Svartifoss waterfall

A short walk in Vatnajökull National Park offers hikers a magnificent view of Svartifoss, Icelandic for 'black waterfall ’. Fed by meltwater from the Svinafellsjökull glacier, this very popular waterfall plummets 20 metres down a cliff face flanked on either side by tall black hexagonal basalt columns. These formations, which resemble the pipes of a giant organ, inspired the architects of Reykjavik's Hallgrímskirkja church.

The Skaftafell nature reserve is home to numerous hiking trails, all of which are brilliantly maintained and marked. The route to the Svartifoss waterfall is no exception. The route is easy and perfect for families. Along the way, you'll discover several other smaller waterfalls, as well as views of Hvannadalshnjúkur, Iceland's highest peak, on the way back.