Kvernufoss waterfall
Kvernufoss or Kvarnarhólsárfoss is a waterfall in the Kverna river (also known as Kvarnarhólsá) east of Skógar. The waterfall is located in Kvernugil, a gorge with picturesque hyaloclastite and basalt formations, where the river falls in a narrow cascade about 30 metres high. Kvernufoss is unusual in that it is possible to walk behind the waterfall. The waterfall is easily accessible on foot.
Quick guide to Kvernufoss
| Location | South Iceland, South Coast route area |
| Best for | South Coast waterfall route planning, photography and practical nature stops |
| Nearby places | Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Sólheimajökull glacier, Vík |
| Typical visit time | 20 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on access and photo stops |
| Best season | Year round for some routes, but winter roads, ice and daylight can change the plan |
| Good to know | Parking, paths and spray can vary by season; use marked access and avoid unsafe stopping on roads |
| Coordinates | 63.531666,-19.476198 |
The quiet gorge behind Skógar
Kvernufoss is close to Skógafoss, but the feeling is different. Instead of a broad front-facing wall of water, travellers walk into a narrower gorge where the waterfall feels more tucked away.
That contrast is the whole sales point. Kvernufoss is not just “another waterfall near Skógafoss”; it is the stop that makes Skógar feel deeper and less mechanical.
Kvernufoss is the quieter gorge counterpart to nearby Skógafoss.
A walk-behind feeling without the Seljalandsfoss crowds
In suitable conditions, Kvernufoss can offer the kind of side-and-behind-the-waterfall experience travellers love, but in a more intimate gorge setting.
That does not mean it is always the right call. Spray, mud, ice and path conditions should decide how close travellers go.
The best reason to slow down at Skógar
A rushed South Coast itinerary often gives Skógafoss only a short stop. Kvernufoss is the argument for slowing down: base view at Skógafoss, maybe the stairs, then a different gorge-style walk nearby.
If weather or time is poor, skip the extra stop. If the day has room, Kvernufoss can be one of the easiest ways to make a South Coast tour feel less standard.
A small detour can change the whole Skógar stop
Kvernufoss is valuable because it changes the traveller’s memory of Skógar. Instead of one busy waterfall and back to the car, the area becomes a cluster: power at Skógafoss, quieter gorge at Kvernufoss and local context around Skógar.
That is exactly the kind of detail that makes a private South Coast day feel curated rather than mechanical.
The reward is quiet contrast
Kvernufoss works because it gives the Skógar area contrast. After the open power of Skógafoss, the gorge feels narrower, quieter and more personal, which helps the stop feel like discovery rather than repetition.
Best Kvernufoss and Skógar route choices
Kvernufoss fits best on South Coast routes that do not rush Skógar. Private tours and flexible self-drives make the most sense.
A guided South Coast day for waterfalls, black-sand scenery and classic route stops.
A practical choice when waterfalls should pair with Sólheimajökull glacier scenery.
A small-group route for travellers who want the main waterfalls handled in one day.
Best for flexible timing at smaller waterfalls and photo stops.
An active South Coast add-on when the day should include a glacier adventure.
Places near Kvernufoss
Nearby stops should support the way Kvernufoss is actually visited: choose the base, activity or next landscape that matches your direction of travel.
Towns and villages near Kvernufoss
These are the most practical bases and service stops for planning the route.
Kvernufoss route ideas beside Skógafoss
Use Kvernufoss to make the Skógar area feel like more than a single waterfall car park.
Skógafoss plus Kvernufoss
Use Skógafoss for scale and Kvernufoss for the quieter gorge contrast.
Waterfalls plus glacier
Add Sólheimajökull or a glacier walk if the day needs a guided activity.
Weather-aware version
Skip the close gorge approach when spray, ice or mud make it less enjoyable.
FAQ about Kvernufoss
Is Kvernufoss worth visiting?
Yes, if you have time around Skógar. Kvernufoss is one of the best smaller South Coast waterfall add-ons.
What makes Kvernufoss different?
Kvernufoss feels more tucked away than Skógafoss and can offer a behind-the-waterfall angle in suitable conditions.
How do you visit Kvernufoss?
Treat Kvernufoss as a short walk rather than a parking-lot viewpoint. Conditions near the gorge and behind the falls can be wet or icy.
What should you combine with Kvernufoss?
Kvernufoss works best with Skógafoss, Sólheimajökull, Vík.
What tour fits Kvernufoss?
Choose Compare South Coast tours when you want the wider route handled.
How long do you need at Kvernufoss?
Allow enough time for safe access, photos and route changes. A quick stop may be possible, but the day feels better when this waterfall is not squeezed in at the last minute.
Can you visit Kvernufoss in winter?
Kvernufoss can work outside summer when roads and paths are safe, but winter ice, wind and daylight should decide how ambitious the stop becomes.
Do you need a 4x4 for Kvernufoss?
Not always. Use current road conditions and local signs as the deciding factor, especially on gravel, highland-edge or winter routes.
Can you walk behind Kvernufoss?
In suitable conditions, visitors can often get a behind-the-falls perspective, but wet or icy conditions should decide how close you go.
Is Kvernufoss less crowded than Skógafoss?
Usually it feels quieter, but conditions and season matter. It is still close to a very popular route area.
Kvernufoss waterfall is located on the South coast of Iceland
It is possible to hike behind Kvernufoss waterfall
Kvernufoss is a beautiful waterfall hidden in South Iceland
The Icelandic sheep lives close to Kvernufoss during the summer in Iceland
Kvernufoss waterfall is located in Kvernugil a gorge with picturesque hyaloclastite and basalt formations