Skaftafell

Incredibly beautiful! Nice and short walk from the parking lot. There are places to sit down and enjoy the waterfall

Part of Vatnajökull National Park, is one of Iceland’s most remarkable regions, blending glaciers, waterfalls, and lush valleys into a landscape that feels like a microcosm of the entire country. Once its own national park, Skaftafell became part of Vatnajökull National Park and remains a paradise for hikers, nature lovers, and photographers. The scenery shifts dramatically within short distances — from icy glacier tongues and rugged mountain ridges to fertile green meadows and black volcanic sands. The area offers some of Iceland’s best hiking trails, with routes suitable for all levels. The short but rewarding hike to Svartifoss, the famous “Black Waterfall,” is a favorite, while more challenging trails lead to glacier viewpoints and panoramic ridges overlooking Skaftafellsjökull and Morsárjökull. For those seeking adventure, guided glacier walks and ice-climbing tours are available, offering a safe way to explore the region’s frozen wonders up close. The Skaftafell Visitor Center is well-equipped and serves as the hub for most activities. It provides maps, trail information, guided tour options, and a small café — a welcome stop after a day of hiking. Parking is ample, though the area can get busy during summer months, so early arrivals are recommended. The weather here is famously unpredictable, often shifting from sunshine to rain or wind within minutes, so layered and waterproof clothing is a must. What makes Skaftafell stand out is its sense of balance — wild and untouched yet accessible and well-organized. You can spend just a few hours exploring or dedicate several days hiking deeper into the mountains and glaciers. It’s also a great base for visiting nearby attractions like Svartifoss, Skaftafellsjökull, and the glacial lagoons further east. Overall, Skaftafell is a destination that captures the essence of Iceland: raw, diverse, and awe-inspiring. Whether you’re a casual visitor or a serious hiker, it offers a rare combination of natural beauty, tranquility, and adventure that leaves a lasting impression.

This is a very nice Nationalpark with several waterfalls and a decent walk uphill. It takes around 30-45min to go to the main waterfall. There are also several routes to go up and back to the parking. I would definitely recommend you to go to the Nationalpark if you are in the area. There is also a information center and you can also walk to the glacier nearby directly from there. Enjoy it :)

Very nice walk, easy for kids and elderly people, fresh air and beautiful scenery.

Amazing please to visit , defenetly. It is a walk for almost 40 min and after you can go to glacier side lake.

Not only is the first waterfall amazing, if you take the hiking trails up past the first waterfall, there are many more waterfalls to see. One of the most scenic hiking that I have ever done. Not too difficult...once you climb the long 528 hard steps to the top of Skaftafell.

What a wonderful area for hikng and what landscapes you can admire here. The land of eternal ice lies in front of us, and nearby are fairy-tale meadows with peaks like from the Brothers Grimm fairy tales, waterfalls, valleys, distant peaks and only us on the trail for a long time. Be sure to come here.

It's one of the wonderful waterfalls in Iceland. Hiking trails start from the information center near the campsite. The hike is about 1.5 hrs to 2 hours. You would start seeing the waterfall when you reach the peak of the hiking trail and then the trail starts winding down. Trails are well marked with signs all the way and it's a very well maintained path. There are multiple viewing platforms so you could get a closer look of the waterfall