Only a few kilometers away from the south shores of Iceland, lies the village of Skógar along the Southern Ring Road (some 150 kilometers from Reykjavík). It is a popular summer-resort centre surrounded by unusual scenic beauty. The breath-taking view of Skogáfoss waterfall with scenic surroundings and the snow-capped heights of two towering glaciers Mýrdalsjökull and Eyjafjallajökull, are Skógar's major attractions.

Skógafoss (in Icelandic Skógura is a forest and Foss means waterfall) is situated on the Skógá River at a cliffs of the former coastline. After the coastline had receded seaward, the former sea cliffs remained, parallel to the coast over hundreds of kilometres, creating together with some mountains a clear border between the coastal lowlands and the Highlands of Iceland.

With an astounding width of 25 meters and a drop of 60 meters, this is one of the largest and most elegant waterfalls in Iceland. Due to the amount of spray the cascade produces, at least one rainbow is present any time the sun emerges from behind the clouds.

The land underneath the waterfall is very flat, allowing visitors can walk right up to the wall of water. This will get them a bit drenched, although, on a summer’s day, it can be quite tempting.

While travelling Iceland’s South Coast, visitors always stop here for photos taking, stretch the legs for relaxing and having an excellent view of the Falls.

There is a path leading to the top of Skógafoss and if visitors climb the 370 steps up there, they’ll be rewarded with an awe-inspiring view out over the Falls and the South Iceland’s coastline as well.

The river below Skógafoss holds a large char and salmon population and is thus a favourite spot for fishermen in the summer.

At the eastern side of Skógafoss, hikers could find one of Iceland’s most famed hiking routes; the Fimmvörðuháls pass. The 22 kilometers trail takes visitors along Skógá river, between two glaciers, before ending in the beautiful Þórsmörk valley.

Like the legends of buried treasures of Egill Skallagrímsson in Mosfell near Reykjavík and Ketilbjörn in Mosfell near Skálholt, there is a similar legend about the settler Þrasi who is believed to have buried his chest of gold under the Skogáfoss.

Note: Everything in Iceland is expensive. That being said, some things in Iceland are extra expensive and the food and lodging right by Skogáfoss fall into this category...

So if visitors are trying to visit Iceland on a budget, it's suggested heading to one of the grocery stores on the way and stocking up on snacks and lunch food which ends up being much cheaper than eating at the most expensive places around like the ones nearby Skogáfoss.

• Photos courtesy of Internet. Thanks!