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Skaftafell is a nature reserve in Iceland, also called the gateway to Vatnajökull National Park. The area is known for glaciers, waterfalls, and hiking trails. Once an independent national park, Skaftafell merged into Vatnajökull in 2008, becoming one of Iceland’s most visited nature reserves. Covering 4,807 km² (1,856 mi2) in Southeast Iceland, it features glaciers like Falljökull, the basalt-columned Svartifoss Waterfall, and Iceland’s highest peak, Hvannadalshnjúkur.
As the main departure point for glacier hikes and ice cave tours, Skaftafell connects visitors directly to Vatnajökull’s icy realm. Located along the Ring Road between Kirkjubæjarklaustur and Höfn, it’s a year-round base for hiking, climbing, and glacier adventures. There are dozens of hiking trails found inside the park, both easy walking trails and challenging treks. This is why you can find some of Iceland’s best hikes in Skaftafell.
Hikers enjoy a clear autumn day in Skaftafell. Photo by Gunnar Gaukur.
Skaftafell is a lush pocket of greenery and a protected area within Vatnajökull National Park, set between vast glaciers and black sand plains. Once a separate national park, Skaftafell became part of Vatnajökull in 2008, yet remains distinct from the glacier itself.
Skaftafell’s protected status dates back to September 15, 1967, when Skaftafell National Park was first established, covering about 500 km² (193 sq mi). It was later expanded twice — to 1,600 km² (618 sq mi) in 1984 and 4,807 km² (1,856 sq mi) in 2004 — before merging with Vatnajökull National Park.
The area has birch woodlands, lava fields, river valleys, and glacier outlets like Falljökull, all lying beneath Hvannadalshnjúkur, Iceland’s highest peak. It’s both a peaceful nature reserve and the main base for glacier tours inside Vatnajökull.
Here’s how Skaftafell, Vatnajökull, and their glaciers connect:
Together, they create one of Iceland’s most diverse landscapes — where volcanoes, forests, and glaciers meet.
Skaftafell’s dramatic landscape has been shaped by the relentless forces of ice, water, and fire. Glaciers carved the valleys, while glacial rivers — Skeiðará, Morsá, and Skaftafellsá — sculpted the plains below. For centuries, fertile meadows supported farms and a small community around the old Skaftafell manor.
That peace ended in 1362, when the Öræfajökull volcano erupted in Iceland’s largest recorded pumice explosion, destroying nearby settlements in the region once known as Litla Hérað. The area was renamed Öræfi, meaning “wasteland.” Another eruption followed in 1727, but over time nature reclaimed the slopes, and farming resumed on higher ground as floods from the Skeiðará River eroded the plains.
By 1960, conservationists proposed protection for the area. Skaftafell National Park was officially established on September 15, 1967, with farmer Ragnar Stefánsson appointed its first ranger. In 2008, it merged into Vatnajökull National Park, which became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2019 for its exceptional geological and glacial landscapes. (source: official Vatnajökull National Park website).
Falljökull Glacier spilling down from Vatnajökull, with layers of ash and ice. Photographed by Gunnar Gaukur for Arctic Adventures.
Skaftafell’s landscape is shaped by the meeting of fire and ice. The Skaftafellsjökull and Falljökull glacier tongues descend from the mighty Vatnajökull ice cap, carving deep valleys and leaving moraines in their wake.
At the glaciers' base spreads Skeiðarársandur, a vast black outwash plain formed by ancient jökulhlaups—glacial floods triggered by volcanic eruptions beneath the ice. Beneath these dramatic surfaces lie millions of years of volcanic bedrock, layered with ash, lava, and sediment from eruptions of Öræfajökull and Grímsvötn.
Lush greenery thrives beneath Skaftafell’s peaks.
