Waterfall Height
20 m (66 ft)
The water drops 20 meters over a basalt column ledge into a shallow pool below.
Svartifoss: The Black Falls in Skaftafell
A waterfall curtained by dark basalt columns that inspired Iceland's most famous church
September 2026: Austurbrekkur is closed September 1–30 for maintenance. Check the current map at Skaftafell before choosing a return loop; this is not a closure of the whole park.
Location
South Iceland / Skaftafell
Vatnajökull National Park
Quick Answer
Svartifoss drops 20 meters over dark hexagonal basalt columns in Skaftafell, Vatnajökull National Park, and inspired Hallgrímskirkja. The walk up is 1.5 km each way.
Svartifoss, meaning "Black Falls," is one of Iceland's most distinctive waterfalls. Located in the Skaftafell area of Vatnajökull National Park, the 20-meter cascade is framed by an amphitheater of dark hexagonal basalt columns that hang like organ pipes. These columns formed as lava cooled slowly and contracted into geometric shapes. Architect Guðjón Samúelsson drew on the formation when designing Hallgrímskirkja, Reykjavík's landmark church, as well as the National Theatre. Reaching the falls requires a 1.5 km uphill hike through birch woodland.
Sources and page update
Updated: 2026-09-10
This guide is a travel-planning summary, not emergency guidance. Conditions in Iceland can change quickly; check official alerts, roads, and weather before driving, hiking, or booking around volatile conditions.
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Official sources to check
Trail Distance
1.5 km one way
A moderate uphill hike from the Skaftafell Visitor Centre with 140 m elevation gain.
Distance from Reykjavík
~327 km
About a 4.5-hour drive east along Route 1 to the Skaftafell entrance.
What to Expect
Basalt Column Amphitheater
The waterfall is encircled by overhanging dark basalt columns in hexagonal shapes, arranged like the walls of an amphitheater.
Hallgrímskirkja Connection
The columnar formations directly inspired the facade of Reykjavík's Hallgrímskirkja church, designed by Guðjón Samúelsson in 1937.
Scenic Hiking Trail
The 1.5 km path climbs through birch and rowan woodland, passing two other waterfalls (Hundafoss and Magnúsarfoss) en route.
Fallen Column Debris
At the base of the falls, broken basalt columns litter the pool area; columns still fracture and collapse over time.
Vatnajökull National Park
Svartifoss is part of Europe's largest national park, so the hike combines easily with glacier walks and other Skaftafell trails.
Year-Round Access
In summer, the green birch canopy contrasts with dark basalt; in winter, ice and snow change the scene entirely.
Getting There
Svartifoss is located in the Skaftafell area of Vatnajökull National Park in South Iceland. From Reykjavík, drive approximately 327 km east on Route 1 (Ring Road). Turn off at the signed Skaftafell entrance and park at the Visitor Centre (parking fee applies). The trail to Svartifoss begins behind the Visitor Centre and is well-marked with signs. The path is mostly gravel and steps, with some steep sections. No 4x4 vehicle is needed to reach the trailhead.
Best Time to Visit
Svartifoss is accessible year-round, and each season looks different. Summer (June-August) provides the easiest hiking conditions, longest daylight, and green woodland around the dark columns. Autumn turns the birch foliage gold. Winter (November-February) can partially freeze the waterfall and requires microspikes for the icy trail, but the falls are much quieter then. Spring snowmelt increases water flow for a more powerful cascade. Early morning visits in any season help avoid crowds, as Svartifoss is one of Skaftafell's most popular trails.
Pay for the parking day you use
Parka’s Skaftafell payment page says the service fee expires at midnight on the date paid. It is not a rolling 24-hour ticket. The online payment shows an 89 ISK transaction fee. A same-day visit to Jökulsárlón can qualify for a 50% discount on the second area’s service fee when the same payment method is used. Check the vehicle category and final amount before paying.
Planning help
Svartifoss FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
How long is the hike to Svartifoss?
The hike to Svartifoss from the Skaftafell Visitor Centre is approximately 1.5 km each way (3 km round trip). The trail is uphill with a moderate elevation gain of about 140 meters. Allow 45-60 minutes each way, depending on fitness and how many stops you make at viewpoints along the route.
Did Svartifoss really inspire the design of Hallgrímskirkja?
Yes, architect Guðjón Samúelsson is widely credited with drawing inspiration from Iceland's basalt column formations, including Svartifoss, when designing Hallgrímskirkja church in Reykjavík. The church's distinctive facade mirrors the organ-pipe-like columns framing the waterfall.
Is there an entrance fee for Svartifoss?
There is no separate entrance fee for the Svartifoss trail, but Vatnajökull National Park charges a parking fee at the Skaftafell Visitor Centre car park. Check current trail conditions and closures with the park before setting off.
Can Svartifoss be visited in winter?
Yes, Svartifoss can be visited in winter, but the trail may be icy and slippery. Microspikes or crampons are strongly recommended. The waterfall can partially freeze. Daylight hours are limited (4-5 hours in December), so plan accordingly.
Country reference: Iceland statistics.