Skaftafell: Gateway to Iceland's Natural Wonders
Explore the breathtaking landscapes of Skaftafell, a must-visit destination in Vatnajökull National Park, offering stunning views and unforgettable hiking experiences.
Skaftafell, nestled in the heart of Vatnajökull National Park, is a breathtaking destination for nature lovers and adventure-seekers alike. With stunning landscapes featuring glaciers, waterfalls, and lush greenery, visitors can embark on numerous hiking trails that cater to all skill levels. The area is rich in biodiversity and offers unique wildlife sightings, making it a perfect spot for photography and exploration. Don't miss the iconic Svartifoss waterfall, known for its striking basalt columns, which is a highlight of any visit.
A brief summary to Skaftafell
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Local tips
- Visit early in the day to avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience.
- Dress in layers and be prepared for sudden weather changes, as conditions can vary rapidly.
- Bring a good camera to capture the stunning landscapes, especially Svartifoss.
- Check trail conditions at the visitor center before heading out for safety.
- Consider guided tours for a more informative experience of the park’s geology and wildlife.
Getting There
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Car
If you are driving to Skaftafell National Park, take Route 1 (the Ring Road) and head towards the southeast of Iceland. From Vik, continue on Route 1 for approximately 70 kilometers (43 miles). Look for the signs indicating Skaftafell, and take the turnoff onto Route 998, which will lead you directly into the park. The main visitor center is located at the entrance, where you can find maps and information about the trails.
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Public Transportation
To reach Skaftafell via public transportation, you can take a bus from Reykjavík. Various companies like Strætó offer routes that include stops at Skaftafell. Make sure to check the bus schedules online as they can change depending on the season. The bus will drop you off at the Skaftafell bus stop located near the visitor center. From there, you can access the various trails and attractions in the park.
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Hiking
Once you arrive at Skaftafell, you can explore the park by hiking. The visitor center is a great starting point, where you can get maps and recommendations for hiking trails. Popular trails include the path to Svartifoss waterfall, which is about a 1.5 km (0.93 miles) hike from the visitor center. Ensure you wear proper footwear and check the weather conditions before heading out.
Discover more about Skaftafell
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Saatvik Restaurant (Kaffiterían Skaftafelli)
0.1 km
Discover Saatvik Restaurant in Skaftafell: your go-to spot for delicious meals and refreshments amidst Iceland's breathtaking landscapes.
Icelandic Mountain Guides by Icelandia - Skaftafell Base Camp
0.1 km
Discover the beauty of Vatnajökull National Park with Icelandic Mountain Guides at Skaftafell Base Camp, your adventure starts here!
Arctic Adventures (Skaftafell Base Camp)
0.1 km
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Iceland's glaciers and landscapes with Arctic Adventures at Skaftafell Base Camp, a hub for unforgettable outdoor exploration.
Arctic Adventures - Glacier Guides
0.1 km
Unleash your adventurous spirit with Arctic Adventures - Glacier Guides in Skaftafell, exploring Iceland's breathtaking glaciers and stunning landscapes.
Glacier Goodies
0.1 km
Discover Glacier Goodies, a fast food treasure in Skaftafell, serving delicious meals amidst Iceland's stunning landscapes.
Skaftafell & Svartifoss Parking
0.2 km
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Svartifoss and the natural wonders of Vatnajökull National Park from the convenience of Skaftafell Parking.
Skaftafell tjaldsvæði
0.3 km
Discover the stunning landscapes of Skaftafell National Park at Skaftafell Campground, your gateway to Icelandic adventure and natural beauty.
Atlantsflug - flightseeing.is
1.8 km
Experience Iceland's breathtaking beauty from the sky with unforgettable flightseeing tours by Atlantsflug.
Skaftafell Airport
1.8 km
Discover Iceland's breathtaking landscapes from Skaftafell Airport, the perfect starting point for your aerial adventures and nature explorations.
Skaftafellsheidhi
2.5 km
Discover the tranquil beauty of Skaftafellsheidhi, Iceland's serene oasis of lush shrubbery and breathtaking landscapes for nature lovers.
Morsaldalur
5.9 km
Explore the breathtaking Morsaldalur Ravine, a natural wonder in Iceland known for its stunning landscapes and unique geological formations.
The potato storage
6.8 km
Experience the charm of The Potato Storage in Svinafell, a cozy guest house near Skaftafell National Park, perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Svinafellsjokull
7.0 km
Explore the breathtaking Svinafellsjokull Glacier, a must-visit natural wonder in Iceland's Vatnajökull National Park, rich with stunning icy landscapes.
