Svartifoss

About Svartifoss

Svartifoss is a striking 20-meter waterfall in Skaftafell, surrounded by dark hexagonal basalt columns that hang like the pipes of a massive church organ. The name translates to "Black Falls," derived from the dark lava columns that frame the cascade on three sides. Located within Vatnajökull National Park in Southeast Iceland, Svartifoss has become one of the country's most iconic and recognizable natural landmarks, appearing on countless postcards and travel guides.

The dramatic geometric columns that surround Svartifoss have had a lasting influence on Icelandic architecture and design. The renowned Hallgrímskirkja church in downtown Reykjavik, the country's tallest church and most recognizable building, was directly inspired by the columnar basalt formations at Svartifoss. The National Theatre of Iceland similarly drew upon these natural forms in its design. Unlike many of Iceland's famous waterfalls, which can be reached by car, Svartifoss requires a moderate hike from the Skaftafell Visitor Center, making the arrival feel more like a discovery and adding to the sense of wonder upon first seeing the dark columns and white cascade.

The Basalt Columns

The hexagonal basalt columns at Svartifoss formed through an extraordinary geological process. When a thick flow of basaltic lava cooled extremely slowly, the contraction created regular geometric fractures that split the rock into polygonal columns, most commonly with six sides. This process, known as columnar jointing, occurs over months or years as the lava solidifies from the outside in, with the cooling front propagating inward and the cracks following the zones of greatest stress.

Similar columnar basalt formations can be found at the Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland, Fingal's Cave on the Scottish island of Staffa, and Devil's Postpile in California. However, what makes Svartifoss particularly dramatic is the way the columns frame the waterfall like a dark curtain or amphitheater. At the top of the cliff face, individual columns have broken away from the formation, creating sharp, jagged points that hang over the falls like a row of dark icicles. Broken column fragments litter the base of the waterfall, forming a natural basalt rubble field where the water collects in a shallow pool before continuing downstream.

The Hike

The trail to Svartifoss begins at the Skaftafell Visitor Center and covers 1.5 kilometers each way, gaining approximately 120 meters in elevation. The hike is rated as moderate difficulty and typically takes 30 to 45 minutes in each direction, depending on your pace and how often you stop to enjoy the scenery. The path is well-marked with signs and follows a clear trail that winds uphill through a landscape of birch woodland, heath, and volcanic terrain.

Along the way, hikers pass two other notable waterfalls that serve as appetizers for the main attraction. Hundafoss (Dog Falls) appears first, a pretty cascade plunging into a narrow gorge. Further along, Magnúsarfoss offers another picturesque stop with its own modest columnar basalt framing. These intermediate waterfalls help break up the uphill walk and build anticipation for Svartifoss itself. The trail can become muddy after rain, so waterproof hiking boots are recommended. In winter, the path can be icy and slippery, and crampons or microspikes are strongly advised for safe passage.

Visiting Tips

Getting There

Svartifoss is located within the Skaftafell section of Vatnajökull National Park, approximately 327 kilometers from Reykjavik along Route 1 (the Ring Road). The drive takes around 4.5 hours and passes through some of Iceland's most spectacular South Coast scenery, including the black sand beaches near Vík, the vast outwash plains of Skeiðarársandur, and views of multiple glacial tongues descending from the ice caps above.

Skaftafell is one of the major stops on the South Coast and Ring Road route, making it a natural inclusion in any multi-day driving itinerary. The famous Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and Diamond Beach lie just 75 kilometers further east along Route 1, and most travelers visit both Skaftafell and Jökulsárlón on the same day or on consecutive days. Glacier walking tours depart from the Skaftafell Visitor Center throughout the day during summer, making it easy to combine the Svartifoss hike with a guided walk on the Skaftafellsjökull or Svínafellsjökull glacier tongues for a full day of adventure.