Skaftafell’s ecosystems thrive as a green oasis amid glaciers and volcanic plains. Within Vatnajökull National Park, meltwater from the Morsárjökull glacier nourishes the fertile Morsárdalur valley, where birch and rowan trees grow beside the rare natural forest of Bæjarstaðarskógur.
Around 250 plant species and 30 bird species have been recorded here, including mosses, angelica, and hardy alpine flowers that blanket the moraines in summer. Birdlife is rich—golden plovers, snipes, and ravens nest among the slopes—while the fierce great skua patrols higher ground. Occasionally, a field mouse, mink, or even the elusive Arctic fox appears along the park’s quieter trails.
Skaftafell is known for great weather, as sits in a mild maritime subarctic climate, warmer and drier than most of South Iceland. Sheltered by the towering Öræfajökull volcano, it enjoys a unique microclimate where sunshine is more common and snow rarely lingers long. Average winter temperatures range from –7°C to –2°C (19°F to 28°F), while summers stay cool at 6°C to 8°C (43°F to 47°F).
Precipitation averages around 1,200–1,400 mm (47–55 in) annually, with rain more frequent than frost. Thanks to its shelter and low snow cover, most lowland trails remain open year-round—making Skaftafell one of Iceland’s best hiking areas even in winter.
Average Daylight in Skaftafell:
Source: Icelandic Meteorological Office, Vatnajökull National Park, and Journal of Glaciology (2020).
Guided glacier hike departing from Skaftafell, surrounded by lush summer landscapes. Photo by Gunnar Gaukur.
Skaftafell is both a hub for independent hiking and a gateway to guided glacier adventures. Well-marked trails lead through birch woods, lava fields, and mountain viewpoints to landmarks like Svartifoss Waterfall and Sjónarnípa lookout. For those seeking adventure, guided glacier hikes and ice cave tours depart from the huts around the Skaftafellsstofa Visitor Centre.
Svartifoss Waterfall framed by striking basalt columns in Skaftafell. Photo credit: Gunnar Gaukur.
Skaftafell earns its nickname as a hiker’s paradise through the network of trails weaving across its slopes. Skaftafell hiking trails are clearly marked and vary from easy glacier walks to challenging mountain routes.
Sjónarnípa Trail (S5) – 6.5 km (4 mi), about 2–2.5 hours. This scenic hike begins at the visitor center and climbs gently toward a panoramic viewpoint above Skaftafellsjökull. From the top, you’ll see the shifting glacier below, with the jagged peaks of Kristínartindar and the white crown of Hrútfjallstindar on the horizon.
Skaftafellsjökull Trail (S1) – 3.7 km (2.3 mi), about 1–1.5 hours. An easy, family-friendly walk from the parking area to a breathtaking viewpoint over the glacier tongue and its meltwater lagoon.
Svartifoss Waterfall Hike (S2) – 5.5 km (3.4 mi), 1.5–2 hrs. Skaftafell’s most iconic trail winds uphill past Hundafoss and Magnúsarfoss waterfalls before reaching Svartifoss, the “black waterfall.” Its slender cascade drops before a wall of hexagonal basalt columns — a natural design so striking it inspired Reykjavík’s Hallgrímskirkja church.
Skaftafellsheiði Loop (S3) – 16.7 km (10.4 mi), 5–6 hrs. This challenging loop combines rolling hills, birch woods, and glacier-edge vistas in a single circuit. The path climbs above the reserve, offering sweeping views over Skeiðarársandur’s black plains and the vast ice tongues of Vatnajökull below — a full-day favorite for seasoned hikers.
Kristínartindar Trail (S4) – 17.9 km (11.1 mi), 6–8 hours. The toughest of Skaftafell’s routes, this high-alpine climb rewards experienced hikers with sweeping views over Vatnajökull, Morsárdalur Valley, and the South Coast far below.
