Skutafoss Waterfall

Skútafoss is a beautiful and relatively little-known waterfall in Þorgeirsstaðadalur in Lón, east of Höfn in Southeast Iceland. The waterfall is formed by the river Þorgeirsstaðaá and lies only a short distance from the Ring Road, although its position in the valley keeps it largely hidden from passing traffic.

Skútafoss is approximately 6 metres high and drops into a clear pool surrounded by dark rock. Its most distinctive feature is the natural cave-like overhang beside the waterfall. Visitors can reach the shelter beneath the rock and enjoy an unusual close-up view across the pool towards the falling water.

Þorgeirsstaðaá forms three named waterfalls in the valley: Fremstifoss, Skútafoss and Innstifoss. The route towards Skútafoss passes Fremstifoss, where the remains of an old dam can also be seen. The dam was constructed in 1966 but is no longer in use.

The walk from the parking area to Skútafoss is approximately half a kilometre. The route is generally easy, although the ground can be rough, wet and slippery. The waterfall can be viewed from several perspectives, including from beside the cave and from above the falls.

Skútafoss lies in a scenic area between Vestrahorn and Eystrahorn and makes an excellent short stop when travelling through Lón and Hornafjörður. Despite its proximity to Route 1, it remains considerably quieter than many of Iceland's better-known waterfalls.

Extra care should be taken around the cave. The Southeast Iceland Nature Research Centre has monitored a potentially hazardous crack in the rock wall above it. Visitors should always respect local warnings, signs or closures and avoid lingering beneath unstable rock.