Skaftafell: what to see and do
In southeastern Iceland, Skaftafell is a protected area within the Öræfi district. It belongs to Vatnajökull National Park, and its landscape includes Morsárdalur valley and Skaftafellsjökull, a glacier extending from the Vatnajökull ice cap.
Skaftafell things to do
Walking routes described as short and easy reach both Svartifoss waterfall and Skaftafellsjökull glacier.
A private glacier hike on Falljökull with professional photography lasts 3 hours. It includes a certified private glacier guide, crampons, a helmet and the required safety equipment, plus a photography session and five professionally edited photographs delivered digitally through Google Drive.
The private ice climbing experience in Skaftafell with a photo guide lasts 5 hours. Included are a certified private glacier guide, transport by 4x4 to and from Falljökull Glacier, crampons, ice axes, harnesses and helmets. It also includes climbing instruction for all levels and five professionally edited photographs per person, delivered through a cloud link.
A South Iceland tour with an ice cave and northern lights runs for 2 days. It includes minibus transport from Reykjavík, a professional glacier guide for the ice cave and glacier hike, helmets, harnesses, crampons and ice axes, and guided South Coast sightseeing.
Svartifoss waterfall
Within Skaftafell, Svartifoss lies on the Skaftafellsheiði heath above the visitor centre. The waterfall drops approximately 20 metres, with black basalt columns behind the water giving it its name. These columns create the shape of a natural amphitheatre.
The private South Iceland tour from glaciers to a black beach lasts 3 days. It includes private transport, a professional guide, lunch at Friðheimar greenhouse restaurant and admission to the Secret Lagoon. A glacier hike or natural ice cave visit is included according to the season, together with a hike to Svartifoss in summer only.
Skaftafell in Iceland
During medieval times, Skaftafell served as a manor farm and a place for local assemblies. Skaftafell National Park was established on 15 September 1967 and was later expanded. By the mid-20th century the land had become less suitable for farming. Skaftafell joined Vatnajökull National Park on 7 June 2008, the date that the latter park was established.
Vatnajökull National Park received World Heritage status on 5 July 2019. The park occupies roughly 14 percent of Iceland, while the Vatnajökull ice cap covers about 7,700 square kilometres.
An eight day guided tour of Iceland includes a professional minibus driver and guide, transport between destinations, and glacier hiking with a certified guide and full safety equipment. A natural ice cave tour inside Breiðamerkurjökull glacier and whale watching from Hauganes harbour are also included.
The private family winter tour in Iceland lasts 7 days and includes private transport and a professional private guide. Admission to the Blue Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Perlan Museum and Whale Museum is included, along with a whale and puffin watching tour and lunch at Friðheimar greenhouse restaurant.
Access and the visitor centre
Route 1 provides access to Skaftafell. The road formed a continuous circuit around Iceland in 1974. A visitor centre and campsite are located in Skaftafell. At the centre, rangers and other staff provide information about local natural features and walking trails.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Skaftafell?
Skaftafell lies in the Öræfi district of southeastern Iceland and forms part of Vatnajökull National Park.
Which places do the short walking trails reach?
Short, easy walking routes lead to Svartifoss and Skaftafellsjökull glacier.
How did Svartifoss get its name?
The name refers to the black basalt columns behind the waterfall.
When did Skaftafell become a national park?
The national park at Skaftafell was established on 15 September 1967.
How is Skaftafell reached by road?
Skaftafell is accessible via Route 1.
