The ultimate 'Hidden Gem' on the South Coast, just steps away from Skógafoss. A 30m waterfall in a mossy, Jurassic-like gorge that you can walk behind.
Story & Legend
Often missed by the tour buses at the nearby Skógar Museum, this fairy-tale canyon offers the 'Seljalandsfoss experience' (walking behind the falls) but in peace and quiet. While thousands of tourists flock to Skógafoss just around the corner, Kvernufoss remains a quiet sanctuary. It is hidden in a gorge behind the Skógar Museum. The canyon, Kvernugil, was once used to hide livestock during rough weather.
Geology & Science
The waterfall drops 30 meters into a small river. The gorge is composed of palagonite tuff and lava layers. The acoustics in the canyon are unique, amplifying the sound of the falling water as you approach. The mist creates a constant verdant green environment for moss and ferns.
Safety
The path is narrow and can be muddy. To walk behind the waterfall, you must scramble over wet, slippery rocks. In winter, huge icicles hang from the overhang – do not walk behind it if there is ice overhead. It is on private museum land; please pay for parking.
Photo Tip
The view from behind the waterfall looking out towards the gorge is magical. The silhouette of the canyon walls frames the sky perfectly. You will need a wide-angle lens (16mm). Use a person in the frame to show scale, as the gorge feels intimate but is actually quite large.
Insider Tip
Most tourists stop at Skógafoss and leave. Park at the Skógar Museum (just 1 minute away) and walk behind the museum buildings to find the stile crossing the fence into the Kvernufoss gorge.
Best Time to Visit
Any time of day. Because it is largely hidden and requires a short hike, it rarely gets the massive tour bus crowds of its famous neighbor.
What to Bring
Full rain gear (jacket and pants). Just like Seljalandsfoss, the path takes you directly behind the falling water, and the spray is intense.
