Svartifoss waterfall, south east Iceland

Svartifoss Iceland

GPS POINTS N64° 1′ 38.691″ W16° 58′ 31.345″

Svartifoss waterfall, south east Iceland

Location: South east Iceland
Directions from Reykjavík to Svartifoss on Google maps.
Duration: Cirka 4 hours and 20 minutes drive from Reykjavík to Svartifoss parking lot. (an hour walk in addition).

Svartifoss or ‘Black falls’ is a unique waterfall in south Iceland. Located in the Skaftafell National Park, it is a beloved attraction for those who visit the area. The waterfall is fed by the meltwater from the Svinafellsjokull glacier. Svartifoss drops down 20 metres over a cliff, bordered by black basalt columns on both sides — thus giving the waterfall its name.

The architecture of Svartifoss inspired locations such as Iceland’s National Theatre and the Hallgrimskirkja church in Reykjavik.

It is possible to hike to Svartifoss, the route begins at the visitor centre in Skaftafell and lasts for about 45 minutes (one way). Throughout the path to the waterfall, you’ll stumble upon three other waterfalls: Þjofafoss, Hundafoss and Hundafoss. Upon arrival, you’ll encounter a small bridge close to the waterfall which will allow getting closer to the wall of water.

Follow route one from Reykjavík to Skaftafell. Turn left once you see the Skaftafell Visitor Centre. The hike to Svartifoss starts at the Visitor Centre in Skaftafell. There you can also find all sorts of information and advice about the area. The hike is about 1.9 km or 45 minutes (one way).