Waterfall Kvernufoss is the Best Kept Secret of Iceland

At the famous waterfall Skogafoss, you will usually find around 75 cars parked in the parking lot and probably twice as many people at the waterfall itself. It’s not surprising, as Skogafoss is a stunning waterfall, but the crowds can take away some of its charm. However, just around the corner, you can find Kvernufoss, which may be even more beautiful, and you’ll likely have it all to yourself. Sounds great, right? Strangely enough, this waterfall has not been discovered by the masses yet, even though it’s only half a mile away. When we visited, we only had to share the waterfall with three other people! Below, you can find directions on how to get there.

How to Arrive at the Kvernufoss Waterfall

From the ring road, take the exit to Skogafoss, which is clearly signposted. Instead of heading to the Skogafoss parking lot, follow the signs to the Skogar museum. Just past the Skogar museum, you’ll see a large building with two garages. Here, you can park your car, and you’ll find a sign indicating Kvernufoss. Follow the path until you reach a small river, then turn left and follow the path. This section of the hike offers stunning scenery, and once you crest the hill, you’ll see the waterfall. This is the exact location. The beauty of Kvernufoss is that you can walk behind the waterfall and take incredible photos from that vantage point. Many people consider it a smaller but more beautiful version of Seljandsfoss, another popular tourist waterfall where you can also walk behind the falls.

Recommended: It’s handy to bring a raincoat or poncho with you, especially on windy days, as the spray from the waterfall tends to blow in all directions.