Svartifoss is a 20 m waterfall in Skaftafell, in Vatnajökull National Park, framed by dark hexagonal basalt columns. The standard walk is the S2 trail from the Skaftafell visitor centre: a 5.8 km circuit of about 2 hours, rated easy by the national park. This page contains partner links: if you book, we earn a commission at no cost to you.
Highlights
The basalt amphitheatre
a natural bowl about 15 to 20 m high and 30 m wide on the southern edge of the Skaftafell plateau, with mostly hexagonal columns marked by horizontal grooves.
Sjónarsker and Sel
the S2 circuit takes its name from these two places on the loop back to the visitor centre.
Hundafoss and Magnúsarfoss
smaller falls on the way up.
The columns at the base
new column sections break off faster than the water wears them smooth, so the rocks at the foot of the fall are sharp.
Practical info
Tips
- The park lists two routes that include Svartifoss: S2 (Svartifoss–Sjónarsker–Sel), a 5.8 km circuit of about 2 hours, easy; and S6 (Svartifoss–Sjónarnípa), 7.1 km, 2.5 to 3 hours, challenging. Take S2 for a first visit. Wear proper hiking shoes, because the path climbs and is gravel and rock, and keep clear of the base: loose columns can fall. Skaftafell also has longer hikes: Skaftafellsheiði is a 16.6 km loop of 5 to 6 hours, and Kristínartindar is 18 km and 6 to 8 hours, both difficult. For the area as a whole, read Skaftafell and Vatnajökull National Park. Skaftafell is the base for glacier walks and ice cave tours; the Skaftafell ice cave and glacier hike is rated 4.5 out of 5 from 2,030 reviews, from about €140 on 6 November 2026 (the price depends on the date). Compare options in glacier hike Iceland. Afterwards, Jökulsárlón is the next big stop to the east.
How to get there
Skaftafell is on the Ring Road in southeast Iceland, between Kirkjubæjarklaustur and Höfn. Park at the Skaftafell visitor centre; the trail starts there.
Opening hours
Nearby
See on the map →
Comments
No comments yet.