Svartifoss Waterfall Hike

The Svartifoss hike is the most popular short walk in Skaftafell and one of the best-known easy hikes in Iceland. Svartifoss, the Black Falls, pours over a ledge framed by dark hexagonal basalt columns that hang like organ pipes, a sight often said to have influenced Icelandic architecture. This loop of about 5 km from the Skaftafell visitor centre takes about one and a half to two hours.

The path climbs gradually through birch woods, passing two smaller waterfalls, Hundafoss and Magnúsarfoss, before reaching Svartifoss. The loop then continues to Sjónarsker, a viewpoint with a view dial naming the surrounding peaks and glaciers, with the old turf farmhouse at Sel nearby. From here you look out over the vast black outwash plains towards the sea. On a clear day you can also pick out the glaciers and peaks of the Öræfi area.

It is an easy walk on a good, well-maintained path with around 170 m of ascent, suitable for most visitors, including families. It is open year-round, though the path can be icy in winter. Because it starts right at the visitor centre it is also very busy in summer, so arrive early in the morning or later in the afternoon if you want a quieter moment at the falls.

Highlights

• Svartifoss framed by black basalt columns
• Hundafoss and Magnúsarfoss on the way up
• Sjónarsker viewpoint and its view dial
• The old turf farmhouse at Sel
• Year-round access from the Skaftafell visitor centre

The route

Getting to the trailhead

The Svartifoss trail starts at the Skaftafell visitor centre on the Ring Road in southeast Iceland, about four and a half hours' drive from Reykjavík. A national park parking fee applies. Public buses along the south coast usually stop at Skaftafell in summer, and many south coast tours include a stop here. No 4x4 is needed.

Where to stay

The Skaftafell campsite next to the visitor centre is the most convenient option. Nearby, Freysnes, Svínafell and Hof have hotels and guesthouses. Wild camping is not allowed in Vatnajökull National Park.

Best time to hike

Svartifoss is accessible year-round. Summer is busiest, with long days and green birch woods. In winter the waterfall can be partly frozen, the path icy and daylight short, but there are fewer people. Early morning and evening are quietest at any time of year, and soft light suits the dark basalt.

Safety

The path is easy, but it can be icy in winter, so wear microspikes from roughly October to April. Respect the barriers near the waterfall, as rockfall from the columns is common. Watch children near the gorge at Hundafoss. Check vedur.is for wind and weather, and call 112 in an emergency.