Skaftafell & Svartifoss★★★
At the Foot of the Vatnajökull
The Skaftafell National Park (since 2008 part of the Vatnajökull National Park) lies at the foot of Europe's largest glacier and offers some of Iceland's best hiking opportunities. The region is a microcosm of glaciers, birches, waterfalls, and wide views — surprisingly green for Iceland.
Svartifoss — The Black Waterfall
The highlight of Skaftafell is the Svartifoss ("Black Waterfall"): A 20-meter high waterfall framed by an amphitheater of hexagonal basalt columns — like a natural organ of black stone. The columns hang freely over the waterfall and gradually break off, leaving a pile of broken columns at the base.
The Svartifoss was the inspiration for the design of the Hallgrímskirkja in Reykjavík and the National Theater — architect Guðjón Samúelsson was inspired by these natural basalt columns. The hike to Svartifoss (1.5 km, 30–45 min. each way, easy to moderate ascent) leads through a birch forest — one of the few natural forests in Iceland.
Hikes in Skaftafell
- Svartifoss (S1): 5.5 km circular route, 1.5–2h. Easy to moderate. The most popular route — to Svartifoss and back via Sjónarnipa with a view of the Skaftafellsjökull
- Skaftafellsjökull (S2): 3.7 km, 1h. Easy. To the edge of the Skaftafellsjökull glacier. Impressive how close you can get to the ice front
- Sjónarnípa (S3): 15 km circular route, 5–6h. Moderate. Panoramic view over the Vatnajökull, the Skeiðarársandur, and the glacier tongues. The best hike for the big overview
- Kristínartindar (S6): 16 km, 6–8h. Difficult. Ascent to 1,126 m with spectacular panoramic views over the Vatnajökull and the south coast
Glacier Hike on Svínafellsjökull
Most glacier hikes and ice cave tours start from Skaftafell. The Svínafellsjökull (15 min. drive from the visitor center) is the most popular glacier tongue for guided tours — with dramatic ice sculptures, deep blue tones, and views that take your breath away. The glacier tongue was also a filming location for Interstellar (2014) and Batman Begins (2005).
💡 Tipp
Plan at least half a day for Skaftafell — the hike to Svartifoss alone takes 2 hours, and a glacier hike takes 3–5 hours. Combine both for a full, unforgettable day. The campsite in Skaftafell is one of the most beautiful in Iceland — at the foot of the glacier, surrounded by birches.
