A Guide to Svartifoss

Most first-time visitors to Iceland will call in at Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss. Indeed, their position right on the ring road makes them hard to miss. But there’s another ‘S’ waterfall that you should include on your itinerary: Svartifoss. Every bit as stunning as its counterparts, this delightful landmark is a highlight of Skaftafell. Here’s what you need to know.

What makes Svartifoss worth checking out?

The name Svartifoss translates as Black Falls, and this is because this 20-metre-high waterfall is flanked by basalt columns. They’re almost symmetrical, giving the place a breathtaking quality, and when the water flows over the rock, it darkens the charcoal greys and browns of the basalt to black, hence the name. 

The hiking trail that you follow to reach the falls ends at a wooden platform. Though you can’t get right up to the waterfall, the viewpoint is close enough to see the detail yet far enough back to give you the full effect of that basalt column frame – and it’s truly breathtaking, even if you’ve seen other waterfalls along the way. There’s another silver lining in having to sit back away from the falls. It means you can take your own great photographs without others getting in your shots.

How was Svartifoss formed?

The basalt columns you see at Svartifoss are, of course, volcanic in origin. Geologists estimate they’ve been here for around 300,000 years. At that time, there was a volcanic eruption which caused lava to flow across the Skaftafellsheiði plain. The lava soon filled a space left by a river bed. 

As the lava cooled and contracted, it formed the characteristic hexagonal columns that you see today. The water that flows over these basalt columns is fed by a glacier. Svartifoss is part of the Stórilækur River, which begins its journey at the Svínafellsjökull glacier, one of the many outlet glaciers of mighty Vatnajökull. 

What to expect as you hike to Svartifoss

The shortest trail to Svartifoss is about 3.6 miles (5.8 kilometres). Though there are a few sections that are uphill or a little rocky, there’s nothing technically difficult, and it will be accessible to most visitors. Other, longer trails wind around the area offering views of nearby glaciers and mountain peaks. Details of these can be found on the Vatnajökull National Park website.

One of the pleasures of hiking to Svartifoss is that it’s not the only attraction along the way. Even on the shortest trail, you’ll be treated to views of three other waterfalls, whose names are Magnúsarfoss, Hundafoss, and Þjófafoss. These provide the perfect excuse to stop and take a breather as you snap a photograph.

What to wear when you visit Svartifoss

What you wear for Svartifoss, as with any other outdoor activity in Iceland, is dependent on the weather. As this changes frequently, you’ll appreciate the benefits of wearing clothes that can be layered so that you can add or subtract items as the temperature alters. As the hike is more than a stroll and partially uphill, wear clothes that can wick away moisture.

On top, be sure to wear or bring a waterproof jacket to keep you dry in the event of rain. The path is a little uneven in places, though nothing to trouble most visitors, so plan to wear shoes with a good grip and ankle support. Refill your water bottle before setting out so that you stay hydrated during this 90-minute out-and-back hike.

Tips for getting the most out of your stop at Svartifoss

The architect who designed Hallgrimskirkja in Reykjavik is said to have drawn his inspiration from the basalt columns that litter the country. So, we’d recommend you pay it a visit at the beginning or end of your road trip, especially if you’ve been to Svartifoss along the way. We’d also suggest you allow plenty of time for your Svartifoss stop so that you don’t have to rush past the area’s smaller waterfalls or the Selið turf farm, which dates back to 1912.

Getting there and parking 

Svartifoss is located in the Skaftafell Nature Reserve, which is part of the much larger Vatnajökull National Park. It’s about 200 miles from Reykjavik and around 87 miles from Vik, so you’re likely to have broken your journey already. The turn off for the Skaftafell Visitor Centre is clearly signed from the ring road, and parking (payable via the Parka app) costs 1000 ISK for a standard car.