Glacier Horses
7.3 km
Discover Iceland's breathtaking landscapes on horseback with Glacier Horses, an unforgettable adventure for nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike.
Unmissable attractions to see
Svartifoss Trail
0.1 km
Experience the breathtaking Svartifoss Trail in Skaftafell National Park, where stunning waterfalls and unique basalt columns await every hiker.
Þjófafoss
0.8 km
Explore the enchanting Þjófafoss Waterfall, a hidden gem in Iceland's wilderness, perfect for hiking and breathtaking views.
Hundafoss
0.9 km
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Hundafoss Waterfall, a must-visit natural wonder in Iceland's stunning landscapes.
Magnúsarfoss
0.9 km
Discover the stunning Magnúsarfoss waterfall in Skaftafell National Park, where nature's beauty meets serene hiking trails and breathtaking landscapes.
Skaftafellsjökull gönguleið
1.4 km
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Skaftafellsjökull, a premier hiking destination in Iceland's stunning landscapes.
Svartifoss
1.4 km
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Svartifoss, Iceland's iconic Black Waterfall, surrounded by striking basalt columns in Vatnajökull National Park.
Sel
1.5 km
Explore Sel, a captivating historical landmark in Iceland, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage waiting to be discovered.
Melrakki Adventures
1.8 km
Experience the majesty of Iceland's glaciers with Melrakki Adventures, your gateway to unforgettable outdoor explorations and breathtaking natural beauty.
Skaftafell Terminal - Tour Center
1.8 km
Discover Iceland's stunning landscapes at Skaftafell Terminal, your premier tour center for incredible outdoor adventures in Vatnajökull National Park.
Skaftafell Glacier
2.7 km
Discover the stunning beauty of Skaftafell Glacier, a nature preserve in Iceland where ice meets volcanic landscapes, offering breathtaking views and outdoor adventures.
Skeiðará Bridge Monument
3.5 km
Discover the Skeiđará Bridge Monument, a historical landmark offering breathtaking views and a glimpse into Iceland's rich engineering heritage.
Svínafellsjökull Glacier
4.4 km
Explore the breathtaking Svínafellsjökull Glacier, a stunning outlet of Vatnajökull, offering unforgettable views and unforgettable experiences in Iceland's wilderness.
Svínafellsjökull útsýnisstaður
4.4 km
Explore the enchanting Svinafellsjokull Glacier in Iceland, a breathtaking destination for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike.
Skaftafell
6.1 km
Explore the breathtaking landscapes and unique geological formations of Skaftafell National Park, a true gem in Iceland's natural beauty.
Skaftafellsjökull
7.4 km
Explore the breathtaking beauty of Skaftafellsjökull, a stunning glacier in Vatnajökull National Park, Iceland, ideal for adventure and nature lovers alike.
Essential places to dine
Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon
21.7 km
Discover tranquility at Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon - your gateway to Iceland's stunning glaciers and breathtaking landscapes.
Fjallsárlón Frost Restaurant
29.2 km
Experience authentic Icelandic cuisine with breathtaking glacier views at Fjallsárlón Frost Restaurant.
Nailed It Fish and Chips
38.5 km
Savor the best fish and chips in Iceland at Nailed It Fish and Chips near Jökulsárlón - where fresh seafood meets stunning landscapes.
Þórbergssetur - Cultural Center & Restaurant
47.8 km
Explore Þórbergssetur: A unique blend of Icelandic culture and cuisine nestled in breathtaking Suðursveit.
Hali Country Hotel & Restaurant
47.8 km
Discover comfort and authentic cuisine at Hali Country Hotel & Restaurant, your perfect base for exploring the breathtaking landscapes of Höfn, Iceland.
Gígur
55.6 km
Discover authentic Icelandic flavors at Gígur, where local ingredients meet breathtaking views in Kirkjubæjarklaustur.
Restaurant Bistro Magma Hotel
57.4 km
Experience exquisite dining at Bistro Magma Hotel, where local flavors meet stunning Icelandic landscapes.
Systrakaffi
58.5 km
Experience the rich flavors of Iceland at Systrakaffi in Kirkjubæjarklaustur – where local ingredients meet culinary artistry.
Klaustur Restaurant & Bar
58.9 km
Experience the best of traditional Icelandic cuisine at Klaustur Restaurant & Bar in Kirkjubæjarklaustur.
Klaustur Restaurant
58.9 km
Experience authentic Icelandic cuisine at Klaustur Restaurant in Kirkjubæjarklaustur - where local ingredients meet tradition.
