Svartifoss
Svartifoss Trail, Iceland
Details
Distance
2.73 miles
Elevation Gain
505 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Description
Added by Tiffany Nguyen
Explore this 20 meter waterfall located in Skaftafell National Park, Iceland. This waterfall, commonly known as Black Falls, has a distinguishing feature of hexagonal basalt columns surrounding the falls.
At 20 meters tall, Svartifoss, also known as Black Falls, is one of the most popular waterfalls located in Iceland’s Skaftafell National Park. This waterfall’s claim to fame is definitely the beautiful hexagonal basalt columns that surround the falls making for an otherworldly oasis in the middle of Skaftafell National Park. The unique hexagonal columns come from basaltic lava hardening over time leading to this orderly arrangement of fractures. These columns have been known to inspire Icelandic architecture.
The trail to Svartifoss begins at the parking lot of the Visitor Center and is only a 1.25 mile round trip hike. On your way to Svartifoss, you’ll pass by two other waterfalls: Hundafoss and Magnúsarfoss. During our hike, microspikes were sufficient but be sure to check the conditions as snowshoes may be needed. Follow the slowly inclining trail and you will soon see the falls about a quarter mile away from the top of the trail and get a great sense of scale. Although these falls are flowing all year long, hiking these falls in the winter time is encouraged as we had the whole place to ourselves to explore.
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Reviews
The waterfall is truly amazing with the basalt columns and it is very easy to reach following the trail. In winter it is even more magic with the white snow making an even greater contrast.
5.0
Great hike when you want to visit a waterfall that's a little less crowded. We did this hike in November when things were just starting to freeze. One tip I have for visiting in winter - take microspikes so you can easily walk around the waterfalls.
5.0
Although this adventure is labeled as "Winter Hike," it can be done year round and we did it in the fall... it was amazing! Easy hike too if you are in shape and there are not too many people (keep in mind this means 40-60 people but that's not very much for Iceland). I'd recommend doing this hike early in the morning to have some more solitude!
5.0
Really loved this hike! However the large amount of crowds that are typical especially during the summer months was definitely a bit of a bummer. I would definitely recommend trying to get off one of the trails that connect to the main trail up to Svartifoss for a break from the crowds and some great views of the glacier!
4.0
The trail wasn't very crowded in early March. We had ice cleats and that was plenty for us. Just above Magnúsarfoss there is a bridge you can cross and if you follow the trail down a few hundred yards there are a couple cool surprises.
5.0
Make sure you do this hike before sunrise, 1. So you can shoot it at sunrise, which are the best lighting conditions, and 2. So that you are not walking behind 200 tourists, seriously. Go before sunrise and you will most likely have it all to yourself for a couple of hours.
5.0
This is a great hike and thank you for the information! I did not realize how much of an incline the actual hike was going to be but certainly a worth while experience! I tried it out at night to catch the Northern Lights but I am not sure I have ever been so cold hanging out there for a couple of hours! Will probably stick to a day hike next time I am there!
5.0
Really informative and helpful review of the Skaftafell trails! I was just here during the summer months, and it's a different world entirely, but this adventure had great advice for every season. Stunning photos!
5.0
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Nearby
Skaftafellsjökull Glacier
Hike to Sjónarnípa
Scramble Kristínartindar
Camp at Skaftafell Campground
Explore Svinafellsjokull
Explore Fjallsárlón Glacier Lagoon
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