Svartifoss Waterfall is one of the most unique and amazing falls in the country of Iceland.
The name means βblack fallsβ and it comes from the dark lava basalt columns surrounding the waterfall that look kind of like organ pipes.
This travel guide will explain how to get there, and everything you need to know before you go!
Svartifoss Waterfall Hike
The Svartifoss waterfall and rock columns canβt be seen from the parking area at Skaftafell, but the hike to the falls is pretty straightforward and only takes about 30-45 minutes.
Iβd rate it as a pretty easy 1.5 kilometer (1 mile) one way hike, but there is a bit of elevation gain (about 120 meters).
Svartifoss may look small in photos, but itβs actually about 20 meters tall! Svartifoss height is hard to appreciate without a person nearby to show the scale.
After you reach the falls, you can just return the way you came, or else you can continue past the bridge at Svartifoss and this will take you on a loop hike.
If you do the loop hike, it includes a few other small waterfalls; theyβre not as impressive as the main event, but you might as well pay them a quick visit on the way back!
Basalt Rock Columns
A cool fact is that the basalt rock columns at Svartifoss were an inspiration for the architectural design of HallgrΓmskirkja Church, one of the well known landmarks in Reykjavik.
Maybe itβs just me, but the rock columns also remind me of the patterns you see on Icelandic sweaters. The basalt columns are similar to the ones you can see at places like the Giantβs Causeway in Ireland, or the Devilβs Tower in Wyoming, USA.
The combination of basalt columns with a waterfall is especially cool, and the only other place I can think of where you could see something similar (outside of Iceland) is Abiqua Falls in Oregon, USA.
Entrance Fees
Thereβs a fee of 750 ISK ($6 USD) required to park here and visit the waterfall.
How To Get To Svartifoss Waterfall
Svartifoss Waterfall is located in southeast Iceland, near the coast.
From Reykjavik, drive east along the Ring Road (Route 1) until you reach Skaftafell, in the Vatnojokull National Park. Svartifoss is about 330 kilometers (200 miles) from Reykjavik.
From the parking lot, itβs a 30-45 minute hike to the waterfall.
When To Visit
I think Svartifoss Waterfall looks nicest in the summer months (June β August), when thereβs green grass and moss on the basalt rocks below the falls.
The waterfall is usually accessible in winter too, and it can also look nice surrounded by a bit of snow and nice.
2 comments
What are the best months to visit Black Falls?
Hi Brandee. I think the waterfall looks best in the summer months (June – August), but it’s also accessible in winter and looks nice with the snow. Enjoy