Svartifoss–Sjónarnípa Combination (S6) – 7.1 km (4.4 mi), 2.5–3 hrs. A challenging circuit that combines Skaftafell’s two highlights in one hike: the famous Svartifoss waterfall and the Sjónarnípa glacier overlook. Expect moderate elevation gain and a constantly changing backdrop of waterfalls, woodland, and ice.
Gömlutún Nature Trail (S7) – 1.6 km (1 mi), 30–60 min. A short interpretive loop near the visitor center, dotted with signs explaining Skaftafell’s flora, geology, and history. Perfect for a gentle stroll or families with young kids wanting to explore nature without venturing far.
Bæjarstaðarskógur & Morsárdalur Valley Trails (M1–M3) – Distance: 15–20 km (9–12 mi), 5–7 hrs. These longer routes explore Skaftafell’s wilder side — through birch forests, open plains, and along glacial rivers. Ideal for solitude seekers, the trails lead into Morsárdalur Valley, where Iceland’s tallest waterfall, Morsárfoss, cascades from the glacier in the distance.
Skaftafell Hiking Tips
Exploring the Crevasse Labyrinth on Vatnajökull Glacier — photo from Arctic Adventures tour.
Skaftafell is one of Iceland’s top hubs for glacier adventures, offering easy access to Vatnajökull’s outlet glaciers. Just steps from the Skaftafell Visitor Centre, Arctic Adventures operates its Glacier Hiking Center hut, where visitors can join guided tours led by certified glacier experts.
Options range from short, beginner-friendly glacier walks to full-day climbs across dramatic ice ridges and crevasses. Booking in advance is required.
Top Glacier Hikes from Skaftafell:
Glacier Wonders – 3 km (1.8 mi), 1.5 hours. A perfect introduction to glacier hiking on the Falljökull outlet. This short, guided walk takes you across ancient ice shaped like frozen waves, where shades of blue and white shift with every step. Ideal for beginners and families.
Glacier Explorer – 8 km (5 mi), 4–5 hours, 350–400 m (1,150–1,300 ft) elevation gain. A longer, more adventurous route that ventures deeper into Vatnajökull’s outlet glacier. Expect narrow crevasses, shimmering ice formations, and stunning views across the surrounding mountains — a favorite among returning hikers.
Glacier Xtreme – 8 km (5 mi), 4–5 hours. Designed for thrill-seekers, this guided adventure combines glacier hiking with introductory ice climbing. No experience is required — only a sense of adventure. Step off the ground and scale icy walls with ropes, crampons, and axes provided by your guide.
Crevasse Labyrinth: A Glacier Maze in Skaftafell – 4–5 hours. Scouted in 2025 by Arctic Adventures, this exclusive guided route explores a surreal network of glacial crevasses rarely seen by visitors. Navigate through towering walls of ice that twist and narrow like a natural maze, revealing new shades of blue at every turn.
Inside the Skaftafell Blue Ice Cave, September 2025 — photo by Arctic Adventures.
Each winter, the glaciers of Skaftafell reveal a hidden shallow spaces beneath the ice. Guided ice cave tours give visitors a rare chance to step inside these frozen chambers, where meltwater and pressure sculpt translucent blue walls that change every season.
The caves are only accessible with guided ice cave tours including safety gear — available through Arctic Adventures’ Skaftafell base camp.
Ice caving season in Skaftafell typically runs from October to April, when the ice is most stable. Tours are small-group and combine a short glacier hike with an unforgettable journey into the heart of Vatnajökull. Tour schedules are set by Vatnajökull National Park authorities and depend on weather conditions.
Top Ice Cave Tour from Skaftafell:
Skaftafell Blue Ice Cave & Glacier Hike Tour — Duration: 4 hours; Season: November–April; Difficulty: Moderate
Explore a natural blue ice cave within the Falljökull outlet of Vatnajökull Glacier. Led by certified glacier guides, this small-group experience includes all safety equipment and a short hike on the glacier itself.
Other Ice Caves Nearby in Vatnajökull Region (for travelers continuing east)
Skaftafell camping zone.
