Skógafoss Waterfall and Treasure Chest Hunting in Iceland
Skogafoss Waterfall
Skogafoss waterfall is one of the biggest waterfalls in Iceland, with a drop of 60 meters and a width of 25 meters. You can walk right up to it, but be prepared to be drenched! It is just overwhelming standing next to it.
Steps lead up to an observation platform above the Skogafoss waterfall, some 527 steps. But it is well worth climbing up all these steps to see Skogafoss from above. You can get quite a beautiful view from up there.
The legend
The local legend connected to Skógafoss waterfall is very popular. The locals believe that behind it you can find a chest filled with gold and treasures. They believe that Þrasi Þórólfsson, the Viking Settler at Skógar in around 900, hid the chest here. The first man who goes there will find great treasures! Apparently, in olden times one could see one side of the chest protruding from the waterfall.
Once, three men at Skógar, wanted to retrieve the chest from beneath the waterfall. All of a sudden they looked in the direction of the farm, and it appeared to be on fire. They decided on returning back, only to find that there was no danger apparent on the farm.
Later on, they decided on going again to the waterfall to retrieve the chest. And did not allow themselves to be misled by some delusions! With great difficulty, they managed to get quite close to the chest. They were able to hook a ring on the side of the chest. As they were pulling the chest towards them, the ring came off from the chest. And the chest got left behind!
The chest-ring from the chest is now on display at the Skógar Museum.
The Rainbow of Skogafoss waterfall
On sunny days, you will be able to see beautiful rainbow formed around the waterfall. Often there are beautiful double rainbows here. If you are lucky, you can stand in a circle of a rainbow! Quite the equivalent of a treasure we thought…
So if you are daring enough, you could make an attempt to discover the hidden treasure. Or you could settle for a wonderful treasure of a memory. And a photo of the Skogafoss with the double rainbow around it. The choice is yours! Interested in travel to Iceland? Check out some of our Iceland itineraries here.
For ideas on experiential travel to Europe, Asia and Africa, visit Beyonder Travel.
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