Trails that head deep into the reserve scale the mighty peaks, dwarfed in turn by the glacier itself.įor campers, spending a few days hiking in Skaftafell is immensely rewarding – visitors who stop for just a short walk before moving on miss out. Others explore the wild heath of the hills, protected from the outside winds by the ice on either side. You can hike through valleys of flat, black sand, where glacial floods push out sediment towards the coast. Cradled between the icy arms of Vatnajökull glacier, trails throughout the bowl-shaped reserve explore every facet of the glacier’s power. With easy access to glaciers, wonderful geographical features, and some of the most inspiring views on earth, there’s nowhere else like it. If you want to find more local knowledge about Iceland, you should definitely check out, where you'll find everything you need for your dream trip.There’s no other way to put it – the hiking in Skaftafell is incredible. Hornstrandir 4 day trek in the Westfjords.Trek Fimmvorduhals Mountain Pass in South Iceland.

In addition to Skaftafell, here are a couple of other areas in Iceland which are known for excellent hiking and trekking options: Sjónarnípa can also be reached without going the whole circle, but we find this to be the most satisfying way to enjoy Skaftafell. Coming back down you will pass by Sjónarnípa, where you will get possibly the most impressive views the entire area has to offer: A precipice overlooking magnificent Skaftafell Glacier, descending like a flood from the larger Vatnajökull to the north. The top offers amazing views overlooking the sandy plains towards the ocean. This hike takes you to Svartifoss and Sjónarsker, but instead of turning back at Sjónarsker you continue upwards and circle Gemludalur valley that lies through Skaftafell. Panoramic view of Skaftafellsjökull from Sjónarnípa. From Svartifoss you can walk up to Sjónarsker viewpoint, before heading down again. There is a pretty steep climb at the beginning, but the path is very good and well maintained, so it should be suitable for almost all.

This waterfall takes its name from the black basaltic rock in its background, and is easily reached from the campsite. Svartifoss (Black Falls) is probably the most famous attraction at Skaftafell. Time: 2 hours (40 minutes for Svartifoss only)

Svartifoss and Sjónarskerĭistance: 5.5 km/3.4 mi (1.9 km/1.2 mi for Svartifoss only) Svartifoss and the surrounding black columnar basalt. On your way back you have the same option of climbing up to Sjónarsker before heading back. Morsárjökull has a towering presence, and rises almost vertically above the valley, with a small lagoon at its feet. It’s a very long hike, and since the glacier can be seen from many of the other paths, only for the truly determined. Here you follow the same path to Morsá valley, but instead of crossing it you walk up and all the way to the bottom of Morsárjökull, the glacier at the valley’s end. From there you can take a small detour to Svartifoss, or, if you’re already exhausted, just head straight back to camp. Walking across Morsá valley can be tiresome, as it’s mostly an endless sandy flatland, so on your way back you have the option of climbing up the side of Skaftafell all the way to Sjónarsker, a viewpoint above the campground. It is a true oasis in the sands, and on good days an almost idyllic refuge from city life. Although not particularly large, it is one of Iceland’s most impressive forests, as the birch there grows to be 12 meters high. This hike takes you alongside Skaftafell, across the sands and Morsá valley, to Bæjarstaðaskógur, a natural birch forest. In Skaftafell you are guaranteed to have a memorable hike, and here are some of our favorite routes: A map of the area: Skaftafellsstofa and campground at the bottom. It is one of very few places in Iceland that is known for good weather, and especially so in the summer. There are several hiking routes around Skaftafell, and each has it’s own appeal. It has a large campground and visitors’ center, but farming there has been completely abandoned, mostly due to the regular flooding and volcanic eruptions. Skaftafell is located at the southern edge of the Vatnajökull National Park, roughly midway between Kirkjubæjarklaustur and Höfn, only a short drive from the Ring Road. These sandy wastelands, created by regular flooding from the glaciers, make Skaftafell even more attractive, as it is surprisingly fertile–home to natural birch forests, many birds and arctic foxes. It is an impressive sight, a mountain surrounded on one hand by magnificent glaciers, and on the other by vast black sands. It’s likely you might miss Skaftafell on your way to Jökulsárlón, but we want to convince you that it’s well worth your time to make a pit stop there for a day or so.

Svartifoss waterfall hike