Things to do in Skogar in May

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Overview

May is a good time to visit Skogar. The weather is usually cold and slightly windy, with temperatures ranging from 36—42°F (2—5°C).

Skogar has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your May trip to Skogar. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to May. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

We’ll let you know everything you need to prepare for the weather in Skogar in May. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout May, temperature changes from morning to evening and much more.

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Best events and things to do in Skogar in May

Top experiences in May
We couldn't find any experiences in May
Holidays in Skogar in May
May
  • Labour Day (May 1)
  • Mothers' Day (May 10)
  • Ascension Day (May 14)
  • Whit Sunday (May 24)
  • Whit Monday (May 25)
Other notable holidays
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Weather in Skogar in May

Temperatures on an average day in Skogar in May

The average temperature in Skogar in May for a typical day ranges from a high of 42°F (5°C) to a low of 36°F (2°C). Some would describe the temperature to be cold. The general area may also feel slightly windy.

For comparison, the hottest month in Skogar, July, has days with highs of 52°F (11°C) and lows of 46°F (8°C). The coldest month, December has days with highs of 34°F (1°C) and lows of 27°F (-3°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Skogar in May based on historical data.

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Historical temperature average in May
42°F
highs
36°F
lows

General weather summary

Cold, slightly windy
Feels like
35%
Chance of rain
0.178 in
Amount
16.3 mph
Wind speed
88%
Humidity
18.1 hrs
Daylight length
4:11 AM
Sunrise
10:18 PM
Sunset
34%
Cloud cover
Jacket
What to wear
What to wear in May
With an average high of 42°F (5°C) and a low of 36°F (2°C), it generally feels cold and slightly windy. There might also be a small chance of rain. With that in mind, most people would dress in something warm like a jacket
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Best attractions for Skogar in May

