![]() #5: Svartifoss (Skaftafell) Svartifoss ("Black Falls") framed by dark basalt columns (photo by Chris McCarty) If you’re limited on time but still want a longer hike, consider a9km loop starting near Hafragilsfoss parking lot towards the Hafragil lowlands area, some of the most dramatic landscapes of the Jökulsárgljúfur area. Take your time and ditch the crowds for an extended hike that covers Hafragilsfoss, Dettifoss, and Selfoss (12 km each direction). Most tourists drive to Dettifoss and hike the short loop connecting Dettifoss (Europe’s most powerful waterfall) and Selfoss (also very impressive). #4: Dettifoss, Selfoss, and Hafragilsfoss Dettifoss, Europe's most powerful waterfall Looking back on the fjord you will have incredible views of the river, meadows, valley and mountains in the distance over the fjord below. Hike to as many waterfalls as you like, or continue all the way to the lake at the top. The trail switches between flat hiking to a short climb every 5-10 minutes as you gain elevation in alternating chunks. ![]() Every 10-15 minute you will pass a new waterfall or section of cascades as you climb up out of the fjord, plateau by plateau. Get Started #3: Waterfalls up to Vestdalur Lake (Seydisfjordur) Waterfalls along the trail above Seydisfjordur in the East Fjords (photo by Chris McCarty)įrom the northern side of Seydisfjordur (East Fjords) follow the trail towards Vestdalsvatn Lake, about 2-3 hours away. Here you will pass another 26 waterfalls (give or take) along “waterfall way”, the first section of the 25km trail to Thórsmörk. Leave the crowds behind by hiking the beginning of the Fimmvörðuháls Trail along the eastern bank of Skógá river. But don’t just snap some pictures and drive on to the next place, spend some time climbing the stairs to the left of the falls where you can reach the top for a different perspective. You can reach the base by a short detour from Route 1 where you can park within eyeshot of the misty falls. Skogafoss is one of the largest waterfalls in Iceland (25m wide, 60m tall) and also one of the most popular. #2: Skogafoss (+ 26 more along “Waterfall Way”) Skogafoss at the beginning of "waterfall way" Once you reach the top of the falls, you have the option to wade across the river (go further upstream where it’s a bit calmer) or continue up to Hvalfell summit to increase the hike to a 10km loop. There are a few steep/slippery sections where you’ll find a rope for support.Įnjoy the incredible views back towards Hvalfjordur, one of the prettiest fjords. The trail crosses into a lava cave, through a river (over cables for support), and up along a mossy narrow canyon. Follow the dirt road to the parking lot where you will begin the 5.5km out and back hike with some of the best views anywhere in the region. Iceland’s tallest waterfall (198m) remains hidden in a narrow canyon about 1 hour northeast of Reykjavik. Read here for some impressive waterfalls without a hike #1: Glymur: Iceland’s Tallest Glymur falls pours into the narrow canyon below (photo by Chris McCarty) All can be reached within a couple of hours where you will find yourself far away from the larger tourist crowds. It’s steeper than the shorter one but you´ll see another waterfall, Hundafoss (Dog’s waterfall), on the way.Below are some of the best waterfall hikes in Iceland. You can take a longer route from the Visitor Centre to the waterfall, around 3.4 kilometers. Most people think it’s an easy hike since it’s not too steep, but it gets a little bit more difficult as you get closer to the waterfall. The shorter hike to Svartifoss is 1.5 kilometers and takes around 40 minutes, so you should expect a 90-minute hike both ways with a few minutes to take pictures and catch your breath. You´ll also see a few tour operators there that take people up to see the glacier. You´ll have no problem finding information about how to get to Svartifoss at the Centre. Your first stop there will probably be the Visitor Centre, open all year, where you can take a break and get information about the area. So, Skaftafell is literally like an oasis in a desert, with lovely greenery, birds and a wonderful atmosphere. If you arrive in Skaftafell from the west, you´ll have driven over flat and windy sands. The water that comes pouring over the cliff is meltwater from Svínafellsjökull glacier. ![]() But it’s worth it! The basalt columns are very cool and their shape has inspired Icelandic architects, most notably in buildings like Hallgrímskirkja church. It’s not as tall as some as the other waterfalls you´ll see in Iceland, only 12-20 meters high, and you´ll need to hike a bit to see it. ![]() Its name comes from the black basalt columns that surround it very beautifully, and when you see Svartifoss, you´ll understand the name. In Skaftafell, which is part of Vatnajökull national park, you´ll find a very pretty waterfall called Svartifoss (Black waterfall). ![]()
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