Svartifoss (Black Falls) is a 20-metre waterfall framed by dramatic hexagonal basalt columns formed 300,000 years ago, accessed via a 1.5-kilometre uphill trail from Skaftafell Visitor Centre in Vatnajökull National Park, southeast Iceland. This guide covers opening times, parking, accessibility and practical tips for visiting one of Iceland’s most photographed waterfalls.
Quick facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Opening times | Open 24 hours, year-round. Skaftafell Visitor Centre open daily (hours vary by season). Trail accessible at all times. |
| Admission | Free entry to waterfall and trails. Parking fee applies at Skaftafell (ISK 1,040). |
| Address | Skaftafell, Vatnajökull National Park, 785 Öræfi, Iceland |
| Getting there | Off Route 1 (Ring Road), 327 kilometres east of Reykjavík, 60 kilometres west of Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Well-signposted from Ring Road. |
| Time needed | 1.5 to 2 hours for roundtrip walk including viewing time. Allow 3 hours for extended circular route. |
Svartifoss opening times
The trail to Svartifoss is accessible 24 hours a day, year-round. There are no gates or restrictions on trail access. Visitors can hike to the waterfall at any time.
Skaftafell Visitor Centre operates year-round with seasonal hours:
- Summer season (typically May-September): Extended hours, often 09:00-18:00 or later
- Winter season (October-April): Reduced hours, typically 10:00-16:00
Check current visitor centre hours at the Vatnajökull National Park website before visiting. The visitor centre provides maps, trail information, toilets and ranger assistance.
Best visiting times: Early morning (before 09:00) or evening (after 17:00) to avoid tour groups. Summer months (June-August) see the highest visitation, particularly between 10:00 and 15:00. The waterfall is accessible and beautiful year-round, though winter hiking requires appropriate equipment for snow and ice.
Lighting conditions: Morning light (08:00-11:00) provides better illumination of the waterfall and basalt columns. The gorge faces east, with the viewing platform looking west. Opening times and admission information were checked and updated January 2026.
Svartifoss admission and parking
Entry to Svartifoss waterfall and hiking trails is free. There are no admission charges to Vatnajökull National Park or Skaftafell area.
Parking fees apply at the Skaftafell Visitor Centre car park:
- Approximate cost: ISK 1,040 per day
- Payment via Parka app or on-site payment machines
- Parking fees are subject to change; verify current rates at vatnajokulsthjodgardur.is
The parking fee helps maintain facilities, trails and conservation efforts within Vatnajökull National Park.
How to get to Svartifoss
Svartifoss is located in the Skaftafell area of Vatnajökull National Park, directly off Route 1 (Ring Road) in southeast Iceland.
From Reykjavík (327 kilometres, approximately 4-4.5 hours): Drive east on Route 1. Pass through Vík (approximately 260 kilometres from Reykjavík) and continue east for 67 kilometres to the well-signposted Skaftafell turnoff.
From Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon (60 kilometres west, approximately 45 minutes): Drive west on Route 1 to the Skaftafell turnoff.
From Höfn (130 kilometres west, approximately 1.5 hours): Drive west on Route 1 to Skaftafell.
From Egilsstaðir (313 kilometres, approximately 4 hours): Drive south and west on Route 1.
The Skaftafell Visitor Centre is clearly signposted from Route 1 with a large yellow sign reading “Skaftafell.” Turn onto the access road and follow it approximately 2 kilometres to the visitor centre and car park.
No public transport serves Skaftafell directly. Visitors without vehicles should join guided tours from Reykjavík or other towns that include Svartifoss and the south coast.
Road conditions: Route 1 is paved and maintained year-round. Winter driving (November-April) requires caution due to ice, snow and high winds. Check road conditions at road.is and weather at vedur.is before travelling.
Parking at Svartifoss
A large car park is located at the Skaftafell Visitor Centre adjacent to the trailhead. The car park accommodates cars, campervans, motorhomes and coaches. Parking surface is paved.
Parking capacity: The car park is extensive but can fill during peak summer season (July-August), particularly between 10:00 and 15:00. Arriving before 09:00 or after 16:00 typically ensures availability.
Payment: Use the Parka app (recommended) or pay at on-site machines accepting credit/debit cards. Display your parking receipt on the dashboard.
Facilities at the car park:
- Skaftafell Visitor Centre with maps, exhibits and ranger information
- Toilets
- Camping area (separate fees apply for camping)
- Picnic areas
- Information boards with trail maps
Motorhomes and campervans: The Skaftafell campsite is adjacent to the car park and provides facilities for overnight stays (separate camping fees apply, approximately ISK 2,000-3,000 per person per night).