Kjarr Restaurant & Bar
59.2 km
Experience authentic Icelandic cuisine at Kjarr Restaurant & Bar in Kirkjubæjarklaustur – where local flavors meet warm hospitality.
Kjarr Restaurant
59.2 km
Experience authentic Icelandic cuisine at Kjarr Restaurant in Kirkjubæjarklaustur—where local flavors meet stunning landscapes.
Cafe Munkar
59.3 km
Experience authentic Icelandic flavors at Cafe Munkar in Kirkjubæjarklaustur – where culinary tradition meets modern comfort.
Hunkubakkar Farm Restaurant
63.4 km
Experience authentic Icelandic cuisine surrounded by breathtaking landscapes at Hunkubakkar Farm Restaurant.
Jon Riki
77.6 km
Experience authentic Icelandic cuisine at Jon Riki in Höfn - where fresh local ingredients meet cozy ambiance.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Söluskálinn í Freysnesi
4.3 km
Experience the best of Icelandic cuisine at Söluskálinn í Freysnesi, a unique gas station, restaurant, and store offering local delights.
Veitingasala Restaurant, Shop, And Gas
4.4 km
Discover the flavors of Iceland at Veitingasala Restaurant in Svínafell, where local ingredients meet a cozy atmosphere.
Orkan
4.4 km
Discover Orkan in Hof, Iceland—a vital gas station and convenience store, perfect for fueling up and finding local treasures on your journey.
Glacier and Volcano Expeditions
4.4 km
Discover the breathtaking landscapes of Iceland with Glacier and Volcano Expeditions, where adventure meets natural beauty in unforgettable tours.
Hotel Skaftafell
4.5 km
Explore the beauty of Iceland while enjoying comfort and convenience at Hotel Skaftafell, your perfect base for adventure.
Litla-Herad EFH
16.6 km
Discover the charm of Litla-Herad EFH, a cozy coffee shop in Fagurhólsmýri offering delicious brews and stunning Icelandic views.
Vesturhus Hostel
17.3 km
Discover the charm of Vesturhus Hostel, where comfort meets affordability in the stunning landscapes of Iceland, perfect for adventurous travelers.
Hof
17.4 km
Explore Hof for a unique selection of Icelandic crafts and souvenirs, capturing the essence of Icelandic culture in every product.
Cafe Vatnajökull
21.6 km
Discover Café Vatnajökull: an artful café near Vatnajökull National Park, serving fresh pastries and coffee in a stunning natural setting.
Vatnajokull
46.0 km
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Vatnajökull, Europe's largest glacier, and experience Iceland's stunning natural landscapes and thrilling outdoor adventures.
Glacier Adventure
47.8 km
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Iceland with Glacier Adventure, your gateway to unforgettable glacier tours and thrilling outdoor activities.
Random Klausturbúð
57.8 km
Explore the charm of Random Klausturbúð, a gift shop in Kirkjubæjarklaustur, offering unique Icelandic souvenirs and local handicrafts.
Gvendarkjör
58.6 km
Discover Gvendarkjör in Kirkjubæjarklaustur for local goods, fresh produce, and essential supplies during your Icelandic adventure.
Kjarval Klaustur
58.6 km
Discover local flavors and essentials at Kjarval Klaustur, your go-to supermarket in Kirkjubæjarklaustur, Iceland.
Pharmacy
58.8 km
Visit the Kirkjubæjarklaustur Pharmacy for essential health supplies and expert advice while enjoying Iceland's stunning scenery.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Fosshótel Núpar
37.6 km
Experience the beauty of Iceland at Fosshótel Núpar, your perfect retreat surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and rich local culture.
Fancy Sheep
38.5 km
Experience the unique flavors of Iceland at Fancy Sheep, a fast food restaurant nestled in the magnificent landscapes of Jökulsárlón.
Hótel Jökulsarlon - Glacier Lagoon Hotel
45.2 km
Discover the beauty of Iceland at Hótel Jökulsarlon, where luxury meets nature by the stunning Glacier Lagoon.
Guesthouse Gerði
48.0 km
Discover a cozy haven at Guesthouse Gerði, where comfort meets the breathtaking landscapes of Höfn, Iceland.
Fagrifoss
64.7 km
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Fagrifoss Waterfall, a hidden gem in Iceland's stunning landscapes, perfect for nature lovers and photographers.
Hafið
89.5 km
Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Hafið in Höfn, where local drinks and a friendly vibe create unforgettable nights.
