Dive into the enchantment of Kvernufoss, a hidden gem near Skogafoss. Uncover unique perspectives and unparalleled beauty in this brief yet captivating journey. Your adventure at Kvernufoss starts here—let’s explore together!
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What is Kvernufoss?
Kvernufoss is a hidden gem, a sanctuary tucked away not too far from the famed Skogafoss waterfall. Standing at a modest 30 meters, it unveils itself in the midst of serene surroundings. The short, pleasant hike adds a sense of charm, making it particularly appealing to those who appreciate the serene beauty of solitude.
What sets Kvernufoss apart is its secret allure—a delicate revelation that captivates the heart. Unlike its more renowned counterpart, it doesn’t boast overwhelming grandeur; instead, it enchants with a subtle, yet powerful, beauty. The journey to reach this gem is like unlocking a hidden chapter, reserved for those who yearn for a more intimate connection with nature.
A captivating parallel to the well-known Seljalandsfoss is found at Kvernufoss. Here, a unique feature awaits: the opportunity to walk behind the waterfall. This isn’t just a stroll; it’s a journey into enchantment. As you step behind the cascading water curtain, you enter a surreal realm where nature’s dance becomes immersive. The landscape frames itself in a mesmerizing ballet of elements, transforming your visit into a magical experience unlike any other.
How to get to Kvernufoss?
The waterfall of Kvernufoss is located near the town of Skogar in Southern Iceland, just 1km away from the popular Skogafoss. Kvernufoss is easily accessible from the Ring Road (Route 1). It’s approximately 150 kilometers (93 miles) from Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland.
Below is the exact location of Kvernufoss:
🅿️ Parking at Kvernufoss
The best place to park your car near Kvernufoss is in front of a cafè named Freyacafe, where a wide parking lot is destinated to visitors of the waterfall. This is a paid parking, and it costs 750ISK (€5 EUR) per car.
Parking can be paid via Parka App or on the official website parka.is. The parking fee includes access to the toilet facilities, located inside the Skogar Museum.
Kvernufoss Waterfall: Hike Details
Distance [m]
Duration [min]
Difficulty
Easy
The trail to Kvernufoss begins from the parking lot in front of Freyacafe. From here, you need to follow the trail which passes along the Kverna River.
The hike is relatively short, around 10 minutes, and not too strenuous. In total, you’ll cover about 800 meters (0.5 miles) on mostly flat ground. Enjoy the scenic walk as you make your way to the captivating beauty of Kvernufoss.
However, be prepared for uneven and muddy terrain, so it’s advisable to wear sturdy footwear. Some sections might be slippery on rainy days,
Entrance Fee
There is no entrance fee at Kvernufoss. Visiting the waterfall is completely free!
Parking, however, costs 750 ISK (€5 EUR) per car. As of 2023, there are no cameras checking car entrances.
Best tips for visiting Kvernufoss
You’ll probably spend around 10 to 20 minutes at Kvernufoss, including the time it takes to hike there. It’s a quick stop, so you can fit it into a busy schedule exploring Southern Iceland.
Take advantage of the unique opportunity to walk behind Kvernufoss. This provides a different perspective and a chance to experience the waterfall in a more immersive way.
Follow Leave No Trace principles. Stay on designated trails to preserve the natural beauty of the area, and avoid disturbing the local flora and fauna.
We recommend combining it with a visit to Skogafoss, as both places are very near to each other. Nearby you could also stop by the Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool, or visit the black beaches of Reynisfjara and Víkurfjara near Vik.
Photography tips at Kvernufoss
With its distinctive features, Kvernufoss stands as an ideal haven for photography enthusiasts. To truly encapsulate its beauty, consider embracing a set of essential tips:
Wide-Angle Wonders: Utilize a wide-angle lens to capture the grandeur of Kvernufoss and its surroundings. It’s perfect for encompassing the entire scene in one frame, especially when walking behind the waterfall. All of our photos were taken with a Canon RF 14-35mm lens.
Foreground Elements: Incorporate interesting foreground elements, such as rocks or foliage, to add depth and context to your shots.
Elevate Perspectives: Take advantage of your drone’s unique vantage point to capture Kvernufoss from above. Experiment with different altitudes and angles to showcase the waterfall in ways not possible from the ground.
Seasonal Magic: Embrace the seasons for diverse shots. Capture Kvernufoss amid lush greens in spring, warm autumn tones, and a frozen wonderland in winter. Adapting to each season ensures a dynamic and captivating photographic journey.
Composite Photography: Experiment with composite photography, merging multiple photos to create one final image. This is a process similar to the “panorama” mode on your phone, and it allows to get an even wider field of view.
Best time to visit
BEST TIME OF THE YEAR: The peak of summer (June to August) brings longer daylight hours, creating an enchanting atmosphere around Kvernufoss. The landscapes are adorned with vibrant greens, and the mild temperatures make the outdoor experience inviting. However, be prepared for potential crowds as this is the high tourist season.
For those seeking a quieter escape, spring and fall provide a respite from the summer hustle. During spring (April to May), witness the awakening of flora, while fall (September to October) showcases a tapestry of autumnal hues. The temperatures are pleasant, and you’ll find a more serene environment to enjoy Kvernufoss.
Winter (November to March) offers a tranquil ambiance, with fewer visitors and a unique perspective on the waterfall’s beauty. However, be mindful of colder temperatures, shorter daylight hours, and the potential for icy trail conditions.
BEST TIME OF THE DAY: Choosing the perfect time to visit Kvernufoss isn’t all about catching the sunrise or sunset. Truth be told, when the sun’s hanging low, the canyon might end up in the shadows, and that can take away from its beauty.
