Kvernufoss waterfall

About Kvernufoss

Kvernufoss sits in a narrow, green gorge just east of Skógafoss, and because it is a short walk off the road it stays much quieter than its famous neighbour. The Kverná river drops 30 to 40 metres over a basalt ledge into a canyon lined with moss and low cliffs, and a path leads around the side and behind the curtain of water into a shallow cave.

The setting feels more hidden than most South Coast stops, even though it sits close to the Ring Road. Bring a change of clothes if you plan to go behind the falls, since the spray reaches the path in most wind directions, and take care on the rocks, which are often wet and slippery.

You hear the waterfall before you see it. The path turns into the Kvernugil gorge and the falls appear at the far end, dropping into a small pool between green cliffs. In summer the slopes are thick with moss and grass and birds nest on the ledges.

The name is usually translated as "mill waterfall"; kvern is the Icelandic word for a quern, a hand mill for grinding grain. Kvernufoss gets far fewer visitors than Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, even though you can walk behind it in the same way as at Seljalandsfoss.

Quick facts

How to get to Kvernufoss

There is no direct road to Kvernufoss. The walk follows a farm track and then a dirt path along the river, with a couple of stream crossings on stepping stones, so waterproof shoes help.

Getting to Kvernufoss: the walk step by step

The trail is about 1.5 km there and back and nearly flat. Allow 15–20 minutes each way and about an hour in total with time at the falls. It suits families and casual walkers.

In winter the stretch behind the falls is often coated in ice. If so, stop at the viewpoint in front and enjoy it from there.

Photographing Kvernufoss

Kvernufoss gives you more angles than most waterfalls its size: from the mouth of the gorge with the river in front, from the pool at the base, and from behind the water looking back down the valley.

Early morning and evening give the warmest light and the fewest people. On sunny days the spray often makes a rainbow in front of the falls. Bring a cloth for your lens and something waterproof for your camera or phone if you go behind the water, because everything gets wet.

Best time to visit Kvernufoss

Safety and practical tips

• Wear waterproof shoes; the last stretch of path is wet and can be muddy.
• Bring a dry layer if you plan to walk behind the falls, since the spray is cold.
• The path has no railings, so keep children close near the edges.
• Combine it with Skógafoss and the Skógar Museum, which are only a few minutes away.
• In winter, ice spikes make the path much safer.
• Go early or late in the day for softer light and a good chance of having the gorge to yourself.

Facilities and accessibility

There are no facilities at Kvernufoss itself. The Skógar Museum car park has toilets and a café nearby, and the Skógafoss visitor area has more options a short walk away.

On the map

Nearby places worth a stop

SkógafossIceland's most visited waterfall · about 2 kmSeljalandsfossAnother waterfall you can walk behindGljúfrabúiA hidden waterfall in a narrow canyonSólheimajökullAn outlet glacier with guided ice walksReynisfjaraBlack sand beach near VíkSkógar and the Skógar MuseumFolk museum with turf houses, where the walk startsSeljavallalaugOld swimming pool in a mountain valleyDyrhólaeyHeadland with a rock arch and puffins in summerVík í MýrdalVillage by the black beach and the Reynisdrangar sea stacks

Where to stay near Kvernufoss

Skógar and the villages further along the coast towards Vík have hotels and guesthouses within easy reach of Kvernufoss, making it a natural stop on a South Coast road trip.

Kvernufoss FAQ