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Svartifoss

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description Svartifoss Overview

Svartifoss is a waterfall in the Skaftafell area of Vatnajökull National Park in southeastern Iceland. Water drops approximately 12 metres over a cliff framed by dark, hexagonal basalt columns formed as lava cooled and contracted. Reached by a hiking trail from Skaftafell, it is a destination for walkers, photographers, and visitors interested in Iceland's volcanic geology.

help Svartifoss FAQ

How long is the walk to Svartifoss from Skaftafell?

The usual round trip from the Skaftafell visitor area is roughly 3 kilometres, with a sustained uphill section on the way to the waterfall. Most visitors allow around 90 minutes, depending on trail conditions and stops.

What formed the black columns around Svartifoss?

The cliff consists of basalt that cooled slowly enough to contract into polygonal columns, many of them approximately hexagonal. Weathering and falling columns created the dramatic dark frame around the 12-metre waterfall.

Did Svartifoss inspire Hallgrímskirkja in Reykjavík?

Iceland's basalt landscapes are widely linked to the stepped-column design of Guðjón Samúelsson's Hallgrímskirkja. Svartifoss is frequently cited as an inspiration, although the church reflects the broader geology of Iceland rather than a literal copy of one waterfall.

Can visitors walk behind Svartifoss?

No, Svartifoss does not have the behind-the-water path found at Seljalandsfoss. Visitors view it from the marked trail and viewing area, which also protects people from loose basalt falling from the cliff.

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