Svartifoss Waterfall Hike: The Complete Guide

Are you planning on hiking Svartifoss waterfall? Here’s our complete hiking guide, including top tips and everything you need to know!

If you’re like us and love hiking and getting outside in nature, you probably want to do as many hikes in Iceland as possible. At least, that’s exactly what we told ourselves when we last went to Iceland, and boy, did we try to stick to it!

There were some occasions where we just didn’t have it in us to do another really long hike, which is one of the reasons why we love Svartifoss so much! 

It’s the kind of short and sweet hike that’s easy to fit into a couple of hours, doesn’t burn your legs too much, and is also super fun! Plus, you get to see one of Iceland’s most impressive waterfalls at the end, so what’s not to love!

We hiked this trail in June, but you can actually do it all year round (provided there’s not a huge storm – nobody should be hiking in that weather!). 

So, if you’re planning on hiking Svartifoss waterfall, here’s everything you need to know about the trail!

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Quick Overview

• Location: Skaftafell, Vatnajökull National Park
• Difficulty: Easy–moderate
• Distance: 2.63 miles round-trip
• Duration: 1–2 hours
• Trail type: Out-and-back
• Elevation gain: Around 120 metres
• Best time to visit: May–September (but accessible most year-round)

How to Get to Svartifoss

Svartifoss is located in Skaftafell National Park, one of the most beautiful National Parks in Iceland. It’s technically along the south coast, but it is quite far east and will take you around 4 hours to reach here from Reykjavik. 

By far the easiest way to get to Svartifoss is to drive. When we visited, we drove down from where we were staying the night before in Vik. 

It’s a pretty easy drive along Route 1 (the Ring Road), and you shouldn’t find it too difficult most of the time. However, if you’re visiting in winter, be extra careful, as the stretch of road after Kirkjubæjarklaustur can get super windy. 

The first time we drove this route in Iceland was in March. This was actually the windiest of all of our drives in Iceland, and many tour buses had been forced to pull over.

We took it slow and steady and eventually made it, but you need to be extra careful if the weather is bad.

But, on a normal day or if you’re visiting Iceland in summer, you shouldn’t have a problem with this drive at all.

Parking and Facilities at Skaftafell

Being one of the largest National Parks in Iceland, it only seems natural that Skaftafell has quite a large visitor centre. You’ll find several car parks, a toilet block, a cafe, a few outdoor food trucks, a campsite, and a picnic area. 

Despite this, it didn’t feel too busy when we visited. There were definitely other people on the trail, but it wasn’t crowded compared to places like the Golden Circle.

Because the park is quite big and there are lots of different trails and activities, everyone was pretty spread out. 

But the good thing is, if the hike makes you peckish, it’s pretty easy to find a sandwich and a good cup of coffee to reward yourself with afterwards!

The Svartifoss Hiking Trail

We really enjoyed this hike. It starts pretty steeply as you almost immediately head uphill from the car park. From there, you’ll keep heading steadily upwards with a few twists and turns along the way. 

You’ll be walking mostly on a hiking path at this point, so it’s not rocky underfoot. There are also several sections of stairs you’ll need to climb.

Before long, you’ll pass a few other waterfalls on the right, which all come down from the river. There are a few viewpoints here where you can stop and have a look. 

Also, by this point, the views behind you over the valley are getting quite impressive. So, if you need to catch your breath, you can always say you’re admiring the view!

After a little while longer, the path flattens out and widens. Here, you’ll have sweeping views over the valley, and you’ll get your first glimpse of Svartifoss in the distance.

Continue over a few boardwalks, and this time the path heads down a little as you get closer to the waterfall.

It’s also a little rockier here, so you’ll need to watch your footing. 

And then you’ll arrive at Svartifoss!

The Waterfall

Once you get here, you’ll find a small bridge where you can continue the hike if you have time, or simply the metal viewpoint to the waterfall. 

There is a small seating area where you can have a little rest and admire the view. Once you’re done, simply head back to the car park the way you came.

Hiking Svartifoss in Winter

We did this hike in June, but it’s also possible to do it in winter. But, as with any winter activity in Iceland, it requires a little more preparation. 

The trail is usually open year-round (weather permitting), and the landscape looks incredible under a layer of ice and snow – especially the black basalt columns.

However, the path can get icy, particularly on the first uphill stretch and the final descent to the viewing platforms. 

We highly, highly recommend bringing microspikes or crampons you can slip onto your boots, as they make the hike so much safer and more enjoyable.

