Svartifoss, Iceland

Quick Facts

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Accessibility: 5/10 (moderate)
Height: 66′ / 20 m
Length of Hike: 1.9 miles / 3.1 km round-trip

The Record

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The trail to Svartifoss is as much about the journey as the destination, offering a literal “leveling up” of Iceland’s dramatic scenery. As you continue past Magnúsarfoss and Hundafoss, the landscape opens up. The ascent provides a vantage point over the vast Skeiðarársandur, a massive plain of black volcanic sand, reminding you that you are standing in a land shaped by the constant tug-of-war between fire and ice.

Once you reach the falls, the visual impact of the dark basalt columns is immediate. These “Black Falls” look almost architectural, as if a master stonemason carved the pillars by hand rather than leaving them to the whims of cooling magma. The geometry is so precise that it served as the primary inspiration for the design of Hallgrímskirkja, the iconic cathedral in Reykjavík. Standing at the base, you can see where the columns have snapped off over centuries, creating a rugged, amphitheater-like basin that echoes with the roar of the water.

The hike to the falls is consistently uphill with some rocky portions. The hike back down is easier on the lungs and offers a different perspective on the surrounding peaks and the sheer scale of the national park. Even for someone who has chased waterfalls across multiple continents, there is something uniquely atmospheric about Svartifoss. It isn’t the tallest or the most powerful waterfall in Iceland, but the blend of geological rarity and the rhythmic beauty of those hexagonal pipes makes it a site that stays with you long after the mist has dried off your jacket.

Directions

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1. The entrance to the park is at Skaftafell, which is found directly off 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.
2. 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.
3. Head to 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.
4. Head left on the trail. Signs will indicate the trail to Svartifoss, which is the most popular of the three falls.
5. Head uphill for a bit, and after passing Hundafoss (which isn’t as obvious), you’ll arrive at Magnúsarfoss.
6. Continue along the trail to Svartifoss.

Where in the World is Svartifoss?

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