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Svartifoss Waterfall, also known as “The Black Waterfall,” is a hidden waterfall inside Skaftafell Nature Reserve. Its hexagonal basalt columns were formed during volcanic eruptions that happened thousands of years ago. Enjoy Svartifoss’ stunning landscapes surrounded by glaciers and volcanoes!
Svartifoss, or the Black Falls, is an extraordinary waterfall in Skaftafell Nature Reserve. It’s one of the most popular attractions in the area. Its pitch-black basalt columns background is an intense contrast to the white glaciers that dominate the area.
The waterfall is fed by a nearby glacier and the hexagonal columns in the background were formed in volcanic eruptions. The area is extremely fertile and Skaftafell Nature Reserve has always been considered as an oasis in the middle of ice and lava. Today, Svartifoss draws thousands of visitors each year to spectate its beauty, whether that’s admiring it via a hike or as part of a day tour adventure.
Svartifoss is fed by meltwater from the river Stórilækur that originates at the incredible Svínafellsjökull “Hollywood glacier”, an outlet glacier from Vatnajökull, the largest glacier in Europe. The river Stórilækur is 7.38 km long and runs all the way to the river Skaftafellsá.
The architect who designed Hallgrímskirkja Church in downtown Reykjavik, Guðjón Samúelsson, took great inspiration from Svartifoss. He was inspired by its basalt columns and the way they stack up on each side to frame. You can really see this in the design of the famous church tower.
Svartifoss was also an inspiration for the ceiling of the Icelandic National Theatre, which was designed by the same architect. The world-renowned sculptor Richard Serra drew his inspiration for his sculpture Milestones (located on the Viðey Island) from Svartifoss.
Church in Reykjavik
The iconic basalt columns that Svartifoss drops down from were formed when ancient lava flows cooled down at an incredibly slow pace, crystallizing the molten rock.
This type of hexagonal basalt column can be found in multiple places around Iceland. For example, you can see hexagonal basalt columns at Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, Litlanesfoss Waterfall, Arnarstapi on Snæfellsnes and the Gerðuberg Cliffs.
Svartifoss Waterfall
Svartifoss is located in Skaftafell Nature Reserve right off the famous Ring Road. Svartifoss is located 327 km (203 mi) from Reykjavík, 141 km (87,6 mi) from Vík and 313 km (194,4 mi) from Egilsstaðir.
GPS coordinates of Svartifoss: 64.0275° N, 16.9753° W
Driving from Reykjavík to Svartifoss will take about 4 hours and 10 minutes if you drive without stopping. We wouldn’t recommend driving the whole distance without a break since there are so many gorgeous attractions and stops to be visited along the South Coast.
Driving from Reykjavík you will pass the towns of Hveragerði, Selfoss, Hella and Hvolsvöllur before you reach the waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss. From there you drive through the town of Vík close to Reynisfjara, Dyrhólaey and the Ice Cave under the Katla Volcano!
As you continue driving you will cross Mýrdalssandur black sand beach and into Kirkjubæjarklaustur before you reach your destination at Skaftafell Visitor center and its car park.
The best way to get close to Svartifoss waterfall is to park your car at the Skaftafell Visitor Centre and hike to the viewing points of the falls.
Route to Svartifoss
The easiest path to hike to Svartifoss starts at the Skaftafell Visitor Center and is 5.5 km (3.4 mi) both ways.
If taking this path, you will walk through the camping ground and follow the trail uphill. Here you’ll reach a viewing point that provides you with a spectacular view of the basalt falls. From the viewing point, you can walk into the ravine and ascend the natural basalt steps on one side.
Hiking to Svartifoss
At this point, you can go further to the viewing point at Sjónarsker. Here you’ll get a good sense of direction and can see where the nearby attractions are located. Sjónarsker is about 310 meters (1017 ft) above sea level.
Heading to Svartifoss
On the way back you will visit an old turf house, Selið, and explore the way the Vikings used to live. You can also visit Lambhagi, another beautiful place inside Skaftafell. The name Lambhagi translates to “lamb meadow” as farmers used to milk sheep at this location and keep them and their lambs overnight.
Hiking to the stunning falls is fairly simple, but if you are traveling in winter you will want to be prepared. We’d recommend bringing crampons or shoes with sturdy soles, as whilst the path is well-marked, it can sometimes be slippery.
Svartifoss isn’t the only stunning waterfall you will find on the path leading from the camping ground. When hiking to Svartifoss you can easily stop for views of the waterfalls Magnúsarfoss and Hundafoss on the trail.
Hundafoss is the first waterfall you can see on the path to Svartifoss. Although not clearly visible, you will hear the stream and see the waterfall hiding behind the trees. The same goes for Magnúsarfoss, which can be seen from the East bank on the way to Svartifoss.
If you are looking for a challenge inside Skaftafell Nature Reserve, there is another great way to hike around Svartifoss. This trail is about 16.7 km (10.4 mi). It goes across Skaftafellsheiði heath to the foot of Kristínartindar – a mountain located between the two glaciers, Skaftafellsjökull and Morsárjökull. At Morsárjökull you will find Iceland’s highest waterfall, called Morsárfoss.
Hiking in Skaftafell Nature Reserve
There are plenty of ways to spend the night in Skaftafell Nature Reserve or near Svartifoss waterfall if you’re looking for somewhere to rewind after your day of exploring. Here are some of our top picks.
Svartifoss Waterfall
If you are looking to go camping in the area, Skaftafell is the ideal spot. Many local outdoor enthusiasts claim this as an ultimate favourite to spend the night.
Opening Hours: 1st of May to the 30th of September
Service available on site:
Opening Hours: 1st of May to the 30th of September
Service available on site:
Camping in Area
Don’t forget to bring your camera, you are going to want to document this!
Be mindful of the slippery rocks around the waterfall and please follow the signs and the rules the park rangers have set to keep both you and the fragile nature safe.
Don’t miss out on the other waterfalls, Hundafoss and Magnúsarfoss.
Do a glacier hike, you are just too close to Europe’s largest glacier to miss out on the opportunity of touching its glacial ice!
Landscape of Skaftafell
If you are there in summer:
Have a picnic in the fertile oasis between glaciers and volcanoes, there are so many benches and other nice places in the national park and in good weather it truly is a memorable experience.
If you are there in winter:
Make sure you visit one of the many Ice Caves that can be found near Svartifoss in wintertime. You will need to join a guided tour but the day tours aren’t expensive and the experience is like no other.
Vatnajökull National Park and Skaftafell Nature Reserve are true paradises in every season, but the areas are perfect in winter. With all its Ice Caves and Glacier Hiking options, adventurous souls are sure to have plenty to do!
Svartifoss in Winter
Svartifoss waterfall is often accessible in winter and is incredibly beautiful. Just be sure you are properly dressed in warm clothes and sturdy-soled shoes with ice peaks or a good grip.
We also recommend asking the park rangers or the people working at the information desk inside the Skaftafell Visitor Center about the trail before setting off, just to be s
