Question 1

Why is Svartifoss famous?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

Can I wild camp in Skaftafell?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

Are Skaftafell glacier tours safe?

Accepted Answer

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!

Question 4

Where to stay near Skaftafell?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 5

Can I book a glacier hike on location in Skaftafell?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 6

How far is Skaftafell from Reykjavík?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 7

What to do in Skaftafell?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 8

How much does it cost to go to Svartifoss?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 9

What is Skaftafell known for?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 10

How to get to Skaftafell?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 11

Is Skaftafell a protected site?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 12

How do I get to Skaftafell waterfall?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 13

How far from Skaftafell is Jökulsárlón?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 14

Where is Skaftafell Iceland?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 15

How much time do you need at Skaftafell?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 16

How long to walk to Svartifoss?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 17

Is Skaftafell worth a visit?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 18

How long does it take to hike Skaftafell?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 19

Are there private hiking tours in Skaftafell?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 20

What is the Best time to visit Skaftafell?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 21

Best time to visit Vatnajökull National Park?

Accepted Answer

In summer, you’ll see the most crowds in Vatnajökull National Park, but this is the best time of year to visit. Some activities, such as hiking Iceland’s tallest peak, are limited to summer only and glacier hikes operate year-round with clearer days for a better view in summer. However, if visiting a natural ice cave is the one thing on your bucket list, it is best to visit in winter as ice caves are often inaccessible due to meltwater in summer. The shoulder months of May or September are a good option if you still want to take advantage of the long hours of daylight but avoid the biggest crowds.

Question 22

Can I hike Vatnajökull glacier?

Accepted Answer

Vatnajökull ice cap is one of the most popular spots in Iceland for glacier hikes. Guided walks run from several different places and take place on a few different glacial outlets, so you can choose a tour depending on what you want to see – ice caves, chasms, or a view from the top. As the frozen surface of Iceland’s glaciers can hide ravines and sinkholes, the only way to experience hiking on an ice cap is by joining an organised, guided tour. Equipment such as helmets, ice picks and crampons are provided for you.

Question 23

Where is Vatnajökull National Park?

Accepted Answer

Vatnajökull is a huge ice cap that covers a vast area of Iceland’s mainland. It is mainly in the southeast of the island, but the boundaries of the national park stretch as far as the centre of Iceland. Its southern border sits just off the Route One ring road that loops around the island.

Question 24

How to dress for Vatnajökull glacier?

Accepted Answer

If you’re taking a glacier hike on Vatnajökull, you’ll want to bring layers no matter the time of year. The beginning of the hike can be cold with a chill wind whipping off the ice, so you’ll want a fleece or woolly jumper to keep warm. As you walk upwards, it can get a lot warmer. Sturdy walking boots that can fit crampons are essential and a woolly hat that can fit under a helmet is a good idea – especially in winter – along with insulated gloves. A waterproof jacket can keep the biting wind at bay, but once you’ve started the hike, you’ll soon warm up, especially if the sun is shining. You’ll be peeling off layers as you climb, which is why layering up at the bottom is essential.

Question 25

How far is Vatnajökull glacier from Reykjavík?

Accepted Answer

There are a number of points along the southern coast Route One road where you can turn off to access Vatnajökull. The most popular point to enter the national park from is Skaftafell, which lies 230 kilometres (around 143 miles) from Reykjavík – around a four-and-a-half-hour drive. Some visitors access Vatnajökull glacier from Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, which sits along the south coast, 380 kilometres (around 236 miles) from Reykjavík – approximately five hour’s drive.

Question 26

Where to stay near Vatnajökull Iceland?

Accepted Answer

Since it is so far from Reykjavík and takes nearly a full day of driving to reach Vatnajökull, most people opt to stay the night in the area. There are several family-run guesthouses on farms along the Route One road that offer accommodation near Vatnajökull. In peak season, it is essential to book in advance as the area is very sparse. There are a few options, including hostels and campsites, around Skaftafell and the biggest selection of accommodation can be found in the small village of Höfn.

Question 27

How to pronounce Vatnajökull?

Accepted Answer

While some Icelandic words are difficult to pronounce, Vatnajökull is one of the easier ones. “Vatna” is pronounced just as you read it. And “jökull” has a soft j, like a ‘y’ sound. The ö is probably the most difficult for a non-Icelandic tongue – it sounds somewhere between o and e. It mimics the sound of yeux (eyes) and oeuff (egg) in French.

Question 28

What does Vatnajökull mean?

Accepted Answer

Quite simply, Vatnajökull means water glacier. Vatn is water and jökull means glacier. It is rumoured to be named after the sub-glacial lakes that exist beneath the surface.

Question 29

How much time do you need at Vatnajökull?

Accepted Answer

Vatnajökull covers so much land that how long you spend here depends on the activities you have planned. If you’re embarking on a guided glacier hike, you should allow up to four hours for the experience. Skaftafell has hiking trails that range from an hour and a half to five hours. If you’re taking a boat trip on Jökulsárlón glacier lake, allow between two and three hours here. And if you’re looking to hike up Hvannadalshnjúkur, you’ll need to dedicate the entire day to the activity – it takes around fifteen hours.

Question 30

What to do in Vatnajökull National Park?

Accepted Answer

Within the vast expanse of Vatnajökull National Park, you can choose from many outdoor activities. Hikers can hit the numerous trails past Skaftafell’s rugged scenery, while those that like to experience Iceland’s unique landscape at a more leisurely pace can take a boat trip onto Jökulsárlón glacier lake to spot icebergs floating in the water. Guided glacier walks take place on Vatnajökull’s many subsidiary glaciers, some even including ice cave exploration. Then there are the pretty waterfalls within the national park – Svartifoss and Aldeyjarfoss being the highlights. For the absolute hiking challenge, you can climb Iceland’s highest peak in a single day and get an unparalleled view of the entire national park.

Question 31

How was the Vatnajökull glacier created?

Accepted Answer

Between 1000 and 1500 years ago, Vatnajökull as we know it now was formed by several glaciers combining together to make Iceland’s largest ice cap. It plugs one of the island’s most active volcano systems. Vatnajökull has around 30 outlet glaciers that flow slowly through ravines and valleys and the shape of the outlet glaciers is constantly changing as they creep forward by around one metre a day in summer.

Question 32

How to get to Vatnajökull National Park from Reykjavík?

Accepted Answer

To reach the Skaftafell or Jökulsárlón access points to Vatnajökull National Park, all you need to do is follow the Route One main road from Reykjavík, taking you along the south coast of the island. 230 kilometres later, you’ll find the turn-off for Skaftafell, or carry on driving for a further 57 kilometres to reach Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. As the drive is so long, many people choose to join an organised tour from Reykjavík to experience the highlights of Vatnajökull National Park. It takes the hassle out of navigating, driving for long stretches and choosing where to stop and stretch your legs along the way. With a professional guide and driver, all you have to do is look out the window and watch the beautiful scenery go by.

Skaftafell Panorama Hike

Vatnajökull Views Hike – Skaftafell’s Most Scenic Trail

Skaftafell Base Camp

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