How long to spend at Svartifoss
Most visitors spend 1.5 to 2 hours on the roundtrip walk to Svartifoss.
Basic route (3 kilometres roundtrip, 1.5 kilometres each way):
- Visitor Centre to Svartifoss: 30-45 minutes uphill
- Time at viewing platform: 10-15 minutes
- Return journey: 20-30 minutes downhill
- Total roundtrip: 60-90 minutes
Extended visit with photo stops: 1.5-2 hours
Circular route (5.5 kilometres): Hikers can extend the walk by crossing the bridge above Svartifoss and returning via the western side, passing the old turf house at Sel and enjoying wider views. Allow 2.5-3 hours for this longer option.
Along the trail, you’ll pass three other waterfalls:
- Þjófafoss (near second car park area)
- Hundafoss (first waterfall encountered on main trail)
- Magnúsarfoss (visible from dedicated viewpoint)
Visitors exploring multiple trails in Skaftafell or combining Svartifoss with Skaftafellsjökull Glacier (2.3 miles/3.7 kilometres roundtrip from visitor centre) should allow half to full day.
Accessibility at Svartifoss
The Svartifoss trail has limited accessibility due to natural terrain and elevation gain.
Trail characteristics:
- Distance: 1.5 kilometres one-way (3 kilometres roundtrip)
- Elevation gain: Approximately 150-200 metres
- Surface: Compacted gravel and dirt with some sections of wooden planking over boggy areas
- Gradients: Moderate uphill climb, steeper in sections near the waterfall
- Steps: Natural stone and wooden steps near the viewing platform
The trail passes through old-growth birch forest before emerging into open landscape approaching the waterfall. While well-maintained and clearly marked, the path involves steady uphill walking and is not suitable for wheelchairs or visitors with limited mobility.
Final approach: The viewing platform at Svartifoss requires climbing stairs. The platform itself features railings and is fenced for safety (nature protection fencing installed to prevent visitors approaching too close to the waterfall and fragile surroundings).
Alternative: Visitors unable to complete the full trail can walk the first section through the forest to enjoy the woodland scenery and see Hundafoss and Magnúsarfoss, returning before the steeper sections.
Accessible facilities: The Skaftafell Visitor Centre and car park area are accessible with level surfaces and accessible toilets.
What to see at Svartifoss
Svartifoss waterfall: The 20-metre (66-foot) single-drop waterfall plunges from the Stórilækur River, which originates at the edge of Vatnajökull Glacier near the Kristínartindar mountain peaks (1,126 metres). The waterfall’s name “Svartifoss” means “Black Falls” in Icelandic.
Hexagonal basalt columns: The waterfall’s most distinctive feature is the amphitheatre of dark hexagonal basalt columns forming the cliff face. These mostly six-sided columns reach 15-20 metres high and extend approximately 30 metres wide. The columns were formed approximately 300,000 years ago when lava flowed down the Skaftafellsheiði plain, filling an ancient riverbed. As the lava cooled extremely slowly, the rock contracted and fractured perpendicular to the cooling surface, creating the striking columnar formations.
Architectural inspiration: The basalt columns at Svartifoss inspired Icelandic State Architect Guðjón Samúelsson in designing Hallgrímskirkja church (Reykjavík’s iconic landmark) and the ceiling of Þjóðleikhúsið (Iceland’s National Theatre). The columns also influenced sculptor Richard Serra’s work “Milestones” on Viðey Island.
Sharp rocks at the base: The area below the waterfall features jagged rock fragments. New hexagonal column sections break off faster than the falling water erodes the edges, creating an accumulation of angular basalt pieces.
Forest and gorge: The trail passes through one of Iceland’s few native birch forests (Skaftafell is an oasis of vegetation amid the surrounding black volcanic sand plains and glaciers). The Bæjargil gorge containing Svartifoss features moss-covered rocks, small streams and the river Stórilækur cascading through multiple tiers.
Other waterfalls:
- Hundafoss: First waterfall encountered on the trail
- Magnúsarfoss: Larger waterfall visible from a dedicated viewpoint
- Þjófafoss: Small cascade near the parking area
Wildlife: Skaftafell hosts Arctic foxes (Iceland’s only native land mammal), though sightings are uncommon. Birds include ptarmigan, ravens, snow buntings and various waders.
