Family Adventure at Vatnajokull National Park

Black Falls and Family Trails

Today was all about immersing ourselves in the raw beauty of Vatnajokull National Park. We laced up our hiking boots, packed some snacks, and set off to explore the famed Svartifoss and its surrounding trails. It was a day filled with stunning landscapes, delicious food, and quality time with my family.


Discover the breathtaking beauty of Svartifoss, Iceland's iconic waterfall surrounded by unique basalt columns in Vatnajökull National Park.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Saatvik Restaurant (Kaffiterían Skaftafelli). I had heard great things about their comforting soups, and I was eager to try their Chicken Soup. It tasted just like a homemade remedy, with a rich, well-seasoned broth filled with tender chicken and vegetables. David opted for the Broccoli Soup, which he enjoyed, though he thought it could have used a little more broccoli flavor. Jasmine, ever the adventurous eater, surprised us by ordering a traditional Indian dish, which she devoured with gusto. Fuelled up and ready to go, we set off for our main adventure: Svartifoss.

The Svartifoss Trail is about 1.5 kilometers from the visitor center. The hike, though moderately challenging with some uphill sections, was manageable for all of us. The path was well-marked, and we took our time, enjoying the scenery and each other's company. Along the way, we were treated to views of other waterfalls, including Þjófafoss (Thieves' Fall), Hundafoss (Dogs' Fall) and Magnúsarfoss (The Falls of Magnús). Each one had its unique charm, but we were all excited to see Svartifoss, the famed Black Falls.

As we rounded a bend, we finally caught a glimpse of Svartifoss, and it was even more breathtaking than the pictures suggest. The waterfall tumbles about 20 meters (66 feet) down a cliff, framed by towering black basalt columns. The columns, formed from cooled lava, looked like the pipes of a giant organ, a natural architectural marvel. Jasmine, who is really getting into photography, was in her element, snapping pictures from every angle. David and I just stood there, taking in the view and feeling grateful for moments like these, where we could connect with nature and each other.

Nature's architecture at its finest; Svartifoss is a masterpiece sculpted by time and the elements.

After spending a good hour at Svartifoss, soaking in the beauty and taking countless photos, we decided to explore the Svartifoss Trail a bit more. We opted to hike a loop trail, which would take us past a sundial and an old turf house. The turf house was particularly interesting, showcasing traditional Icelandic architecture. It was amazing to see how people had adapted to the harsh environment, using the land itself to create shelter.

By lunchtime, we were all feeling peckish, so we headed to Veitingasala Restaurant, Shop, And Gas for a quick bite. I know, it sounds like an odd combination, but this place came highly recommended! We grabbed some sandwiches and snacks, and I have to say, it was surprisingly delicious. David even tried the lamb burger, which he declared was one of the best gas station burgers he'd ever had.

After lunch, we popped into Glacier Goodies, a food truck near the Skaftafell campsite and visitor center. I had read about their fast food prepared with local ingredients, and I was curious to try it. We shared some fish and chips, which were crispy and flavorful. It was a perfect afternoon treat.

As evening approached, we drove to Höfn for dinner at Ishusid Pizzeria Restaurant. This place is known for its thin stone-baked pizzas and fresh seafood. We started with the Lobster Soup, which was creamy and rich. For our main course, we shared a couple of pizzas: the Lobster Classic and the Hawaii Pizza for Jasmine. The Lobster Classic was incredible, with generous chunks of langoustine and a sprinkle of parmesan. Jasmine enjoyed her Hawaii Pizza.

Reflecting on the day, I felt a deep sense of gratitude. We had experienced the awe-inspiring beauty of Svartifoss, explored the trails of Skaftafell, and savored the local flavors of Iceland. It was a day of adventure, connection, and delicious food, exactly what I had hoped for on this family trip. I'm also proud that we managed to support local businesses along the way, from the family-run restaurants to the quirky food trucks.

Tomorrow, we are planning to explore the Skaftafell Glacier and hike to Morsárfoss. I'm excited to see more of Vatnajokull National Park and continue our adventure in this stunning corner of the world. Before that, we'll grab breakfast at Cafe Vatnajökull. I'm hoping they have some good coffee to get us going for another day of hiking!

Good night from Iceland!