South Iceland · Iceland
Svartifoss
Svartifoss — 'Black Falls' — is a striking waterfall in Skaftafell framed by hanging columns of dark basalt that inspired the design of several of Iceland's most important buildings.
About Svartifoss
Svartifoss — 'Black Falls' — is a striking waterfall in Skaftafell framed by hanging columns of dark basalt that inspired the design of several of Iceland's most important buildings.
History & Background
The basalt columns surrounding Svartifoss were the inspiration for architect Guðjón Samúelsson's design of Hallgrímskirkja church in Reykjavík and the Skaftafell visitor centre. The falls drop 20 meters into a pool below, surrounded by lush birch woodland. The hike to Svartifoss from the Skaftafell visitor centre takes about 45 minutes and offers views across the glacier outwash plain.
Key Facts
- ✔Name means 'Black Falls'
- ✔Inspired the design of Hallgrímskirkja church in Reykjavík
- ✔Surrounded by dark hexagonal basalt columns
- ✔Located within Vatnajökull National Park
- ✔About 45-minute hike from the Skaftafell visitor centre
