Svartifoss — The Black Falls
20m cascade framed by hexagonal basalt columns in Vatnajökull National Park
Svartifoss is a striking 20-meter waterfall in Skaftafell, surrounded by dark hexagonal basalt columns that hang like the pipes of a massive church organ. The name translates to 'Black Falls,' derived from the dark lava columns that frame the cascade on three sides. Located within Vatnajökull National Park in Southeast Iceland, Svartifoss has become one of the country's most iconic and recognizable natural landmarks. The dramatic geometric columns have had a lasting influence on Icelandic architecture: the renowned Hallgrímskirkja church in downtown Reykjavik and the National Theatre of Iceland were both directly inspired by these formations. Unlike many of Iceland's famous waterfalls, Svartifoss requires a moderate hike from the Skaftafell Visitor Center, making the arrival feel more like a discovery and adding to the sense of wonder upon first seeing the dark columns and white cascade.
The Basalt Columns
The hexagonal basalt columns at Svartifoss formed through an extraordinary geological process. When a thick flow of basaltic lava cooled extremely slowly, the contraction created regular geometric fractures that split the rock into polygonal columns, most commonly with six sides. This process, known as columnar jointing, occurs over months or years as the lava solidifies from the outside in, with the cooling front propagating inward and the cracks following the zones of greatest stress.
Similar columnar basalt formations exist at the Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland, Fingal's Cave on the Scottish island of Staffa, and Devil's Postpile in California. What makes Svartifoss particularly dramatic is the way the columns frame the waterfall like a dark curtain or amphitheater. At the top of the cliff face, individual columns have broken away, creating sharp, jagged points that hang over the falls like dark icicles. Broken column fragments litter the base, forming a natural basalt rubble field where the water collects in a shallow pool.
The Hike
The trail to Svartifoss begins at the Skaftafell Visitor Center and covers 1.5 kilometers each way, gaining approximately 120 meters in elevation. The hike is rated as moderate difficulty and typically takes 30 to 45 minutes in each direction. The path is well-marked and winds uphill through birch woodland, heath, and volcanic terrain. Along the way, hikers pass two other notable waterfalls that build anticipation for the main attraction.
- Hundafoss — first waterfall on the trail, cascading into a narrow gorge
- Magnúsarfoss — second waterfall with its own modest basalt column framing
- Svartifoss — the final destination, the Black Falls
Visiting Tips
- No park entry fee — parking at Skaftafell costs ~750 ISK
- Visitor Center with cafe, restrooms, and trail maps
- Camping available at the Skaftafell campsite
- Best combined with glacier walks departing from Skaftafell
- Check trail conditions at the Visitor Center before setting out
Getting There
Svartifoss is located within the Skaftafell section of Vatnajökull National Park, approximately 327 kilometers from Reykjavik along Route 1. The drive takes around 4.5 hours and passes through Iceland's most spectacular South Coast scenery, including the black sand beaches near Vík and views of multiple glacial tongues. The famous Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon lies just 75 kilometers further east, and most travelers visit both Skaftafell and Jökulsárlón on the same day or on consecutive days.
Safety Information
The trail can be icy in winter — crampons or microspikes are strongly recommended. The path can be muddy after rain; waterproof hiking boots are essential. Check conditions at the Skaftafell Visitor Center before heading out.