Hundafoss

South Coast

Hundafoss sits roughly 3 to 4 kilometers up the Skógá river from Skógafoss, one of many cascades on the hike that climbs toward Fimmvörðuháls pass. The name means Dog Falls, reportedly from an old story of dogs swept away when the river ran high. The waterfall drops through a narrow gorge thick with moss and basalt; the enclosed canyon stays noticeably lush even in cooler months. The trail from Skógafoss is well-worn and signed, with wooden steps and bridges at key sections, but it gains elevation quickly — the steepest part comes early — and turns muddy in wet weather. Hundafoss makes a reasonable turnaround for hikers who want a moderate half-day rather than the full push to the pass. Allow at least two to three hours round trip from the Skógafoss car park. Best done June through September; outside summer, snow and ice above Skógafoss make the going significantly harder. In peak season the lower section near Skógafoss is one of South Iceland's busiest spots — start early and the crowds thin out quickly once you head upriver.

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