- Best time to visit
- All year round
- Distance from Reykjavík
- 327 km (203 mi)
- Coordinates
- 64.01631123854544, -16.96799862977963
Skaftafell welcomes visitors with its bustling atmosphere, offering a cozy campsite, delightful restaurant, and ample parking. Here, you can gather information, pick up memorable souvenirs, and explore interactive exhibitions, all amidst the convenience of modern facilities.
The Skaftafell Base Camp, nestled by the visitor centre, is a charming wooden hut run by the Icelandic Mountain Guides. Here, adventure awaits as you can book exhilarating activities like glacier hikes, ice climbing, and so much more. Dive into the heart of Icelandic exploration with us!
Reaching Skaftafell Base Camp
The Skaftafell Base Camp is located by the campsite, close to the visitor centre. It's approximately a 5-hour drive from Reykjavík, 2.5 hours from Vík, and 1.5 - 2 hours from Höfn.
Skaftafell Nature Reserve is located by the end of road no. 998 that branches off the main road no. 1 or Ring Road under the mighty Vatnajökull glacier.
As for landmarks, the Skeiðará Bridge monument is a notable landmark you might see on your way to the base camp. It's the remnants of a bridge that was destroyed by a glacial flood caused by a volcanic eruption under the Vatnajökull glacier in 1996. This monument is visible from the main ring road near Skeiðarársandur.
Any type of vehicle can make the journey to Skaftafell, as the park is easily accessible even by a 2WD car. It's just off the Ring Road, and from Vik, you'd stay on Road 1 for 140 kilometres, then turn left onto Road 998, which will take you to a large parking lot.
Finding the Base Camp Hut
Once you reach the first intersection on the path from the parking lot, you'll see the information centre on your right. This is also where the restrooms are located.
The information centre is useful for visitors, providing details about the park, the local flora and fauna, and safety guidelines. Additionally, there's a cafeteria next to the information centre where you can grab a quick bite or a warm drink.
On your left, you'll find the camping place, where you can set up your tent if you're planning to stay overnight. The campground is well-maintained and has good facilities, making it a comfortable place to camp.
The Skaftafell Base Camp, the starting point for many of the park's guided tours, is located within the camping place. It's the first building you'll see on the left side, easily identifiable by its dark wood colour and sign reading "Icelandic Mountain Guides, Skaftafell Base Camp".
Exploring Skaftafell
Skaftafell, nestled within the vast expanse of Vatnajökull National Park, has long been a cherished jewel of Iceland. Known for its comparatively mild weather and contrasting landscapes, it is an area of exceptional natural beauty that draws visitors from around the globe.
Upon reaching Skaftafell, visitors are met with a sweeping panorama of diverse terrains. Glaciers, mountains, and verdant plains stretch out as far as the eye can see, offering a breathtaking array of natural features.
These varied landscapes provide the backdrop for an extensive network of hiking trails catering to all fitness and experience levels. From leisurely walks through the lowlands to more strenuous climbs to higher altitudes, there's a path for every type of outdoor enthusiast in Skaftafell.
Known as the “black waterfall”, Svartifoss is famous because its basalt column backdrop looks like a scene from another planet. The waterfall was featured in the TV series Game of Thrones and the blockbuster movie Batman Begins.
No, wild camping is not permitted in Skaftafell as it's a protected national park. However, there's a large campsite within the area equipped with excellent facilities. For those seeking a quieter experience, there's ample space in less crowded sections of the campsite.
Yes, when you tour with Icelandia, you are in the company of the most experienced and skilled mountain guides in Iceland. They know the glacier like the back of their hand. However, it's crucial to never attempt to venture onto the glacier without a guide!
As Skaftafell is so far from Reykjavík and it takes a full day to drive here, most people visiting from the capital will want to spend the night in the area.
In the peak summer season, booking accommodation around Skaftafell in advance is essential. The tiny village of Kirkjubæjarklaustur, a short drive from Skaftafell, also has a couple of guesthouses. Between May and September, Skaftafell Camping Ground is open and has plenty of space for tents – there’s no need to book in advance unless you are a very large group.
Yes, you can book a glacier hike on location in Skaftafell. However, we advise booking in advance, at least a few hours before departure. If we have available spots, we'll gladly accommodate you on the spot.
It is 327 kilometres (203 miles) from Reykjavík to Skaftafell and the drive takes between seven and seven and a half hours, depending on the weather and road conditions. Of course, many people driving from Reykjavík to Skaftafell will stop along the way at the many natural wonders of the south coast.
Wonderful hiking trails, guided glacier hikes, ice climbing, and caving tours make Skaftafell a top recreational spot in Iceland. With tours from easy to challenging, nature enthusiasts have ample choices.
Perhaps the most iconic hike in Skaftafell is the towering cascade of Svartifoss waterfall which sits against a backdrop of basalt columns. The trail to Svartifoss follows the river and passes a couple of other waterfalls along the way.
Hiking trails allow you to summit Kristínartindar Mountain for stunning views over some of Iceland’s ice caps and you can admire the glaciers of Skaftafellsjökull and Svínafellsjökull within the park.
As Skaftafell is a protected park on public land, there is no fee to enter the park or visit Svartifoss. However, there is a moderate fee to use the Skaftafell area’s carpark.
Probably the most iconic image of Skaftafell’s scenery is the glacier. Several outlet glaciers from Vatnajökull belong to this nature reserve, making it the ultimate base for glacier hikes, ice climbing and ice caving tours.
