beach and cliffs is one of the best places to stay in the south of Iceland.
Skogar Campground
If you travel in a campervan or sleep in a tent, Skogar Campground is the best choice for you nearest to the waterfall.
These types of campsites in Iceland are basically large parking lots, and toilet facilities are used by regular visitors, so do next expect anything special.
Also, don't forget to read our blog post on camping in Iceland before you go.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
