Visiting Iceland’s Svartifoss Waterfall, otherwise known as the Black Waterfall, is one of the more popular stops on the southern side of the Ring Road. And for good reason. While not as tall or powerful as others on the island. The towering falls pouring through and down the mountain’s black basalt columns is an incredible site. One that is well worth seeing in person. So to better help you on your Iceland trip, below we’ll cover the tips for the Svartifoss Waterfall hike. What to expect and what you can’t miss when visiting.
Iceland Svartifoss Waterfall Hike – Tips and Info
AllTrails Link: Click Here
Type: Out and Back
Distance: 2 Miles / 3.2 Kilometers
Elevation Gain: 400+ Feet / 120+ Meters
Svartifoss Waterfall Hike Tips
- The parking lot is accessible for all vehicles, no 4×4 needed.
- There is onsite camping right next to the trail head.
- There are bathrooms available on site.
- The hike is a 2 mile (3.2km) out and back.
- Featuring 460+ feet (120+ meters) in elevation gain.
- There are two major waterfalls along the trail, Manusafoss and Svartifoss.
- Manusafoss is the first waterfall on the trail and Svartifoss is the second waterfall.
- The hike starts with a good climb then levels out.
- The trail keeps going past the Svartifoss viewing platform, leading to an upper viewpoint overlooking the nearby glacier, mountains, and ocean.
- This section will add about a mile out and back along with another 400ft (120 meters) of elevation gain. But is worth the effort (see the above video).
Photos and Final Thoughts
Iceland’s Svartifoss waterfall hike is one of the more popular stops along the southern ring road. And It’s easy to understand why. The stunning black basalt columns with water pouring out from over the edge like a faucet is just too special to be missed. And such an incredible reward for a relatively short hike. All that said, one of the highlights of this area is just beyond the falls. And a short hike up to the top of the basin. Providing expansive views of the mountains, glaciers, and ocean in the distance. It feels like you can see forever. And with the slightly longer hike, there will definitely be less people. So check out the images below and make sure to watch the video from our Svartifoss waterfall hike.
Below are some photos from day one stop five. Including the two waterfalls and incredible view from the top of the trail. If you have any questions about doing this hike, let me know in the comments below!
