Svartifoss
Road loading…
Weather loading…
Svartifoss
About
Svartifoss is a 12-meter waterfall on the Stórilækur stream in Iceland's South Coast.
Black Falls. A waterfall framed by dark hexagonal basalt columns that inspired Hallgrímskirkja church in Reykjavík. Located in Skaftafell, requiring a 45-minute hike to reach.
The basalt columns hang like organ pipes around the falls. The contrast of white water against black rock is striking. Not the biggest waterfall, but probably the most architecturally stunning in Iceland.
Those columns formed when lava cooled slowly millions of years ago. The hexagonal shape is natural geometry — it's how lava cracks when it cools at just the right rate. The same formations appear at Giants Causeway in Ireland.
The hike is moderate — about 5.5 km round trip with some elevation. Bring water. On the way, you'll pass other smaller waterfalls. Don't walk on the columns — they're fragile and it's disrespectful to the geology.
Plan your visit
- Getting there
- Off Route 1 (Ring Road); trail starts at Skaftafell Visitor Centre
The walk- 1.9 km one way, 45 min one way
In Skaftafell, Vatnajökull National Park- Bordered on both sides by tall black basalt columns
Drive: Good·
Visit now·
30 min stop
Ring Road 1Checking…
F-roadsOpen
ClosuresChecking…
Wind—
Visibility—
Entry: Free
Parking: 750 ISK
No booking
Entry feeFree
Parking750 ISK
BookingNot needed
Getting thereCar recommended
—
—
—
Loading…
Moon—
——
—
Sunrise—
Golden hour AM—
Golden hour PM—
Sunset—
Blue hour—Cars & campers
KEF airport pickup 24/74.8
Dacia Duster 4x4
Cheapest real 4WD in the fleet — gravel, the Westfjords and easy summer F-roads without truck prices.
TransmissionManual
FuelPetrol/diesel
Seats5
Drive4WD
VW Caravelle
Whole family or friend group in one car — gear in the back, room to stretch.
TransmissionAutomaticFuelDieselSeats9Drive2WD
Key Camper Wild Duo
Sleep right by the trailhead, wake up at the falls — F-road ready from mid-June.
TransmissionManualFuelPetrol
Sleeps2Drive4WDTours near Svartifoss
Small groups
Ice Cave & Waterfalls
Katla ice cave, South Coast waterfalls and the black sand beach in one private day.
Duration11 hours
PickupReykjavík
VehicleSuper Jeep
TypePrivate
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Floating icebergs at Jökulsárlón plus the best of South Iceland on the way.
Duration14 hoursPickupReykjavík
HighlightsSouth Iceland
StopsHot springs
Glacier & Golden Circle
Snowmobile across a glacier, then hit the Golden Circle classics.
Duration10 hoursPickupReykjavík
ActivitySnowmobileVehicleSuper JeepPhotos & videos
Reviews
Nearby
Waterfalls
A waterfall in South Coast. One of many cascades that make Iceland a waterfall paradise.
A waterfall in South Coast. One of many cascades that make Iceland a waterfall paradise.
A waterfall in Iceland.
A waterfall in South Coast. One of many cascades that make Iceland a waterfall paradise.
Hot Springs
New seaside hot pot on Langisandur beach in Akranes. Ocean views.
Geothermal spot. Real Iceland experience. Worth seeking out.
Hot tubs with Vatnajökull glacier views near Höfn. Run by local farm.
Natural pool. Water temp varies but usually comfortable. Check conditions before going.
Campsites
The camp site is spacious with trees as shelter. The camp site is divided into several…
Icelandic campsite offering basic facilities for travelers exploring the area. Iceland's…
We are located in Öræfi, just underneath the highest peak of Iceland.
Icelandic campsite offering basic facilities for travelers exploring the area. Facilities…
Supermarkets
Supermarket — supplies
Nettó supermarket — supplies
Krónan supermarket — supplies
Supermarket — supplies
Gas stations
Orkan · 308.6 kr/L petrol
N1 · 310.9 kr/L petrol
ÓB · 308.7 kr/L petrol
Olís · 310.8 kr/L petrol
Tours
Katla ice cave, South Coast waterfalls and the black sand beach in one private day.
Floating icebergs at Jökulsárlón plus the best of South Iceland on the way.
Snowmobile across a glacier, then hit the Golden Circle classics.
Frequently
asked
questions
How long is the hike to Svartifoss?
Is Svartifoss in a national park?
What inspired by Svartifoss?
Can you see Svartifoss without hiking?
Is parking free at Skaftafell?
Is Svartifoss the black waterfall in Iceland?
Data & sources
Everything on this page comes from the sources below. Live feeds refresh automatically.
PexelsHero & gallery photography · Koen Swiers / Pexels
Visit South Iceland (south.is)Visitor access & practical facts · tourism board
WikipediaEncyclopedic description · CC BY-SA 4.0
VegagerðinLive road status & cameras · Icelandic Road Administration
Open-MeteoWeather forecast · CC BY 4.0
NOAA SWPCAurora (planetary Kp) forecast · public domain
OpenStreetMapInteractive-map data · ODbL
Esri, Maxar & Earthstar GeographicsSatellite imagery for the 3D terrain render · GIS User Community
Spotted an error, or have something to add? Help us keep this page accurate.