Svartifoss Waterfall Loop

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Svartifoss Waterfall Loop: Skaftafell’s Basalt-Column Waterfall

Published 17 July 2025 Updated 5 June 2026

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Ranked #752 of 974

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HikeList Score

Svartifoss Waterfall Loop scored 75/100 on HikeList's trail-quality metrics.

Very Good

See score breakdownHide breakdown

Ideal length 55
Balanced challenge 64
Scenery & wildness 98
Varied terrain 71
Accommodation 66
Food & support 75
Path quality 98
Season flexibility 100

Computed from length, challenge, scenery & wildness, terrain variety, accommodation, food & support, path quality and season flexibility.

The Svartifoss Waterfall Loop is a short, easy day-hike in Skaftafell, Vatnajökull National Park, southeast Iceland. The standard waterfall route is about 3.2 km with roughly 140 m of ascent, starting and ending at the Skaftafell Visitor Centre. It suits most hikers who want a compact Ring Road walk with a big payoff: Svartifoss, a ~20 m waterfall framed by black basalt columns. Allow 1–1.5 hours, or longer for photos and the optional extended circular.

Route Overview

Start at Skaftafell Visitor Centre, reached off the Ring Road (Route 1) between Kirkjubæjarklaustur and Höfn. The path climbs steadily from birch woodland on a well-signed dirt, gravel and rocky trail, passing smaller falls including Magnúsarfoss, Hundafoss and Þjófafoss before reaching Svartifoss. Most hikers return the same way or make a small loop on nearby paths; the official Svartifoss–Sjónarsker–Sel circular is a longer 5.8 km extension via viewpoints and the Sel turf farmhouse. If you are linking short Iceland waterfall walks, compare it with the Glymur Waterfall Trail or the Dynjandi Waterfall Trail.

Skaftafell and the Landscape Around Svartifoss

Skaftafell became a national park on 15 September 1967 and was absorbed into Vatnajökull National Park on 7 June 2008. The surrounding Öræfi district was long-settled farming country, reflected in preserved turf farmsteads such as Sel on the longer circular route. Svartifoss is also culturally important: its dark basalt columns are among Iceland’s recognisable natural forms and inspired national architecture, including Reykjavík’s Hallgrímskirkja and the National Theatre of Iceland.

Notable highlights

Svartifoss (~20 m): The main objective of the walk, dropping over dark, mostly hexagonal basalt columns. Its name means “Black Falls”, and the columned amphitheatre is the reason this short hike is so popular.
Basalt columns: The geometric pillars formed as lava cooled and contracted. They are a standout natural feature for hikers and have influenced Icelandic architecture, including Hallgrímskirkja.
Hundafoss: The tallest of the smaller waterfalls on the approach, around 25 m, set in the wooded gorge below the main climb.
Magnúsarfoss and Þjófafoss: Two additional cascades on the route, making the ascent more varied than a simple out-and-back to the headline waterfall.
Sjónarsker / Sjónarnípa viewpoint: An optional extension on the longer circular route, with views over Skaftafellsjökull, Skeiðarársandur and surrounding peaks.
Sel turf farmhouse: A preserved 19th-century turf-roofed farmstead on the Sjónarsker–Sel loop, adding a cultural stop to the hike.

Challenges to expect

The walk is easy, but not flat: expect a steady uphill from the visitor centre to Svartifoss. The surface is mostly well-made dirt and gravel with rocky sections, wooden steps, platforms and small bridges. Wet rock can be slippery, and in winter the path may be snowy or icy, so traction and extra care can be needed. Stay on marked paths to protect fragile vegetation.

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Ranked #752 of 974

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