Svartifoss
About
Black Falls. A waterfall framed by dark hexagonal basalt columns that inspired Hallgrímskirkja church in Reykjavík. Located in Skaftafell, requiring a 45-minute hike to reach.
The basalt columns hang like organ pipes around the falls. The contrast of white water against black rock is striking. Not the biggest waterfall, but probably the most architecturally stunning in Iceland.
Those columns formed when lava cooled slowly millions of years ago. The hexagonal shape is natural geometry — it's how lava cracks when it cools at just the right rate. The same formations appear at Giants Causeway in Ireland.
The hike is moderate — about 5.5 km round trip with some elevation. Bring water. On the way, you'll pass other smaller waterfalls. Don't walk on the columns — they're fragile and it's disrespectful to the geology.
Drive: Good
Visit now
30 min stop
Ring Road 1Checking…
F-roadsClosed (winter)
ClosuresNone nearby
Wind—
Visibility—
Entry: Free
Parking: 750 ISK
No booking
Entry feeFree
Parking750 ISK
BookingNot needed
Getting thereCar recommended
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22:00 – 02:00
Face northLoading…
Activity peak23:42
MoonWaxing crescentLight pollutionRural dark sky
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Sunrise—
Golden hour AM—
Golden hour PM—
Sunset—
Blue hour—Cars & campers
KEF airport pickup 24/74.8
Toyota RAV4
Heated seats for winter waterfall runs, range for highland summer loops.
TransmissionAutomatic
FuelHybrid
Seats5
DriveAWD
VW Caravelle
Whole family or friend group in one car — gear in the back, room to stretch.
TransmissionAutomaticFuelDieselSeats9Drive2WD
Key Camper Wild Duo
Sleep right by the trailhead, wake up at the falls — F-road ready from mid-June.
TransmissionManualFuelPetrol
Sleeps2Drive4WDTours near Svartifoss
Small groups4.8
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Reviews
Walking behind a 60-meter waterfall is something you don't forget. We went at sunset and the light through the curtain was absolutely magical. Bring proper rain gear — you WILL get soaked through. The path is well-maintained but rocky.
Best light at sunrise before the tour buses arrive. The path behind is slippery in winter but doable with spikes. Don't skip Gljúfrabúi next door — most tourists walk right past it, but it's a hidden waterfall inside a cave. Spectacular.
Stopped here on a Ring Road trip in early January. The path behind the waterfall was closed due to ice — check conditions before you go if walking behind is the main reason. Still stunning from the front though.
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