Skaftafell, part of Vatnajökull National Park, has an easy 5.8 km loop to Svartifoss taking about 2 hours and a 4.1 km glacier trail of 1 to 1.5 hours, and it is reachable all year (national park, read 7 November 2026). Parking costs ISK 1,110 per car, valid until midnight. This page contains partner links: if you book, we earn a commission at no cost to you.
Highlights
Svartifoss
The S2 loop Svartifoss–Sjónarsker–Sel is 5.8 km, easy, about 2 hours; the S6 to Sjónarnípa is 7.1 km, 2.5 to 3 hours and challenging.
Skaftafellsjökull
The S1 glacier trail is a 4.1 km loop of 1 to 1.5 hours, rated easy.
The visitor centre
Skaftafellsstofa is open all year; hours change, so check the park's news.
The campsite
Open year-round for tents, campers and motorhomes, with flush toilets and seasonal services.
The ice tour
Skaftafell: Ice Cave Tour and Glacier Hike, rated 4.5 out of 5 from 2,030 reviews, from €140 on 6 November 2026.
Practical info
Tips
- Parking is paid by licence plate through Parka: ISK 1,110 for a private car of up to five seats, ISK 1,440 for six to nine seats, ISK 450 for a motorcycle, plus 89 ISK. If you already paid the full fee at another chargeable park site such as Jökulsárlón the same day, the second fee is 50 % off. Guided educational walks run in summer, and conditions outside summer can change quickly. Skaftafell is on Route 1, about 70 km east of Kirkjubæjarklaustur and 130 km west of Höfn. Visit Iceland says the natural ice cave season usually starts in November, and caves should be visited only with a qualified glacier guide. Continue east to Jökulsárlón and the Diamond Beach, and read glacier hikes in Iceland. For the largest ice cap, see Vatnajökull National Park.
How to get there
Skaftafell lies on Route 1 in south-east Iceland. Drive east along Route 1 or book a long tour; see how to get around Iceland.
Opening hours
Nearby
See on the map →
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