Skaftafell’s large campground sits right beside the visitor center and stays open all year. It can accommodate up to 400 tents, with designated areas for campervans and trailers offering electric hookups. Facilities include flush toilets, showers, washing machines, dryers, and accessible restrooms.
Visitors must register and pay on arrival, as reservations are only accepted for groups. The campsite is divided into zones (A–H), with Zones A and C open during winter to protect the terrain. While there’s no indoor dining area, outdoor dishwashing sinks and covered service stations are available.
Food and fuel can be found nearby in Freysnes, about 5 km (3.1 mi) away. Expect to pay around 2,500 ISK per person per night, depending on the season — a small price for waking up under Vatnajökull’s glacier peaks.
Skaftafell lies between the village of Kirkjubæjarklaustur (Klaustur) and the town of Höfn in Hornafjörður, within the Öræfi preservation area of southeast Iceland. It sits on the eastern edge of the South Coast, where the vast black plains of Skeiðarársandur meet the icy outlets of Vatnajökull Glacier. Located about 319 km (198 mi) from Reykjavík along the Ring Road, Skaftafell is a natural stopover between the capital and the Eastfjords.
GPS coordinates of Skaftafell: 64.0704° N, 16.9752° W
Paved road leads to Skaftafell from Reykjavik.
Reaching Skaftafell is straightforward, with Iceland’s Ring Road (Route 1) connecting the reserve to every major town along the South Coast. The drive alone is an adventure—passing waterfalls, black beaches, and glacial plains before reaching Vatnajökull’s icy foothills.
By car: Follow the Ring Road east from Reykjavík, passing the famous waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss along the way. Beyond Vík and Kirkjubæjarklaustur, the road opens onto the vast Skeiðarársandur outwash plain before signs lead you straight to Skaftafell.
In winter, allow an extra 30–40 minutes for icy or windy conditions. Parking and facilities are available year-round at the Skaftafell Visitor Centre.
By public bus: Public bus #51 (Strætó) runs between Reykjavík and Höfn, with stops at Skaftafell almost daily (except Wednesdays and Saturdays). The trip takes 6–7 hours, depending on road conditions. A one-way ticket costs around 6,700 ISK, though seasonal discounts may apply.
By tours: Several guided tours from Reykjavík include Skaftafell as part of a South Coast or glacier adventure itinerary. You can join glacier hikes, ice cave tours, or multi-day packages that combine Skaftafell with nearby attractions like Svartifoss Waterfall, Reynisfjara Beach, and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon.
Exploring Skaftafell in summer 2025 on a guided tour. Photo: Gunnar Gaukur.
No matter the season, Skaftafell never fails to impress. Summer, winter, or shoulder months—the landscape may change with the weather, but its beauty remains striking and powerful.
Summer in Skaftafell is perfect for hiking, camping, and glacier adventures. Long daylight hours—up to 20–22 hours in June and July—let you explore well into the evening. Trails like Svartifoss and Sjónarnípa are at their best, while guided glacier hikes on Falljökull and Skaftafellsjökull depart daily, offering safe access to the ice year-round. Expect mild temperatures between 6–10°C (43–50°F), occasional showers, and clear views across the South Coast.
Winter transforms Skaftafell into a frozen wonderland of glaciers and snow. It’s the top season for ice caving and winter glacier walks on Vatnajökull’s outlets. Expect temperatures between –7°C and –2°C (19–28°F), 4–6 hours of daylight, and frequent snowfall. While higher hiking routes close, guided glacier tours continue daily, and the contrast of blue ice against snow is spectacular.
April and October mark transition periods, when lower trails reopen and glacier tours remain available year-round. Melting snow brings muddy paths, while crisp air and fewer crowds make for peaceful exploration. Expect temperatures around 4–6°C (39–43°F) and 80–100 mm (3–4 in) of rainfall. These shoulder months are ideal if you want to combine hiking, early Northern Lights sightings, and quieter glacier walks with fewer travelers on the trails.
