Skaftafell Nature Reserve
a Hiker's Paradise in Iceland
General information
Skaftafell Nature Reserve was founded as a national park in 1967 as one of the first national parks in Iceland. Since 2008, it is part of Vatnajökull National Park, one of three national parks in Iceland. Prior to 1974 there were no bridges across the vast glacier rivers and therefore the area was one of the most isolated ones in the whole country.
The reserve is quite sheltered from wind, resulting in a lush and tall vegetation. There are numerous species of flora to be found in the reserve. One of the tallest species of spruce in Iceland is found in Skaftafell.
Two active volcanoes are in the vicinity of the reserve. One of which erupts regularly every 5-10 years. The other one is more explosive and last erupted in 1727.
Skaftafell is easily accessible along Route 1. The closest population centres are Kirkjubæjarklaustur 70 kilometres to the west and Höfn, 130 kilometres to the east.
There is a spacious campsite in Skaftafell with spots for motor homes, campers, and tents as well as a variety of services available year-round.
It is truely a hiker's paradise, offering a range of hiking possibilities for experienced hikers as well as those who simply wish to take it easy and experience the amazing natural environment. The following trails are well marked, and you can easily follow the signs to each destination. Maps are available at the Skaftafell Visitor Centre or here as a PDF file.
Hiking trails
Svartifoss
Svartifoss trail, distance 5.5 km (round-trip), duration 2 hours
This is an easy trail with moderate elevation that starts next to Skaftafell Visitor Centre and leads to the viewpoint Sjónarsker above the Svartifoss waterfall. Svartifoss is beautifully framed by unusually symmetric, thick basalt columns.
The trail then continues down into the ravine, across the footbridge, and climbs up the basalt column steps on the other side of the ravine.
The trail offers a good view of the waterfall and the old turf house at Sel.
Skaftafellsheiði
Skaftafellsheiði trail, distance 16.7 km (round-trip), duration 5-6 hours
This is a moderately challenging trail that starts from Skaftafell Visitor Centre. The first part of the trail is the same as to Svartifoss. You can either walk all the way up to Svartifoss and then head on from there to Sjónarsker, or take the shorter route and cross the river on the walking bridge next to Magnúsarfoss and follow the marked trail to Sjónarsker.
From Sjónarsker the path leads to the impressive peaks of Kristínartindar. At the crossroads at the foot of Kristínartindar, continue straight towards Gláma. From Gláma, follow the path to Sjónarnípa and then onwards back to the Skaftafell Visitor Centre via Austurbrekkur.
The trail offers a good view of webpSvartifoss, Kristínartindar, and Skaftafellsjökull.
Morsárjökull
Morsárjökull trail, distance 20.9 km (round-trip), duration 6-7 hours
This is a relatively easy trail since there is little to no elevation. From Skaftafell Visitor Centre, head towards Sjónarsker and continue to Morsárdalur. Continue the marked trail between Grjóthóll and the glacial lake in front of Morsárjökull.
Return to Grjóthóll and continue across the footbridge on Morsá river. Walk alongside the river until you come across another footbridge by Götugil. Cross the bridge and follow the marked trail back to Skaftafell Visitor Centre.
The trail offers a good view of the Morsárjökull glacier and Skeiðarársandur.