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Iceland
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Vatnajokull National Park
Skaftafell
Things to Do in Skaftafell
Svartifoss Waterfall

Svartifoss Waterfall, Skaftafell: Address, Phone Number, Svartifoss Waterfall Reviews: 4.5/5

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Svartifoss Waterfall

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Svartifoss Waterfall
4.5
778
#3 of 14 things to do in Skaftafell
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
778 reviews
Excellent
498
Very good
216
Average
53
Poor
8
Terrible
3
Michael D
60 contributions
Beautiful
Apr 2022 • Couples
You pay to park then walk about 40 minutes mostly up hill to this stunning waterfall. The water crashes over basal columns with the water casting a beautiful rainbow. We were lucky to have only one other couple there when we were there. Definitely worth the walk.
Written April 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Aleena Luisier
California73 contributions
Picturesque Waterfall
Sep 2021
It's a bit of a hike to get here (maybe 45 minutes or so), but it's a very easy path, some uphill but it's really not bad altogether. Besides, it's worth the destination! Svartifoss is surrounded by basalt columns and is very picturesque. We spent quite a bit of time there just taking photos and admiring.

There were some other people there when we went but it wasn't uncomfortably crowded or anything. In fact, after we'd been there for a little while it actually cleared out and we had it to ourselves for a bit until we left.
Written October 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
atravelingvegan
Provo, UT241 contributions
Bit of a hike, totally worth it!
Sep 2021
We got here about 9:00 AM and there were only a couple of other cars parked here. The hike was maybe 30-45 minutes, a few strenuous spots, but nothing my asthmatic lungs couldn't handle with a few resting stops. There's another waterfall on the way out and a lot of really pretty trees, mushrooms... just beautiful nature all around (and even some kind of little storage/house we found by the river?!). The falls are gorgeous, absolutely gorgeous. The basalt columns are so beautiful and the way the water soaks along them, turning them even blacker, is really cool. It's definitely worth the hike out!
Written October 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Dennis E
Alphen aan den Rijn, The Netherlands141 contributions
Nice place for a hike. Great waterfall.
May 2022 • Couples
The area has a (paid) parking area and there's a visitor center, as well as some food stands at the starting point. The waterfall itself is reachable through a nice (but partly uphill, so take it into account) walk and there are a few marked hiking routes that take you along beautiful creeks, some other waterfalls and some great views of the plains below. Nice place for birdwatching and photography. When we visited it was busy, but definately not too crowded.
Written June 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Julie O
8 contributions
Another lovely waterfall
Apr 2022
We began the hike to this waterfall at 6 in the morning as we had such an action packed day and we didn't want to miss it. The hike was all uphill getting to the waterfall, but the path was very well maintained with just a few icy patches at the end. The waterfall was amazing and you pass 2 other waterfalls on the way. We were back in the car by 7.30 (and this was with 2 children) Glad we did it. Early in the morning was just lovely as you hear all the birds and there are no people. Please note the parking costs money.
Written April 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Cubicinches
Los Angeles, CA131 contributions
Favorite Waterfall in Iceland
Jul 2021
I actually felt this was my favorite waterfall in Iceland after I did the Ring Road. It's not the biggest or tallest or any other superlative. But it had a very pleasant setting and appearance that made me want to spend the day just sitting and watching. The columnar basalt formations are amazing and unique. I did the big loop that goes to the waterfall and then out to Sjónarnípa viewpoint for a view of the glacier. My Apple Watch glitched and so I don’t know my exact distance and time. But the trail is supposedly 5 miles. I highly recommend the relatively short hike to see the waterfall. Continuing to the viewpoint depends on your level of fitness and the weather since my view was partly obscured by clouds.
Written August 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Riso M
30 contributions
Skaftafell Park admin not able to return parking fee
Jul 2020
I paid the paring fee and later decided to stay in the campground (guests do not have to pay for parking on the arrival day). I asked the admin to return the fee, he replied something like "working on the task" but I never received a dime back. And never heard of them anymore. Sad
Written August 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Stefan G
Washington DC, DC972 contributions
Iconic
Jul 2021
One of the most iconic waterfalls in Iceland, certainly. The basal rocks make it very special.

It is a decent trek/hike, perhaps 30 mins to an hour depending on your motivation and fitness level. As for parking there is a carpark where you have to pay. Alternatively, you can drive further down the road until you get to a road that is blocked off to thru-traffic and the road you're on just kinda dead-ends. I parked on the side of the road here, as did a handful of other people, though it wasn't entirely clear if it was/is authorized. If you're unsure, just park in the pay to park area.

Close by is the Skaftafell Visitor Center, which offers toilets and a cafe.
Written November 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
laylalae
Slovakia242 contributions
Interesting waterfall
Jul 2021
Quite an easy 1 hour walk from the campground will get you to this waterfall and as this is one of the nearest and easiest walk here in the area of Skaftafell, be prepared for more people on this hike. Neverthless, the waterfull is very nice with its basal columns. For me it was interesting to watch little water drops dripping down from basal columns as if they were taken out from a slowed-down animated movie.
Written August 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Marisa C
Santa Cruz, CA425 contributions
Unique Falls worth the hike!
Aug 2021 • Friends
Super cool basalt waterfall! I read this was an “easy” hike and I beg to differ. Plan for a 90 minute round trip hike at least and expect a well groomed, wide trail all uphill to get to the waterfall. You pass a small falls on the way but keep going. It’s not difficult but previous reviews were way off on timing making our expectations unrealistic. Don’t forget to pay for parking because they will ticket your car!!! At the bottom of falls in the campground is a clean bathroom.
Written July 31, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Svartifoss Waterfall
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