Guide briefing tour group by the Skaftafell Visitor Centre. Photo from Arctic Adventures tour.
The Skaftafell Visitor Centre (Skaftafellsstofa) is open year-round. It’s where rangers help travelers plan hikes, learn about glacier safety, and explore local nature through exhibits. The visitor center also features a small shop with Icelandic handicrafts and trail maps, plus accessible restrooms and parking.
Opening Hours:
Facilities include accessible toilets, showers, and wide, well-compacted walking paths to Skaftafellsjökull Glacier. From the visitor centre, guests can join guided glacier tours, pick up maps for hiking routes like Svartifoss or Morsárdalur, and get updates on trail conditions.
> Practical Tip: The nearest food and fuel services are at a small service area and farmstead Freysnes, 5 km (3 mi) east of Skaftafell, while camping and motorhome sites are available beside the visitor centre (spots can’t be reserved).
Fjallsárlón Glacier Lagoon, just a short drive from Skaftafell. Photographed by Arctic Adventures.
Skaftafell is just one chapter in the story of Iceland’s South Coast. Beyond the reserve, waterfalls, black sand beaches, and striking geological formations await, ready to be explored on guided tours or self-drive adventures:
Svartifoss Waterfall—One of Skaftafell’s signature sights, this slender cascade tumbles before a striking backdrop of dark basalt columns. Their geometric beauty even inspired the design of Reykjavík’s Hallgrímskirkja church.
Hundafoss waterfall—Nestled in Skaftafell, roughly halfway between Svartifoss and the visitor center, this 24 m (78 ft) cascade makes a perfect detour on the waterfall trail. Its full charm emerges in summer, when the surrounding rocks and terrain are draped in a vibrant cloak of moss and foliage.
Skaftafellsjökull glacier—An offshoot of Vatnajökull edging the slopes of the protected area. Like many other glaciers in the country, Skaftafellsjökull is slowly retreating, leaving a lagoon at its tip where pale icebergs drift in crystal meltwater.
Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon—A lake along the Ring Road, Route 1, where the blue waters and white icebergs create a colorful contrast. A must-see sight, Jökulsárlón’s unique beauty is part of many South Coast itineraries. Visitors can book a kayaking or boat tour to explore the formation’s uniqueness firsthand.
Diamond Beach—A striking black-sand shoreline scattered with ice chunks that glitter like crystals in the sunlight. Its close connection and proximity to Jökulsárlón make Diamond Beach an easy two-for-one stop for first-time visitors to Iceland.
Fjallsárlón lagoon—A less crowded alternative to Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. But Fjallsárlón still holds up to its famous brother in the visual department. Snowy blocks dot the lake’s rippling surface, while an outlet of Vatnajökull crashes down, framed in between barren mountain peaks.
Kirkjubæjarklaustur village—An inviting stop along Route 1, popular for an overnight stay before venturing into Vatnajökull National Park. Beyond its famously tongue-twisting name, the Kirkjubæjarklaustur village is home to Kirkjugólf, the striking natural basalt columns that resemble a giant church floor.
Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon—A dramatic ravine near Kirkjubæjarklaustur on the South Coast. While many know Fjaðrárgljúfur from Justin Bieber’s “I’ll Show You” video, its 2 km (1.25 mi) winding gorge and 100 m (328 ft) cliffs reveal a fairytale landscape best experienced on foot.
Skeiðarársandur sand plain—A sprawling expanse of black sand shaped by glacier meltwater. Route 1 slices through the plain, linking Skaftafell with Kálfafell and Kirkjubæjarklaustur. Even in this stark Icelandic landscape, life persists in small tufts of resilient grass.
Countryside Adventure Hotel Hof. Photo by Arctic Adventures.
