Skaftafell is an incredible area, right along Ring Road, nestled between two glacier tongues. Good camping facilities along with amazing hikes, Svartifoss, and an abundance of adventures to go on, make it a must-see stop on your trip.
We stayed overnight in Skaftafell and were able to scope out all the hikes and tours in the area. The Visitor's Center has lots of excellent information and trail maps posted outside. The unique Svartifoss waterfall is pretty central to the park and there are a few hiking routes that pass through it. All the signage on the trails is extremely good.
Our favourite hike was the S6: Svartifoss/Sjónarnípa, which we think takes you to the best parts of the park in a fairly easy 8km round trip hike, taking you to the base of Svartifoss then up to Sjónarnípa lookout over-top of the glacier terminus.
Starting from the Visitor's Center, follow the blue placards and signage for Svartifoss. Most of the hikes start from the Visitor's Center so you'll be on the same trail as most others.
You'll pass a few waterfalls and rivers on your way up. Continue following the signage, you'll get to a crest overlooking Svartifoss.
At the crest, the trail forks: left to Svartifoss and right to Sjonarnipa. Go left as you can get right to the foot of Svartifoss -- and its definitely worth it!
After you're done at Svartifoss, head back up the way you came; not across the bridge but back up to the fork. Now you'll take the right fork towards Sjónarnípa.
The trail will continue for a few kilometers, along a path and boardwalk, passing through the tundra and over a few mountain streams. The trail will start to turn east as you get closer to the look out point.
After about a half a kilometer, you'll reach the viewpoint...
The remainder of the trail is a bit less interesting after experiencing the viewpoint, but you do get to hike down along the side of the cliff, catching views of the valley as you continue to descend.
Eventually you will meet up with the main path and continue down to the Visitor Center to complete one of the best hikes in Iceland!
Resources
- Planning Your Hike: https://www.vatnajokulsthjodgardur.is/en/areas/skaftafell/plan-your-visit
- Official Hiking Maps of the area: https://www.vatnajokulsthjodgardur.is/en/areas/skaftafell/plan-your-visit/maps