You’ll also want to allow a little more time than you would in summer, since the snow can slow you down. And of course, daylight hours are much shorter in the winter months, so plan to start early in the day to avoid rushing back in the dark. 

The national park does a great job maintaining the paths, but it can close during storms or periods of heavy ice, so check conditions before you set off.

Despite the extra preparation, we honestly think winter is one of the most beautiful seasons to hike here.

Plus, if you’re lucky, you might even have the trail almost entirely to yourself!

Other Things to do in Skaftafell

Skaftafell is one of those incredible places in Iceland where you could easily spend an entire day (or two!) exploring. There’s so much more here than just Svartifoss. 

One of our favourite things to do is walk to the Skaftafellsjökull glacier viewpoint. It’s a super easy, mostly flat trail that takes you right up to the edge of the glacier lagoon, and the views are incredible. 

This is also one of the best places in Iceland to join a glacier hike. The guides here are fantastic, and if you’ve never walked on a glacier before, this is the perfect place to try it.

You can also visit the small turf-roofed church at the foot of the mountains, take one of the longer hiking trails deeper into Vatnajökull National Park. 

And, of course, you could also head to the famous Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach further along the Ring Road.

It’s one of the most beautiful regions in the country, and no matter how many times we visit, it never gets old.

❤️ This is the glacier hike we recommend – remember to book in advance!

FAQs

Is Svartifoss Hard to Hike?

We didn’t find it too hard. Don’t get me wrong, I was definitely a little breathless at some points, but for the most part, it wasn’t difficult. 

It’s not a very long trail, so most people should be able to complete it, but you’ll definitely need a little bit of endurance because of the steepness of some of the paths.

Nonetheless, compared to other hikes in Iceland, like Glymur and Mount Blahnukur, it’s very easy.

What Should I Wear?

Even though it’s not a tricky hike, we still recommend coming prepared. Icelandic weather can be unpredictable and can also change at the drop of a hat. 

We had both rain and sunshine when we hiked Svartifoss, and we visited in June, so it’s very important to bring waterproofs no matter the time of year you travel. 

You’ll also need to wear good hiking boots. Even though the trail is mostly a hiking path, there is a rocky section towards the end, and you’ll want to protect your feet and ankles. 

It’s also a good idea to bring a bottle of water to stay hydrated.

Are There Places to Eat Nearby?

There aren’t tons of restaurants in this part of Iceland, but you definitely won’t go hungry. Inside the Skaftafell Visitor Centre, there’s a small café that serves hot drinks, soup, sandwiches, and pastries, the perfect post-hike fuel.

If you’re happy to drive a short distance, there are a few more options along the Ring Road. Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon has a lovely restaurant (a bit more on the upscale side), and Hofn has several cafés and restaurants like this place. 

We usually pack snacks or a packed lunch for days like this, because it’s so much easier when you’re doing multiple hikes or exploring a lot of viewpoints. But if you do want a proper meal, there are a few options nearby.

Are There Places to Stay Nearby?

Yes – and we think staying near Skaftafell is actually a fantastic idea if you want to explore the area without rushing. 

The closest option is the Hotel Skaftafell, which is just a few minutes from the visitor centre. A little further along the road, Adventure Hotel Hof is another popular choice, especially if you like quieter, more rustic places.

If you’re looking for something a bit more stylish, Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon is gorgeous – we love this hotel. It’s perfectly located between Skaftafell and the Glacier Lagoon, so it’s a great base if you’re also planning to visit Jökulsárlón or Diamond Beach.

And of course, you can always stay in Vik or Höfn, depending on which direction you’re travelling on the Ring Road, but do keep in mind that both towns are around 2 hours away, so they’re not ideal if you want to explore Skaftafell in depth.

🏨 Check out our top recommendations for places to stay near Jokulsarlon.

Final Thoughts: Is Svartifoss Worth it?

Yes, definitely! We really enjoyed this hike, and it’s one of the most unique waterfalls in Iceland. Svartifoss is well worth a stop along the Ring Road. 

Plus, because it’s not a particularly long or challenging hike, it’s the perfect option for families or those who have pretty packed itineraries – which I know we did last time we drove the Ring Road!

If you’re planning on going hiking in Iceland, don’t forget to check out all our other hiking guides! And any questions? Ask in our Facebook Group!

👉 Need a place to stay? Check out our favourite hotels near Jokulsarlon!

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