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Skogar has to offer for travelers in May, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Skogar that are great to visit at this time of the year as well! You can’t miss these iconic landmarks, local favorites, and places rich with cultural heritage. We hope to give you insights and inspiration into the best things to see and do to make the most of your visit. Here is a list of our top attractions in Skogar for May.
Skógafoss
1. Skógafoss
4.9
(4055)
Waterfall
Nature & Parks
Striking 60m falls over a sheer, rocky cliff along the former coastline, with a viewing platform.
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Parking is nearby. Its a short walk to the falls but omgoodness what a spectacular sight to behold when you arrive. If you have the lungs to climb 400 steps to the top of the falls then you'll be rewarded with a spectacular view at the top. The whole area is gorgeous.
Powerful beast of a waterfall which attracts many tourists. For a breath-raking hike pack enough rations, climb up the stairs and venture beyond the viewing platform where a breath taking hike awaits with many more waterfalls and magnificent scenery.
Beautiful waterfall and definitely worth a visit! Very touristy, but still impressive to see. You can climb many steps to the top for a great view and a short walk around. A nice stop on the ring road - powerful and picturesque!
We really had a great time. Very beautiful waterfall. You can walk close to the fall, just keep on walking and go around the big rock. Ware water proved jacket, pants and shoes to keep you dry. A must stop place for waterfall lovers.
Spectacular! It's popular for a very good reason. I visited in September of 2023 and it was less crowded than it normally is in the summertime. Take your time walking around and seeing the falls from different viewpoints. It's lovely!
Gorgeous waterfall from the base or top. Bring a rain jacket and waterproof boots to get close to the base. I think 560ish stairs to the top. From the top you can see the coast as well.
Breathtaking water falls. Amazing view, both from the ground and also a from a view point where you can climb up through well laid steps for 25-30 minutes and reach the top.paid parking is available
July 2025: Beautiful and also massive. Wear waterproof shoes to cross the stream to get better photos on the other side and not have a lot of others in your photos. Quite an incline up the somewhat rickety stairs. Some areas have railing, other spots only have it on one side. It’s worth the hike up.
Skógar Museum
2. Skógar Museum
4.6
(1661)
Local history museum
Museums
Complex of 3 sites exploring early Icelandic history, with folk relics & a model turf-house village.
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The Skógar Museum is a fascinating glimpse into Iceland’s rich cultural and historical heritage. With its charming turf houses, traditional artifacts, and well-curated exhibitions, it offers a deep dive into rural Icelandic life. A must-visit for history enthusiasts and curious travelers alike!
Nice museum! Worth stopping if you’re in the area. Three areas to explore, took us about 1.5 hours.
A superb collection of old houses and great displays of artifacts in main building close to the stunning Skogafoss. Gives a real sense of rural and nautical life. A must see and the best museum I've visited in Iceland. Visited on two occasions. Well done to all concerned. 6 ⭐
I LOVED this museum. It is very well done and the exhibits have English translation. I loved the historic turf houses. The interior is meticulous. Cute gift store with standard trinkets to take back home.
A truly remarkable museum covering folkways from years gone by, an incredible open air museum of restored structures from sod houses to traditional wooden structures. In an adjacent hall there is an amazing technical museum with vehicles, power generation, radio and telephony technologies. Such a surprisingly great place.
Cool museum. Really three museums in one! There is so much to see here that it would probably take all day to actually see it all. But great to stop in here if you’re visiting the nearby waterfall. One of the best museums I visited in Iceland.
the historic Turf Houses that are part of the Skógar Museum (Skógasafn) Open Air Museum. ​These houses are located right near the Skógafoss waterfall (the wide, powerful one in your other photo), making it a very convenient and popular stop on the South Coast. ​Here are some details about this fascinating part of Icelandic history: ​🏠 Skógar Museum Turf Houses ​Location: In the village of Skógar, just a minute's drive from Skógafoss. ​Architecture: These structures are a fantastic example of traditional Icelandic architecture, known as torfbæir. They were the primary form of dwelling in Iceland for over 1,000 years. ​Purpose of Turf: Turf (sod) was used because wood was scarce on the island, and the thick layers of turf and stone provided superior insulation against the harsh, cold, and wet climate compared to simple wooden structures. ​The Look: The houses are often built directly into a hillside, as you see in the video, to provide extra protection and insulation from the back. The grass on the roof makes them look like they are part of the landscape. ​The Museum: The museum features a collection of these and other historical buildings, which were moved from different areas of the region and reconstructed on-site to preserve regional heritage.
It was very interesting, well organised, nice stuff, good also for rainy days. We spent there like 2 hours
Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool
3. Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool
4.0
(1174)
Swimming pool
Nature & Parks
Built in 1928, this outdoor swimming pool is 25 m. long, 10 m. wide & open to the public.
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The swimming pool area is super cool. If you go past the swimming pool and follow the rocky paths up, you find amazing waterfalls, impressive views and a relaxing area. Just be careful where and how far you climb, some of the rocks and cliffs are dangerous. There are even goats roaming about up there. Respect nature in all its beauty.
Very fun find. Hike to the pool is only like 30 45 minutes from the parking area. Awesome to walk along the river. Pool itself is of course natural with hot water running down the side of the rock face and a pipe feeding it from other hot spring point. Waters warm but not hot. The water directly from the cliff and pipe is very hot. Views were spectacular. Changing hut was tetanus fueling but what can you expect from a rural local hotspring. Recommend wearing your swimsuit there. There is a donation box. Do the right thing to keep this place running.