Another iconic sight is Svartifoss waterfall – a plume of white water tumbling against jagged basalt columns. Skaftafell is also known for its glaciers – Skaftafellsjökull, Morsárjökull and Svínafellsjökull – where you can experience walking through glowing blue ice caves.
Skaftafell is found just off the Route One ring road that loops around the entire island of Iceland, so it is easy to navigate yourself here. From Reykjavík, you simply follow Route One along the south coast, past waterfalls, black-sand beaches and glaciers until you reach the turn-off for Skaftafell 327 kilometres later. While navigation is easy, road conditions in Iceland can be challenging, especially in winter. For this reason, many visitors choose to join an organised tour from Reykjavík to Skaftafell with an experienced driver and guide. As it is so far from the capital and there is plenty to do when you get there, most tours to Skaftafell are multi-day affairs.
Yes, Skaftafell is a protected site. It was originally a national park on its own but has since become a part of the larger Vatnajökull National Park. This area is protected due to its unique and diverse landscapes, including glaciers, mountains, and various geological formations. The protection ensures that its natural beauty and ecological significance are preserved for future generations.
Skaftafell’s main and best-known waterfall is Svartifoss. You can spot this natural wonder from the Route One road and reach it by following the 1.5-kilometre uphill trail from the carpark. There is also a circular route, covering 5.5 kilometres of walking trails which leads from the carpark to Svartifoss and back again. Consult a Skaftafell map to see the exact routes to Svartifoss and beyond.
It’s a 56-kilometre drive from Skaftafell to Jökulsárlón and the journey takes around forty-five minutes by car. With Jökulsárlón and Skaftafell so close to each other, it’s worth slowing down and taking some time to explore this region of south Iceland in depth.
Skaftafell is a protected area of natural beauty in the southeast of Iceland, it sits along the driving route of the south coast, between the village of Kirkjubæjarklaustur and the fishing town of Höfn. It forms a part of the larger Vatnajökull national park, sitting at the bottom of Iceland’s largest ice cap.
To visit Skaftafell properly, you need to allow at least four hours. However, you could easily spend a full day or even longer exploring the hiking routes and glaciers. The main walk from the carpark to Svartifoss waterfall takes around forty-five minutes each way, so even completing this easy walk requires at least an hour and a half.
It takes around forty-five minutes to walk to Svartifoss, so you should allow at least an hour and a half to get there and back again. You should also allow some time to take pictures of Svartifoss and the other waterfalls along the way. If you’re taking the circular route to Svartifoss, you should allow two and a half to three hours for the entire trail.
If you are a keen hiker and want to get out into Iceland’s untamed wilderness where white glaciers flop through volcanic ravines and waterfalls plummet from basalt cliffs, then Skaftafell is definitely worth a visit. It’s also a popular spot for those that want to experience walking through an ice cave, putting it on many a bucket list.
There are many different hiking trails around Skaftafell. The most popular route to Svartifoss from the visitor’s centre takes a minimum of an hour and a half there and back and this is one of the shortest routes throughout the park. If you want to spot glaciers, the Morsárjökull route is a long one that takes around six to seven hours. Those looking to summit a mountain can embark on the Kristínartindar trail, which takes between six and eight hours.
Yes, there are private hiking and glacier tours available in Skaftafell. These tours offer a more personalized experience, allowing you to explore the area with a dedicated guide. It's recommended to book in advance to secure your desired date and time.
Weather-wise, the best time to visit Skaftafell is in the summer when the days are balmy and the chill lifts from the air. Summer also sees the longest hours of daylight, so you can take full advantage of the long hiking trails without worrying about darkness descending. Summer does see the biggest crowds at Skaftafell and those that favour peace and quiet should consider visiting in shoulder season – May and September – when the weather is still good and the daylight hours are still long.
Yes, you can book a glacier hike on location in Skaftafell. However, we advise booking in advance, at least a few hours before departure. If we have available spots, we'll gladly accommodate you on the spot.
Yes, there are private hiking and glacier tours available in Skaftafell. These tours offer a more personalized experience, allowing you to explore the area with a dedicated guide. It's recommended to book in advance to secure your desired date and time.
Yes, Skaftafell is a protected site. It was originally a national park on its own but has since become a part of the larger Vatnajökull National Park. This area is protected due to its unique and diverse landscapes, including glaciers, mountains, and various geological formations. The protection ensures that its natural beauty and ecological significance are preserved for future generations.
No, wild camping is not permitted in Skaftafell as it's a protected national park. However, there's a large campsite within the area equipped with excellent facilities. For those seeking a quieter experience, there's ample space in less crowded sections of the campsite.
Yes, when you tour with Icelandia, you are in the company of the most experienced and skilled mountain guides in Iceland. They know the glacier like the back of their hand. However, it's crucial to never attempt to venture onto the glacier without a guide!
Related tours
Glacier Adventure
Dive into an adventurous journey on one of Vatnajökull National Park's mesmerizing outlet glaciers. Our Glacier Adventure - Glacier Walk tour goes beyond the ordinary, offering a more extensive exploration of the glacier's captivating beauty.
Ice Cave and Glacier Walk
Join our certified guides for a thrilling exploration of vibrant blue ice caves and intricate tunnels shaped by glacial movement. Experience the serene beauty of this dynamic landscape and finish the tour with stunning views of the lowlands and Atlantic Ocean.
Blue Ice Experience
Explore a stunning outlet glacier in Skaftafell during this easy glacier walk. Marvel at this icy giant, a breathtaking outlet glacier that extends from the vast Vatnajökull Glacier, the largest in Europe. Get ready for an adventure against a backdrop of glacial ice!