Quick Facts
Accessibility: 6/10 (moderate, there are some uphill, rocky portions)
Height: 32′ / 10 m
Length of Hike: 1.2 miles / 1.9 km round-trip
The Record
Vatnajökull National Park is a landscape defined by dramatic contrasts, where massive glaciers meet the flow of glacial rivers. The trail leading from the Skaftafell Visitor Centre offers a rare opportunity to see a sequence of three main waterfalls along the same river. While Svartifoss is the undisputed highlight at the top of the trail, the journey upstream is punctuated by the smaller but equally charming Hundafoss and Magnúsarfoss. There is a fourth waterfall, Þjófafoss, located furthest downstream, though it wasn’t marked with a sign when I visited.
Magnúsarfoss serves as a tranquil middle point in this progression, standing at approximately 10 meters tall. Though it is the smallest of the primary trio, its scale provides a nice contrast to the more imposing Svartifoss. The viewing area for Magnúsarfoss is set back slightly from the falls, making the views partially blocked by trees (though minimally). The summer flies were a bit of a nuisance also.
Directions
- The entrance to the park is at Skaftafell, which is found directly off of the Ring Road. It is found east of Vík and west of Höfn. There are scheduled buses that will take you to the park directly from Reykjavík.
- If you’re heading east along the Ring Road, the entrance will be found on your left. Turn onto the road leading to the visitor’s center.
- Once at the visitor’s center, park and get your bearings for a bit. To your right is the glacier. To your left is a path that leads to the set of falls.
- Head left on the trail. Signs will indicate the trail to Svartifoss, which is the most popular of the three falls.
- Head uphill for a bit, and after passing Hundafoss (which isn’t as obvious), you’ll arrive at Magnúsarfoss.
Waterfall Record 
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