One of Iceland’s oldest outdoor swimming pools, tucked into a dramatic valley with mountains rising steeply around it. The location itself is stunning and feels almost otherworldly, which is why many travelers are drawn to it. Unfortunately, the pool has fallen into serious disrepair and is not maintained, leaving much of its charm overshadowed by neglect. The water is lukewarm at best and often filled with algae, sludge, and debris, making it far from the relaxing geothermal soak people might expect. Trash is a common problem as well, with litter scattered around the pool and changing areas. What could be a peaceful, scenic stop often feels more disappointing and even unpleasant once you’re actually there. Access is relatively easy, requiring only a short hike from the parking area, but the path can get muddy, especially after rain. Because of the growing awareness of its poor condition, visitors are often surprised by how stark the contrast is between the idyllic photos online and the reality in person. There are no facilities on-site, and since the pool isn’t officially cleaned or maintained, it’s best approached with realistic expectations. It’s not a safe or hygienic spot for swimming, and those looking for a proper geothermal bathing experience will be far happier at maintained hot springs elsewhere in Iceland. Overall, Seljavallalaug is more of a cautionary tale than a must-visit attraction. The surrounding valley is beautiful and worth the short walk for the scenery, but the pool itself is in such poor shape that many travelers leave disappointed. If you do go, treat it as a quick photo stop for the landscape rather than a destination for swimming or relaxation.
It's a really lovely place if you ignore the changing rooms. It's best to go there between July-September otherwise the river that runs along the path maybe gets to high and on the path. The water has a nice temperature if the temperature around you is about 15-18°C. Due to a landslide there are also rocks in the pool that you need to be careful with. And the pool also gets filled with hot and cold water and sadly the cold water is more dominant! Still definitely a visit worth!
Amazing warm swimming pool. What a view and beauty. The pool has a nice temperature but has some slippery spots on the floor (not that weird for an outdoor nature pool). The changing rooms are not that maintained but can still be used for a quick clothing switch. A nice 20 minute walk/hike will get you to this gem in the mountains. Even when it is cold outside this pool is still worth visiting.
Rough directions: Follow the road from the private house / parking lot and walk along the path against the direction of the stream. You can hug the stream until you get there, but you may need to wade through some water. I took the path that goes up the hill (it was obvious to me where it started as a desire path had formed), but I had to cross over some fallen rocks - it was not too bad, as someone who has moderate hiking experience. I agree with the other reviews and will add that there is water flowing from a pipe into the pool and an avenue for the water to flow out of the pool. I felt more comfortable with the cleanliness knowing it was not purely standing water. The algae didn’t bother me as someone who swims in lakes!
What a very cool exsperience. a natural hot spring pouring down from the mountain side into a man-made swimming pool .. all the rest is pure natural .. ..its best to wear your bathing costumes under clothes & take a towel ..changing rooms are not that nice ..we just got dressed afterwards with holding towels around us..its well worth doing !!
Really special place! May not compare to a hot spring proper, as the pipe providing the hot water doesn’t heat up the entire pool very well, but the experience of swimming outside in such a beautiful place is incomparable! The changing rooms are quite dirty, but for a free place, absolutely no complaints. The 20-minute walk was even more stunning around sunset and the pool was mostly empty around 8pm when I visited. Highly worth the trip!
Gljúfrabúi
4. Gljúfrabúi
4.9
(5094)
Nature & Parks
Waterfalls
Nearly hidden waterfall in a narrow canyon that cascades into a pool near the famous Seljalandsfoss.
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This waterfall is a short and easy 10 minute walk from Seljialandfoss. Once you get to the entrance, you will have to walk on top of several rocks through a narrow passage in order to get a full view of the hidden waterfall. Once inside, the view is spectacular and you will get wet from the mist. Definitely worth a visit.
Nice hidden waterfall. You have to walk on rocks through the stream to get there. Bring rain gear and waterproof boots. Well worth the hike.
Visited a waterfall in Rangárþing eystra — absolutely stunning! Powerful, breathtaking, and surrounded by incredible Icelandic landscapes. The mist, the views from the top, the sheer force of nature — unforgettable. A must-see!
Located right next to Seljalandsfoss, this waterfall is hidden deep within a narrow canyon. Entering through a small gap in the rocks, you’ll find a magnificent waterfall about 40 meters high. The area around the basin is filled with mist, so waterproof gear is essential. The view of the waterfall from inside the cave is truly breathtaking.
Gorgeous waterfall in a crevice! Totally worth getting my sneakers a little wet. Rain boots or other waterproof shoes would be the best option since you do have to walk a very short distance through the stream to see the waterfall, but there are rocks to balance on.
The most beautiful waterfall! A raincoat and shoe covers are a must. Advice: if you don't have shoe covers, so as not to wet the niches, then put a plastic bag inside your shoes, this will protect you! The views are amazing!!! Enjoy!
Gljúfrabúi feels like a hidden gem tucked away near Seljalandsfoss. To get to it, you squeeze through a narrow opening in the rocks, and once inside, you’re surrounded by cliffs with the waterfall cascading down—it feels almost magical. We went right after visiting Seljalandsfoss, and it was absolutely worth the short walk. You will get wet, so make sure to wear waterproof footwear. Such a breathtaking and unique experience!
One of the most beautiful spots we visited in Iceland. With waterproof boots it was feasible to shimmy along the walls to reach the falls. Once we made it, it is truly beautiful. Despite loving natural wonders, I generally wouldn't describe anything as awe-inspiring, but Gljúfrabúi earns that title for me.
Kvernufoss
5. Kvernufoss
4.9
(1641)
Nature & Parks
Waterfalls
Thundering falls rushing over sheer, moss-covered cliffs & accessible via a rugged hiking trail.
