Explore your surroundings
A short walk into Skaftafell National Park in South Iceland provides visitors with a breathtaking view of Svartifoss (Black Falls). Ice-cold meltwater from the Svinafellsjokull glacier feeds the famous Svartifoss waterfall. The waterfall tumbles down 20 metres (80ft) over a cliff which is bordered on both sides by tall black basalt columns, resembling pipes of a giant organ, which is where the waterfall gets its name.
The Svartifoss hike
The hike to Svartifoss, starting from the Visitor Centre in Skaftafell, is about 1.5 kilometres or 45 minutes (one way). On the way to Svartifoss you come across three other waterfalls; Þjofafoss (Thieves’ Fall), Hundafoss (Dogs’ Fall) and Magnusarfoss (the Falls of Magnus). Once you get to Svartifoss there is a small bridge close to the waterfall that allows you to get closer.