Svartifoss
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Svartifoss
About
Svartifoss is a waterfall in West Iceland.
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.
Drive: Good·
Visit now·
30 min stop
Ring Road 1Checking…
F-roadsOpen
ClosuresChecking…
Wind—
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Entry: Free
Parking: 750 ISK
No booking
Entry feeFree
Parking750 ISK
BookingNot needed
Getting thereCar recommended
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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
Duration
Pickup
Activity
VehiclePhotos & videos
Reviews
Nearby
Waterfalls
A waterfall in West Iceland. One of many cascades that make Iceland a waterfall paradise.
A waterfall in Iceland.
A waterfall in West Iceland. One of many cascades that make Iceland a waterfall paradise.
A waterfall in West Iceland. One of many cascades that make Iceland a waterfall paradise.
Hot Springs
Natural hot spring. Water temp varies but usually comfortable. Bring your own towel.
Natural hot spring. Off the tourist path. Check conditions before going.
Natural hot spring. Water temp varies but usually comfortable. Best with few people.
Geothermal spot. Real Iceland experience. Best with few people.
Campsites
West Iceland camping. Access to Snæfellsnes peninsula and western attractions. Good…
Small camp site in a beautiful and quiet surroundings next to highway no 47 in…
The Akranes camping site is located in Kalmansvik on the outscirt of Akranes
West Iceland camping. Access to Snæfellsnes peninsula and western attractions. Good…
Supermarkets
Bónus supermarket — supplies
Krónan supermarket — supplies
Supermarket — supplies
Nettó supermarket — supplies
Gas stations
ÓB · 308.7 kr/L petrol
N1 · 307.9 kr/L petrol
Orkan · 307.8 kr/L petrol
Olís · 309.8 kr/L petrol
Tours
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?
Data & sources
Everything on this page comes from the sources below. Live feeds refresh automatically.
PexelsHero & gallery photography · Koen Swiers / Pexels
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
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