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The trail scenery getting to this waterfall is spectacular and the walk behind waterfall was fantastic. But the best thing is that the crowds weren’t there. We did see a tour buses in the parking lot of the restaurant next to the museum but I think the walk to the falls is too far to make it there and back before the bus would leave. Make sure to pay the parking for the museum. That lets you use their water closets.
A really nice visit away from the much larger crowds at the neighboring Skogafoss. Funny, but I think this is probably the cooler waterfall of the 2. Plenty of parking before embarking on a short walk in. Trail is well maintained and pretty easy to walk. Minimal elevation gain, so it's basically a short stroll into the gorge. You can walk down and behind the waterfall for a really cool view. Overall a very pretty fall to check out.
Very impressive place to visit in Iceland. You can walk right up to the falls, and if you're brave enough you can walk behind the falls. Make sure you have some water proof shoes and a good jacket, because the water is freezing 🥶! You can take a walk along the path to the top of the falls which will take you about 15 minutes up and 15 minutes return. Recommended visit.
One of our favorite stops. The easy walk and approach to the waterfall is picturesque. You can walk behind the falls. We had this to ourselves around 11am one recent morning. You can find the trail start at Skógar museum parking lot where you pay to park.
Awesome waterfalls. One of our favorites in the South Coast region. Apparently this one is often skipped by bigger tours. So if you want more quieter behind the waterfalls experience, this is definitely a must visit destination! The walk/hike to the waterfalls is also beautiful, very easy too.
This is a lesser viewed waterfall very close to Skogafoss Waterfall. Literally like a 3 minute drive. There is parking at the Skogar Museum and the far end of the parking lot is where you will find the trailhead. There is a sign if you are unsure. The parking fee for the museum is 750 ISK. There is a nice WC inside the museum as well as a sweet little cafe called Freyacafe. The food is quite nice and worthy of a stop while you are here at Kvernufoss. The fall requires a 1.4 km walk (roundtrip) but it is well worth it. It takes about 10 min to reach the waterfall. There is a hollowed out cave like depression which allows you to go behind the fall and the nice thing is you dont get soaked like you do at Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss. There are sheep grazing the field at the trailhead and birds nesting in rock cliffs. Its very green at this fall. I do recommend hiking boots because the trail can get slippery. Relish it! Its beautiful! Plan 45 min or so.
Kvernufoss is one of Iceland’s hidden gems, often overshadowed by its famous neighbor Skógafoss but offering a more peaceful and intimate experience. Tucked into a narrow gorge, the waterfall drops gracefully into a mossy canyon, creating a fairytale-like setting that feels worlds away from the crowds just down the road. One of the highlights of Kvernufoss is that you can actually walk behind the waterfall, which gives you a unique perspective and some fantastic photo opportunities. The spray can be strong, so bringing a waterproof jacket or cover for your camera is a good idea. The short hike to reach it is relatively easy, though the trail can get slippery in wet weather, so good shoes are recommended. Because it’s not as heavily advertised as other waterfalls, Kvernufoss tends to be much quieter, especially if you visit early in the morning or later in the evening. This makes it a great stop for anyone looking to enjoy Iceland’s beauty without the big tourist crowds. There are no facilities at the site, so it’s best to plan your visit as part of a larger day trip and come prepared with whatever you need. The path begins near the Skógar Museum, and there may be a small entrance fee to access the trail depending on the season. Overall, Kvernufoss is a serene and picturesque waterfall that rewards those willing to take a short detour. Its combination of accessibility, beauty, and tranquility makes it one of the more memorable stops along Iceland’s South Coast.
Awesome lesser-known waterfall you can walk behind. Definitely worth the stop. Not very crowded. Easy walk out to it. Free parking at the museum
Rutshellir Caves
6. Rutshellir Caves
4.2
(1055)
Historical landmark
Nature & Parks
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This place is beautiful and definitely transports you back in time. You can walk inside and reach the back of the structure, which has a cave. Horses are roaming around, and you have the chance to get up close to them.
Very cool. However, we went in the cave alone. When we got to the back of the cave we couldn't see the far wall as it was covered in darkness. Then we heard this weird whooshing noise that continued and seemed to move with us a we quickly exited. Cool spot, but weird experience. Maybe a bat?
1000ISK via Parka, are you serious? The place is cute but not for that money. You probably can park near a gas station nearby for free. I'm not the one who loves to break the rules but I would feel better donating this 1000 to elves in the box inside the cave rather than paying for parking.
These are cool, but maybe not worth the cost of the parking lot. There's on main chamber of the cave with a slightly elevated, smaller second chamber to the left which has an even higher loft above the initial chamber.
The highlight at this spot was petting the dog that was out there. The caves aren't really worth a stop. You can look at the pics and save the parking fee.
This is a historic example of cave homes found on various farms around the south of Iceland. Seems like there are around 40 protected cave homes including this example of Rutshellir right off the Ring Road. There is a carpark (1000kr) right next to the cave house. You pay with the Parka app. You have to cross the fence steps into a horse farm and walk around 40 metres to the preserved cave house, which is very interesting. There is an information panel where you can read up on the history of Rutshellir and other caves around the area of Iceland. Note, there is another example, called Drangurinn just a couple km east of Rutshellir Caves. You can park here for free and walk up to the ruins of other cave structures. There are warning signage not to enter these are they are not safe but you can see them from up close.
Nice cave structure in a beautiful setting. Right along the ring road. We personally didn’t feel the parking fee was worth visiting this site. Would recommend only if you’re are staying close by or have time in your itinerary.
Tourist trap, Save your money. Not very interesting, but the horse was fine. Parking costs 1000 isk!

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