Iceland is known for its stunning landscapes, and one of the most beautiful natural attractions in the country is the Svartifoss waterfall. You can find this waterfall in Vatnajökull National Park in the south of Iceland, within the Skaftafell nature reserve. It is not so much the waterfall itself that makes it special, but especially what you can see around it. With its unique basalt columns and black color, it is absolutely a waterfall that you must include in your round trip through Iceland!
The name comes from the dark basalt columns over which the water flows. These columns were formed by slow cooling of lava, which caused hexagonal shapes to emerge. The result? A kind of natural organ made of stone. The waterfall is not gigantic high (20 meters), but due to those columns it does look very special.
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Svartifoss Waterfall: a natural beauty
After a walk of about 45 minutes through the park, you arrive at Svartifoss. The route to the waterfall from the Skaftafell Visitor Centre is about 2 km. The waterfall has an impressive appearance, with its basalt rock formations that resemble a huge organ with vertically arranged columns. The water plunges down from a height of 20 meters and forms a magnificent spectacle. At the bottom of the waterfall lie broken pieces of stone and there is a nice plateau created where you can take beautiful photos (like the photo at the top of the blog).
A source of inspiration for architects
The Svartifoss waterfall has not only inspired nature lovers. Architects are also crazy about the shapes of these basalt rocks. The famous Hallgrímskirkja church in Reykjavik is even inspired by it, just like the National Theater and the church in Akureyri. So it is not just any waterfall, but a place that is also defining for Icelandic culture and architecture. Especially fun to recognize when you are in Reykjavik!
The Svartifoss hike: how difficult is it?
The walk to Svartifoss is about 3.2 kilometers there and back and takes on average 45 to 60 minutes. The first part is quite steep, after that the path becomes flatter and easier. The route is officially called the S5 trail.
👟 You don’t need mountain shoes, but sturdy hiking shoes are nice to have.
⏱️ With children or photo stops, you should count on a bit longer.
Is it difficult? Not really. Everyone with a reasonable fitness level can do this. We also regularly encounter older hikers along the way.
Different routes to reach Svartifoss
The walk starts at the visitor center. You walk uphill through a beautiful green area with a view of the glacier in the distance. After about 10 minutes, you come to the first waterfall: Magnúsarfoss. A bit further on, you can also see Hundafoss, which is clearly visible via a bridge.
There are different ways to reach Svartifoss, depending on your preferences and physical condition. The most popular way is by taking a walk of about 45 minutes from the parking lot. You park your car here too (see the image below, the parking is indicated there). The path is well marked with handy information signs, although some parts can be a bit steep (especially at the beginning!).
Keep right when you start your walk.
On the way you encounter 2 waterfalls: Hundafoss & Magnúsarfoss
Your walk to Svartifoss is extra fun because you encounter two other waterfalls along the way:
- Hundafoss – A powerful waterfall just below the hiking trail. Especially impressive after rain or in spring.
- Magnúsarfoss – Smaller, but nicely located and quiet. Fewer tourists, so ideal for a short photo stop.
Many people walk right past them, but they are really worth it.
Tip: don’t take the same route back
Not unimportant: the way back. You can walk back the same route, but you can also make a loop out of it. Then you see the Hundafoss waterfall once more from the other side, and you also walk back down the mountain through a beautiful open area. This provides nice variety in your walk. Important is to turn left when you walk back from the waterfall. This way you make a nice loop of your walk.
Where is Svartifoss located in Iceland?
The Svartifoss waterfall is located in the Skaftafell nature reserve, which is part of Vatnajökull National Park in the south of Iceland. From Reykjavík it is about 4.5 hours driving (approximately 325 kilometers) via the ring road.
📍 You park at the Skaftafell Visitor Centre. The hiking route also starts there.
🅿️ Parking at the visitor center costs ±1000 ISK (approx. €7).
🚻 There are toilets and a small shop with snacks.
🍔 In high season there are sometimes food trucks at the entrance.
🗺️ The route is well marked with signs.
Overnight stays near Svartifoss
In the area around Skaftafell you will find various campsites and hotels. Some tips:
- Hotel Skaftafell – within walking distance of the entrance
- Fosshótel Núpar – a chain in Iceland with excellent hotels (and on the route)
- Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon – luxury option with a view
- Skaftafell Campground – basic, but ideally located
Tip, combine your visit to Svartifoss with a glacier walk or ice cave tour in the area.
What is the best time to visit Svartifoss?
Regardless of the season, Svartifoss offers a special experience. In spring, when the snow melts and nature comes to life, Svartifoss spits out more water than the rest of the year. In summer you walk in a greener surroundings and in the winter months snow and ice can create a beautiful image. So every season has something to offer!
| Season | Features | Hiking trail |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (April-May) | Thawing, new life | More water, ice and snow remnants |
| Summer (June-August) | Green splendor, long days | Well accessible |
| Autumn (September-October) | Colorful splendor, mystical | Less water, fresh temperatures |
| Winter (November-March) | Snow landscape, frozen magic | Waterfall partially frozen, trail may be closed |
In short, the black Svartifoss waterfall will become one of the highlights of your round trip through beautiful Iceland.
