Likely if you’re a follower of our Iceland Wedding Planner team you know our focus is on offbeat, highland, and private property locations. Whether it be personally or professionally, those type of locations make us thrive! Therefore, we wanted to share with you a hidden gem on the edge of the highlands that you must do if you’re visiting Iceland between Spring – Early Fall. Allow us to introduce you to Stigafoss Waterfall!
(Þórsmörk) Thorsmork Hiking Trails
An area of the highlands that is mostly accessible year round with the right vehicle is named, Þórsmörk (Thorsmork). Firstly, it is within South Iceland. Second, if you have visited or will visit the iconic Seljalandsfoss Waterfall you were close! For example, if you would have continued up the road where it shifts to an F-Road you would be on your way there. Third, the area is filled with dynamic hiking routes like the following:
But there are actually many more picturesque hikes within to embark on! For instance, today’s Iceland Wedding Planner featured location is a waterfall named Stigafoss.
How to Find Stigafoss
In order to get to Thorsmork and Stigafoss, you will need a 4×4 vehicle or a super jeep depending on the season and conditions. Why? Because the road is an F-Road, has river crossings and is deeply rutted with potholes. Please ensure your vehicle is insured for F-Roads before venturing on.
Meanwhile, the best land marker to get you on your way there would be to first map to Seljalandsfoss Waterfall in South Iceland which is between the tiny town of Hvolsvöllur and Skogar (Skogafoss Waterfall).
Drive Times (one way depending on traffic):
- Downtown Reykjavik to Stigafoss = 2.5 hours
- Selfoss to Stigafoss Waterfall = 1.5 hour
- From Hvolsvöllur = 1 hour
- Vik to Stigafoss = 1.5 hour
Once you pass the turn off going to Seljalandsfoss and Gljufrabui Waterfalls, you’ll keep going straight on 249 for 5 kilometers. Next, the road changes from 249 to F-249. There are river crossings but sometimes they dry up. But again, please make sure you’re in the right kind of vehicle so no mishaps occur. You’ll stay on F-249 for ~11km or so and you’ll see the waterfall on your RIGHT side. Note: If not in a super jeep or truck on at least 35” tires, it may be best to hike from the main road (adds ~15 minutes to your journey). After all, better safe than sorry!
Stigafoss Hiking Specs
Stigafoss is below the subglacial volcano Eyjafjallajökull. Truly a picturesque and exciting hike in Iceland!
- Distance: ~1 km / .6 miles round trip from the F-Road and half that if you take the bumpy track.
- Hike Times: 15-30 minutes depending on pace / situation.
- Terrain: Large rocks, dirt, mud, stone, loose rocks, grass in parts, and several foot river crossings.
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation Gain: ~200 feet
- Waterfall Height: ~ 450 feet tall
- Stigafoss on a Map: Google Map
- Best Time to Hike: Mid-May to September
- What to Pack: Checkout our IWP Amazon Shop for a guide on what to buy and / or bring!
- Special Note: Please respect the area and LEAVE NO TRACE and RESPECT ropes, signs, and barriers. And always waive on the side of caution, the Icelandic Highlands can be dangerous!
Stigafoss Waterfall Hike Details
Ready to hike to Stigafoss? Let’s do this together!
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- After you park you’ll need to cross the river right away to be in the valley of Stigafoss Waterfall. NOTE: We brought our own bridge (it’s not normally there) and the water is typically knee high.
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- Our Iceland Wedding Planner couple felt it was the perfect spot for a picnic!
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- …and for champagne! We couldn’t agree more!
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- Last view of Stigafoss Waterfall
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- Follow the “sheep road” back towards the waterfall.
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- View of looking back towards the first river crossing.
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- The sheep road leads you towards the second set of river crossings and the beautiful Stigafoss Waetrfall!
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- 2nd river crossing is small compared to the first!
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- Final stretch to the waterfall! NOTE: Still follow the “sheep road” up!
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- View of Stigafoss after the river crossing.
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- The terrain varies on the hike.
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- Once you make it to Stigafoss you’ll find multiple photogenic spots!
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- This couple enjoyed their Iceland wedding photos at Stigafoss in 2019.
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- Did you know you can walk behind the waterfall too?
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- Behind Stigafoss!
Hiking out of Stigafoss
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- Sheep relaxing within Stigafoss Canyon.
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- Hiking out of Stigafoss offer more lovely views.
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- For example, if you find your way closer to the lower part of the river you’ll feel small among the massive rocks.
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- Looking out from Stigafoss Canyon is breathtaking!
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- While enjoying the lower part of the river, you cannot see the waterfall.
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- Last view of Stigafoss Waterfall
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- Next, the view in the other direction is pretty stunning too!
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- Remember to safely cross the big river again!
Getting Married at Stigafoss Waterfall in Thorsmork
In conclusion, you’re likely insanely curious if you can get Iceland wedding photos or hold an elopement ceremony at Stigafoss, right? Good news, you absolutely can but in advance permission is required. Iceland wedding planning companies can help you do this and we suggest you hire a professional to help you through that process. Lastly, if you’re looking for a more private location to hold an intimate adventure wedding ceremony, feel free to contact us to get that conversation started!
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