On the flip side, here’s the cool part – Kvernufoss doesn’t lose its charm on cloudy or rainy days. It’s that kind of place where the magic sticks around, rain or shine. So, whether the sun’s playing hide-and-seek or the clouds are putting on a show, Kvernufoss is ready to impress whenever you decide to swing by.
What to do nearby
Skogafoss: Visit the iconic Skogafoss waterfall, which is one of the largest and most famous waterfalls in Iceland. It’s a short drive or hike from Kvernufoss.
Skogar Museum: Explore the Skogar Museum, which provides insight into Icelandic cultural history with its collection of turf houses, tools, and artifacts.
Fimmvorduhals Hike: If you’re up for a longer hike, consider the Fimmvorduhals trail, which takes you through diverse landscapes, including waterfalls, glaciers, and volcanic terrain.
Thorsmork Nature Reserve: Explore the stunning Thorsmork Nature Reserve, known for its lush valleys, glaciers, and hiking trails. It’s accessible by bus or super jeep from Skogar.
Eyjafjallajokull Visitor Centre: Learn about the famous Eyjafjallajokull volcano and its 2010 eruption at the visitor center located near the volcano.
Seljalandsfoss: Visit Seljalandsfoss, another impressive waterfall in the area. What makes it unique is the walking path that allows you to go behind the waterfall for a different perspective.
Solheimajokull Glacier: For those interested in glaciers, take a trip to Solheimajokull, an outlet glacier from Myrdalsjokull, where you can join a guided glacier hike or simply enjoy the breathtaking views.
What to pack for Iceland?
Here is a list of essential items you may want to pack on your trip to Iceland!
Must-Have Items
A good rain jacket. You want to have a good rain coat with you when visiting Iceland, as the weather can change unpredictably. There’s plenty of shops in Reykjavik that sell – and even rent – rain jackets for your Iceland vacation.
We would recommend a good one like the Marmot Men’s Minimalist Component Jacket or the Columbia Women’s Pouring Adventure II Jacket. Quality jackets can be a bit pricey, but they’re a worthwhile investment, especially for a trip to Iceland.
Waterproof overpants. It somehow seemed an unnecessary item to bring before reaching iceland, but it turned out to be one of those items we used daily. Bring a pair of those, you won’t regret it. Check out Columbia Men’s Rebel Roamer Rain Pant and Columbia Women’s Storm Surge Pant.
Warm Socks: Packing merino wool socks for Iceland is crucial to keep your feet warm and dry in the diverse and often unpredictable weather conditions. For summer, check out DANISH ENDURANCE Merino Wool Hiking Liner Socks, they are great quality and quite thin. If you’re travelling in the coldest months, consider getting knee-high wool socks.
Warm clothing: Iceland’s weather can be unpredictable. Pack thermal layers, including merino wool for its excellent insulation, insulated gloves (especially for winter), and a good quality winter hat.
Sturdy Footwear: Waterproof and insulated boots or hiking shoes are essential for exploring Iceland’s varied terrain. For top-notch gear, you can’t go wrong with brands like Scarpa, Salomon, and La Sportiva. If you’re looking for something a bit more budget-friendly, Merrell and Altra have got you covered.
Please note: If you’re gearing up for glacier walks or ice caving, make sure to go for rigid boots that can fit crampons. Flexible boots offer greater comfort for hiking, but you might struggle if you need to use ice spikes.
Reusable Water Bottle: Iceland has clean, safe and free drinking water everywhere. Therefore, you don’t need a fancy filtration system like the GRAYL GeoPress 24 oz for Iceland.
Save money and cut down on waste by opting for a reusable water bottle. The ideal solution for Iceland is one that works well for both hot and cold beverages.
Toiletries: Pack travel-sized toiletries, including soap, shampoo, and sunscreen, as these can be expensive in Iceland.
Headlamp/Flashlight: In Iceland’s long winter nights or for exploring caves, for chasing auroras or for walking around your campsite, a reliable light source is crucial. We have this one and simply love it, it’s incredibly cheap, bright plus the battery lasts so long.
Portable Charger: Keep your devices charged during outdoor adventures, especially if you’re planning to camp in Iceland. We recently picked up a fast-charging power bank from INIU that works like a charm. Just be sure to grab one with enough capacity for all your devices.
Additional Items
Swimwear: Don’t forget your swimsuit for relaxing in geothermal pools and hot springs.
Backpack: A sturdy, weather-resistant backpack is useful for carrying your essentials during outdoor excursions. If you plan on doing lots of hiking, we recommend a dedicated backpack. You have countless options on the market, but one like Men’s Osprey Talon 22L or Women’s Osprey Tempest 20L would be perfect.
Camera and Binoculars: Iceland’s landscapes are stunning, so bring a camera and binoculars for wildlife and scenic views.
Local Currency: Have some Icelandic Krona (ISK) on hand for small purchases and in case you visit places that don’t accept cards. We never used cash in Iceland, so it’s not something you must bring around, but in a couple of situations it would have been handful.
Food and Drinks: Due to Iceland’s relatively high prices, especially for alcohol, and limited food options in some areas, consider carrying some essential snacks and beverages.
Hiking Gear: If you plan on hiking, consider bringing trekking poles, a compact first-aid kit, and gaiters.
Wet Wipes: Handy for quick clean-ups, especially when camping or on long road trips. These can easily be bought once you land in Iceland, or packed in your backpack before leaving. Check these flushable ones if you’re looking for some.
Swiss Army Knife or Multi-Tool: Useful for various outdoor tasks, especially when camping or preparing food. Here is a cheap one.
Travel Pillow: For added comfort during long drives, flights or while camping. The provided ones aren’t always the best. Here is a good one.