Practical tips for visiting Svartifoss
| Tip |
|---|
| Arrive before 09:00 or after 17:00 to avoid tour group crowds. The trail can be busy mid-morning to mid-afternoon in summer. |
| Wear sturdy hiking boots. The trail includes steep sections, wooden steps and can be muddy or slippery, particularly after rain. |
| Bring layers and waterproof clothing. Weather changes rapidly in Iceland. Wind and spray from the waterfall can make conditions feel colder. |
| The waterfall is most impressive after heavy rain when water flow increases significantly. Check recent weather for optimal flow. |
| Download maps or photograph trail information at the visitor centre. Mobile phone coverage can be unreliable on the trail. |
| Respect fencing around the waterfall. The barriers protect fragile vegetation and prevent erosion. Do not venture beyond designated viewing areas. |
| Visit year-round for different experiences: green summer landscapes, autumn colours, winter snow/ice or spring waterfalls with snowmelt. |
| Winter hiking requires crampons or microspikes. Trails become icy and hazardous without proper footwear and equipment. |
Frequently asked questions about Svartifoss
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is Svartifoss suitable for children? | Yes, for children who can walk 3 kilometres (approximately 2 miles). The steady uphill requires reasonable fitness. Supervise children closely near cliff edges at the viewing platform. |
| Do you need a guide to visit Svartifoss? | No. The trail is well-marked and straightforward to follow independently. Guided tours are available but not necessary. |
| Can you visit Svartifoss in winter? | Yes. The trail remains accessible but requires crampons or microspikes for ice. Check weather forecasts. Winter hiking experience is advisable. |
| How difficult is the Svartifoss hike? | Easy to moderate. The trail involves steady uphill walking for 1.5 kilometres with approximately 150-200 metres elevation gain. Most reasonably fit visitors manage comfortably. |
| Is there a map? | Yes. Maps are available at the Skaftafell Visitor Centre and on information boards at the trailhead. The trail is clearly signposted throughout. |
| Can you get close to the waterfall? | The waterfall is now fenced for nature protection. Viewing is from a designated platform approximately 20-30 metres from the falls. This still provides excellent views and photographs. |
Alternative hikes from Skaftafell Visitor Centre
Skaftafellsjökull Glacier Trail: An easy 2.3-mile (3.7-kilometre) roundtrip walk to the terminus of Skaftafellsjökull outlet glacier. The well-marked flat trail takes 1-1.5 hours roundtrip. Offers close-up glacier views and glacial lagoon. Highly recommended if time permits.
Kristínartindar Trail: A more challenging 10-kilometre roundtrip hike across Skaftafellsheiði heath to the foot of Kristínartindar mountain (located between Skaftafellsjökull and Morsárjökull glaciers). Experienced hikers only. Allow 5-7 hours.
Sjónarnípa Viewpoint: Part of the longer 5.5-kilometre circular route from Svartifoss. Offers panoramic views of glaciers and valleys.
Sel Historic Turf House: Ruins of old turf farm structures in the Gömlutún (Old Hayfields) area. Short walk from visitor centre with interpretive signs explaining farming history.
All trails share the same trailhead at Skaftafell Visitor Centre. Trail maps available at the information desk.
Things to do near Svartifoss
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon (60 kilometres east, 45 minutes) is Iceland’s most famous glacial lagoon filled with icebergs calving from Breiðamerkurjökull glacier. Amphibian boat tours operate May-October offering close-up iceberg viewing. The adjacent Diamond Beach features icebergs washed onto black volcanic sand. Free access to viewing areas; boat tours charged. Allow 1.5-2 hours minimum.
Skógafoss (142 kilometres west, 1 hour 45 minutes) is a 60-metre-high, 25-metre-wide waterfall on Route 1. Viewing from the base is free. Stairway (over 500 steps) leads to the top for aerial views.
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach (155 kilometres west near Vík, 2 hours) features dramatic basalt columns, sea caves and the Reynisdrangar sea stacks. One of Iceland’s most photographed beaches. Warning: Dangerous “sneaker waves” can sweep visitors into the sea. Stay well back from the waterline.
Vík í Mýrdal (67 kilometres west, 50 minutes) is Iceland’s southernmost village with a picturesque red-roofed church, black sand beaches and striking coastal views. Popular base for south coast exploration.
Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon (87 kilometres west, 1 hour 15 minutes) is a 100-metre-deep, 2-kilometre-long moss-covered canyon carved by glacial meltwater. Walking trails along the rim offer spectacular views.
Höfn (130 kilometres east, 1 hour 30 minutes) is a fishing village known as Iceland’s “lobster capital.” The town offers accommodation, restaurants (famous for langoustine), supermarkets and petrol stations.
More Iceland travel
Other Iceland travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- In Reykjavik, should you book Perlan tickets in advance?
- Why buy Reykjavik Lava Show tickets in advance?
- How to spend 24 hours in Reykjavik.
- Do you have to pay to enter Hallgrimskirkja, Reykjavik?
- Plan your visit to the National Museum of Iceland.