Accommodations in Skaftafell itself are limited to the basics: camping. Outside the reserve area, there are more options, with hotels starting to appear along Route 1.
Adventure Hotel Hof – 19 km (12 mi) from Skaftafell
Nestled beneath Öræfajökull, this three-star stay offers 45 cozy rooms, some with private bathrooms. Breakfast and dinner feature locally sourced produce, making it an ideal stop between Skaftafell and Höfn.
Adventure Hotel Geirland – 69 km (43 mi) from Skaftafell
Set near Kirkjubæjarklaustur, Adventure Hotel Geirland offers 40 comfortable rooms surrounded by South Iceland’s wilderness. A great base for families and travelers exploring waterfalls, canyons, and glaciers along the South Coast.
Hotel Skaftafell – 5 km (3 mi) from Skaftafell
This family-run hotel overlooks the Svínafellsjökull glacier outlet and offers 63 rooms with private bathrooms, TVs, Wi-Fi, and sweeping glacier views. A reliable choice for small groups or solo travelers.
Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon – 29 km (18 mi) from Skaftafell
A sleek, modern hotel located between Skaftafell and Jökulsárlón. Its design, fine-dining restaurant, and mountain views make it one of the most luxurious stays in the region.
Skaftafell Campground – 0 km (on-site)
Located beside the Skaftafell Visitor Centre, this year-round campsite accommodates about 400 tents and camper vans with electric hookups. Facilities include showers, toilets, and washing stations. Reservations for groups can be made in advance.
Skaftafell lies in Southeast Iceland, along the South Coast within Vatnajökull National Park. It’s positioned between the villages of Kirkjubæjarklaustur and Höfn, at the foot of Vatnajökull Glacier, Europe’s largest ice cap. Its proximity to the Ring Road (Route 1) makes it an easy and scenic stop on any drive around Iceland.
Skaftafell is best known for its diverse hiking trails, glacier tours, and striking green scenery. It’s home to Svartifoss Waterfall, framed by dark basalt columns that inspired Reykjavík’s Hallgrímskirkja Church. The area also serves as a base for guided glacier walks and ice cave tours on the outlets of Vatnajökull.
Skaftafell, in Iceland’s southeast, lies 327 km (203 mi) from Reykjavík. Connecting the two is Route 1, which passes through the entirety of the South Coast. During good weather and in the summer, the drive can be completed in around 5 hours.
There are three ways to reach Skaftafell from Reykjavík: by car, public bus, or guided tour. Drivers follow Route 1 along the South Coast until signs point to the reserve. Public transport travelers can take bus 51 from Reykjavík to Höfn, which stops here once daily, except on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Many guided tours include Skaftafell as part of their South Coast or Ring Road itineraries.
Skaftafell Nature Reserve offers a mix of independent hikes and guided glacier adventures. Popular hikes include Svartifoss Waterfall, Sjónarnípa viewpoint, and Kristínartindar Peak. Year-round glacier walks on Falljökull and Skaftafellsjökull, plus winter-only ice cave tours, make it one of Iceland’s top outdoor destinations.
Yes — but only in winter (typically October–April) and with a certified glacier guide. Ice caves near Skaftafell, such as the Skaftafell Blue Ice Cave and the Crystal Ice Cave, reform each year as meltwater refreezes. Conditions are monitored for safety, and tours include helmets, crampons, and other gear.
Plan at least one full day to enjoy Skaftafell’s main trails and viewpoints, such as Svartifoss or Skaftafellsjökull Glacier. To include a guided glacier hike or ice cave tour, stay two days — allowing for weather flexibility and a fuller experience of Vatnajökull National Park.
Accommodation options range from campsites beside the visitor center to hotels and guesthouses within 5–30 km (3–18 mi). Nearby stays include Hotel Skaftafell (5 km), Adventure Hotel Hof (19 km), and Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon (29 km). For budget travelers, the Skaftafell campground is open year-round with facilities for tents and camper vans.
