SvartifossAbout Svartifoss
Svartifoss is a waterfall in the Skaftafell area of Vatnajökull National Park in southeast Iceland, renowned for the striking hexagonal basalt columns that frame the fall.
The cascade plunges roughly 20 metres over a cliff of columnar basalt, a formation created as thick lava flows cooled and contracted. The visual contrast of dark basalt columns and white water is the main attraction.
Geologically formed during volcanic activity associated with Iceland’s rift-zone volcanism, the site is part of the larger glacial and volcanic landscape of Vatnajökull National Park.
Svartifoss lies within Skaftafell in southeast Iceland and is reached from the local visitor centre by well-marked footpaths.
- Height and geology: The waterfall drops approximately 20 metres and is framed by distinctive dark hexagonal basalt columns formed by cooling lava.
- Trail length: Accessible from the Skaftafell visitor area by a marked hiking trail of roughly 1.5 kilometres one-way, suitable for most walkers in summer conditions.
Nearby Attractions to Svartifoss
Best Time to Visit Svartifoss
Visit in summer for the easiest, snow‑free access to the waterfall; shoulder seasons offer fewer crowds but more variable weather.
Weather & Climate near Svartifoss
Svartifoss's climate is classified as Subarctic - Subarctic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -3°C to 13°C. Abundant rainfall (1626 mm/year), wettest in October, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -3° - 2° | -6° | 145 mm | overcast | 89% | 4.9 m/s | 0.0 low | 5.0h |
| February | Poor | -3° - 2° | -5° | 147 mm | overcast | 89% | 4.6 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.2h |
| March | Poor | -3° - 3° | -5° | 136 mm | overcast | 88% | 4.9 m/s | 0.3 low | 11.5h |
| April | Poor | -1° - 6° | -2° | 104 mm | overcast | 86% | 4.7 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 14.9h |
| May | Acceptable | 3° - 9° | 3° | 111 mm | overcast | 84% | 4.4 m/s | 1.4 high | 18.2h |
| June | Poor | 5° - 12° | 6° | 117 mm | overcast | 86% | 4.3 m/s | 1.5 high | 20.4h |
| July | Acceptable | 7° - 13° | 10° | 109 mm | overcast | 87% | 3.9 m/s | 1.1 high | 19.3h |
| August | Poor | 7° - 13° | 8° | 151 mm | overcast | 87% | 3.9 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 16.1h |
| September | Poor | 4° - 10° | 4° | 147 mm | overcast | 88% | 4.4 m/s | 0.3 low | 12.8h |
| October | Poor | 1° - 6° | 0° | 172 mm | overcast | 88% | 4.4 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.5h |
| November | Poor | -2° - 3° | -3° | 144 mm | overcast | 88% | 4.3 m/s | 0.0 low | 6.0h |
| December | Poor | -3° - 2° | -6° | 143 mm | overcast | 89% | 4.6 m/s | 0.0 low | 3.6h |
How to Get to Svartifoss
Svartifoss is in Skaftafell, part of Vatnajökull National Park in southeast Iceland. The standard route is to drive along the Ring Road (Route 1) to the Skaftafell/Vatnajökull turnoff and park at the Skaftafell Visitor Centre.
From the visitor centre a marked trail leads to Svartifoss; the hike is about 1.5 km (one way) on a maintained path and is commonly walked in roughly 30-45 minutes each way depending on pace and stops. From Reykjavík the drive along Route 1 is roughly 330 km and takes about 4.5-5 hours in normal conditions.
Tips for Visiting Svartifoss
- Start from the Skaftafell visitor centre and hike to Svartifoss early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the peak bus crowds from nearby Glacier Lagoon; those hours also give the best directional light on the basalt columns.
- Follow the well-marked trail that climbs to the ridge for the classic view of the waterfall and basalt pillars; many visitors only see the lower viewpoint, so continue to the upper platforms for a less crowded perspective.
- If you're visiting in high summer, time your trip to avoid the busiest coach arrivals (midday); shoulder seasons reduce crowding but check trail conditions and park information for any seasonal closures.