Exploring the Wild Beauty of Skaftafell, Iceland

First Impressions of Iceland

Iceland, a land of fire and ice, has always held a special allure for me. Today, that dream became a reality as Liam and I, along with the family, embarked on our Skaftafell adventure. It's a journey we've eagerly anticipated, trading the familiar comfort of our Banff home for the rugged landscapes of Iceland. Today was all about immersing ourselves in the heart of Vatnajökull National Park, hiking amidst glaciers and chasing the majestic waterfalls that carve through this ancient landscape.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Glacier Goodies. It was a quaint little spot, more like a mobile shack, but it served up some delicious and much-needed fuel for the day ahead. I opted for the lobster bisque, which was incredibly flavorful and warming – perfect for the crisp morning air. Liam, ever the traditionalist, went for the fish and chips, declaring it a solid start to our Icelandic culinary journey.

Fueled up and ready, we headed towards our first hike: Skaftafellsjökull gönguleið, or the Skaftafellsjökull Glacier Trail. The trail was easily accessible from the Skaftafellsstofa Visitor Centre. Before hitting the trail, we popped into Skaftafellsstofa, the visitor center, a trove of information about the park. It's open year-round and the rangers were incredibly helpful, providing us with trail maps and crucial updates on hiking conditions. I couldn't resist browsing the souvenir shop, picking up a few postcards and a beautifully illustrated guide to Icelandic wildlife.


Discover the breathtaking beauty of Skaftafellsjökull, a premier hiking destination in Iceland's stunning landscapes.

The hike to Skaftafellsjökull was relatively easy, making it perfect for a first-day warm-up. As we walked, the landscape unfolded before us, a mesmerizing blend of green meadows, black sands, and the imposing blue ice of the glacier in the distance. I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at the sheer scale of nature's artistry.

I was struck by the diverse vegetation, especially the birch trees. I read that the Bæjarstaðarskógur forest has some of the tallest trees in Iceland. Also, the variety of plant life has considerably changed since the national park was given protected status.

The beauty of Skaftafell lies not just in its majestic glaciers and waterfalls, but in the profound sense of peace and connection it fosters with the natural world.

Next on our itinerary was the Svartifoss Trail. This hike promised a closer encounter with one of Iceland's most iconic waterfalls, and it certainly didn't disappoint. The trail began near the visitor center, and it was a steady climb, but well worth the effort. Along the way, we passed two other waterfalls, Hundafoss and Magnusarfoss, each with its own unique charm. I made sure to capture them with my camera, eager to share their beauty with the world.


Experience the breathtaking beauty of Svartifoss Trail in Skaftafell, where nature’s artistry meets adventure amidst Iceland's stunning landscapes.

Finally, we reached Svartifoss. The waterfall cascaded down from a height of about 20 meters, framed by striking black basalt columns that resembled the pipes of a giant organ. The scene was simply breathtaking. The hexagonal columns form inside a lava flow which then cools extremely slowly, giving rise to crystallisation. We spent a good hour there, soaking in the scenery and snapping photos from every possible angle.

The Svartifoss Trail is about 1.5 kilometers (45 minutes one way). It is considered fairly easy overall, but it requires a little effort if you are out of shape. The trail leads slightly uphill. Also, on the way to Svartifoss, you will come across three other waterfalls: Þjófafoss (Thieves' Fall), Hundafoss (Dogs' Fall) and Magnúsarfoss (The Falls of Magnús).

By now, our stomachs were rumbling, so we made our way to Saatvik Restaurant (Kaffiterían Skaftafelli) for lunch. It was conveniently located within the visitor center, offering a range of options. Liam opted for the hearty lamb soup, while I decided to try the vegetable samosas. The food was simple but satisfying, and the atmosphere was warm and welcoming.


Discover delicious local cuisine at Saatvik Restaurant while exploring the breathtaking landscapes of Skaftafell National Park.

With the afternoon sun beginning to dip towards the horizon, we decided to spend some time exploring Vatnajökull National Park itself. Vatnajökull is huge! The park encompasses not only glaciers but also mountains, ice caves, and diverse flora and fauna. We drove along the designated routes, stopping at viewpoints to admire the vast landscapes. The sheer scale of the park was humbling, reminding us of the immense power and beauty of nature.

As the day drew to a close, we decided to treat ourselves to a well-deserved dinner at Pakkhús Restaurant. Located in Höfn, it was a bit of a drive from Skaftafell, but the promise of fresh seafood was too tempting to resist. The restaurant overlooks the harbor, and the ambiance was cozy and inviting. Liam ordered the langoustine pizza, while I opted for the traditional Icelandic lamb dish. The food was exceptional, and the service was attentive. It was the perfect way to end our first day in Iceland.


Experience exquisite Icelandic cuisine with stunning coastal views at Pakkhús Restaurant in Höfn.

Before heading back to our accommodation, we decided to make a quick stop at the Hotel Skaftafell bar for a nightcap. The hotel was located near the park, and the bar offered stunning views of the surrounding landscape. We sipped on local Icelandic beer, reminiscing about the day's adventures and eagerly anticipating what tomorrow would bring.


Immerse yourself in Icelandic beauty and comfort at Hotel Skaftafell, your perfect base for exploring Öræfi's stunning landscapes.

Tomorrow, we plan to visit Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon for boat tours and icebergs, then Svartifoss, and Fjallsárlón Iceberg Boat Tours. It is going to be another great day!

Back at our cozy guesthouse, I couldn't help but reflect on the incredible experiences of the day. Skaftafell had exceeded all expectations, immersing us in a world of glaciers, waterfalls, and breathtaking landscapes. As I drifted off to sleep, I couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the opportunity to explore this remarkable corner of the world, camera in hand, with my loved ones by my side. I also made a mental note to buy a portable phone charger, as my phone battery had died halfway through the day, and I had missed some great photo opportunities.

Tomorrow, we're planning a trip to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon for boat tours and icebergs, another visit to Svartifoss, and Fjallsárlón Iceberg Boat Tours. It's going to be another great day!