Svartifoss

Why I recommend it

The waterfall itself is beautiful, but what makes Svartifoss so memorable is the whole experience of getting there. You gradually climb away from the visitor area, the landscape opens up around you, and then suddenly the waterfall appears between the black basalt columns. Those columns make it feel almost unreal. They look so geometric and deliberate that it is hard to believe they formed naturally, and they give Svartifoss a completely different character from Iceland’s bigger, more powerful waterfalls. It is not the tallest waterfall in the country, and definitely not the loudest, but somehow it is one of the most atmospheric. Svartifoss means “Black Falls”, a reference to the dark basalt columns surrounding it.

What to do

Take the full hike and do not rush it. The trail to Svartifoss is relatively short, but there is enough climbing to make it feel rewarding when you finally reach the waterfall. Once you are there, spend some time looking at the basalt walls as much as the water itself. If you have extra energy, continue on one of the longer Skaftafell routes instead of turning around immediately, the whole area is fantastic for hiking.

Good to know

The hike is not extremely long, but it is steeper than it first looks, especially if the weather is warm or you are carrying a lot. The path can also become slippery in rain, and conditions around Skaftafell can change quickly, so proper shoes and layers are a good idea. Also, this is a very popular hike. If you want a quieter experience, go early or later in the day rather than right in the middle of peak hours.