Explore the Majestic Svartifoss Trail
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Svartifoss Trail, where stunning waterfalls and unique landscapes await every adventurer in Iceland's Skaftafell.
Embark on an unforgettable journey along the Svartifoss Trail in Skaftafell, Iceland, where breathtaking landscapes and stunning waterfalls await. This destination is a must-visit for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
A brief summary to Svartifoss Trail
- 22HF+2W6, Skaftafell, IS
- Visit website
Local tips
- Visit during early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting for photography.
- Bring plenty of water and snacks, as there are limited facilities along the trail.
- Dress in layers to accommodate changing weather conditions typical of Iceland.
- Respect the natural environment by staying on marked paths to preserve the delicate ecosystem.
Getting There
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Car
If you're driving, head towards Skaftafell National Park via Route 1, the Ring Road. Once you reach the park entrance, follow the signs to the Svartifoss parking area. The parking lot is located at the coordinates 64.0275396, -16.9752231. From the parking area, the trailhead for Svartifoss is well-marked, and the hike to the waterfall takes approximately 1 hour each way. Ensure you have a parking ticket purchased at the entrance, as fees are applicable.
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Public Transportation
If you are traveling by public transportation, take a bus to Skaftafell from major cities like Reykjavik or Akureyri. The bus service is operated by Strætó or other local companies. Once you arrive at the Skaftafell bus stop, walk towards the park entrance. The walk to the Svartifoss trailhead from the bus stop is about 15-20 minutes. The trail is well-marked, leading you directly to Svartifoss, which is approximately a 1-hour hike from the parking area.
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Hiking
Once you reach the Svartifoss trailhead from either the parking area or the bus stop, follow the clearly marked trail. The trail is about 1.5 kilometers (0.9 miles) one way and includes some elevation gain, so wear appropriate footwear and carry water. Along the way, enjoy the stunning landscapes and unique basalt column formations that make Svartifoss so famous.
Discover more about Svartifoss Trail
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Saatvik Restaurant (Kaffiterían Skaftafelli)
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Glacier Goodies
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Icelandic Mountain Guides by Icelandia - Skaftafell Base Camp
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Arctic Adventures - Glacier Guides
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Arctic Adventures (Skaftafell Base Camp)
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Skaftafell tjaldsvæði
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Skaftafell & Svartifoss Parking
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Atlantsflug - flightseeing.is
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Skaftafell Airport
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The potato storage
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Glacier Horses
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Unmissable attractions to see
Svartifoss
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Magnúsarfoss
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Hundafoss
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Sel
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Þjófafoss
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Skaftafellsstofa
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Skaftafellsjökull gönguleið
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Skaftafell Glacier
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Melrakki Adventures
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Skeiðará Bridge Monument
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Svínafellsjökull Glacier
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Svínafellsjökull útsýnisstaður
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Fjallsárlón Frost Restaurant
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Nailed It Fish and Chips
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Hali Country Hotel & Restaurant
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Gígur
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Restaurant Bistro Magma Hotel
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Systrakaffi
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Klaustur Restaurant & Bar
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Kjarr Restaurant & Bar
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Cafe Munkar
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Hunkubakkar Farm Restaurant
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Jon Riki
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Hafnarbuðin
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Kaffi Hornid
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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Orkan
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Glacier and Volcano Expeditions
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Hotel Skaftafell
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Litla-Herad EFH
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Vesturhus Hostel
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Hof
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Cafe Vatnajökull
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Random Klausturbúð
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Gvendarkjör
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Kjarval Klaustur
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Pharmacy
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
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Rúntkastið
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