<p><strong>A short walk into the <a href="https://www.icelandtravel.is/attractions/skaftafell-national-park/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Skaftafell area</a> of Vatnajökull National Park provides visitors with a breathtaking view of Svartifoss (Black Falls). Ice-cold meltwater from Svínafellsjökull glacier feeds the famous Svartifoss waterfall. The waterfall tumbles down 20 metres (80 ft) over a cliff, which is bordered on both sides by tall black basalt columns. It resembles pipes of a giant organ, which is where the waterfall gets its name. </strong></p>
<p>This wonder of natural architecture inspired the design for both <span id="urn:local-text-annotation-5bylde0s4tr9qsrxiqn0eketmhtln81i" class="textannotation disambiguated wl-place">Iceland</span>’s National Theatre and the <a href="https://www.icelandtravel.is/attractions/hallgrimskirkja/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hallgrímskirkja</a> church in <span id="urn:local-text-annotation-ba0fdjag37l9kazz8xisyghvmkowcis9" class="textannotation disambiguated wl-place">Reykjavík</span>. The hexagonal columns form inside a lava flow which then cools extremely slowly, giving rise to crystallisation. These lava formations are similar to those at the famous Giant&#8217;s Causeway in Northern Ireland, and on the island of Staffa in Scotland.</p>
<p>The base of this waterfall is famous for its sharp rocks. New hexagonal column sections break off faster than the falling water can wear down the edges.</p>
<h2>How to get to Svartifoss waterfall?</h2>
<p>The hike to Svartifoss starts at the Visitor Centre in <span id="urn:enhancement-5d42caba-43cd-e2f6-9a78-6f940dac2734" class="textannotation disambiguated wl-place">Skaftafell</span>. There, you can also find all sorts of information and advice about the area.</p>
<h2>How long is the Svartifoss hike?</h2>
<p>The hike to Svartifoss is about 1.5 kilometres or 45 minutes (one way). On the way to Svartifoss you will come across three other waterfalls; Þjófafoss (Thieves&#8217; Fall), Hundafoss (Dogs&#8217; Fall) and Magnúsarfoss (The Falls of Magnús). Once you get to Svartifoss, there is a small bridge close to the waterfall that allows you to get closer.</p>
<h3>Is it a difficult hike?</h3>
<p>The trail leads slightly uphill, so although we&#8217;d say that it is fairly easy overall, it does require a little bit of effort for those who are out of shape and/or not used to hiking.</p>
<h2>Does it cost to see the waterfall?</h2>
<p>No, it is free. However, there is a moderate fee for the Skafatafell area parking lot. The money helps maintain the park&#8217;s infrastructure.</p>
<h2>How high is Svartifoss waterfall?</h2>
<p>It is 20 metres high, or 80 feet.</p>
<h2>How did the rock columns behind Svartifoss waterfall form?</h2>
<p>The columns formed in a lava flow that cooled very slowly, which caused these hexagonal shapes. You can find rock columns like these all across Iceland, so keep an eye out for them.</p>


Svartifoss Waterfall

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Svartifoss Waterfall

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