Parking
Park at the Skaftafell Visitor Centre; the circular route starts in front of Skaftafellsstofa.
Overview
About Sjónarnípa Viewpoint Trail (S6)
S6 is a challenging circular hike from in front of Skaftafellsstofa that combines Svartifoss with the Sjónarnípa glacier viewpoint. Vatnajökull National Park lists 7.1 km, 2.5–3 hours and 310 m of elevation gain; the official GPS line measures about 7.45 km (4.63 miles), so allow roughly 2.5–3 hours plus photo stops.
Why go
- Svartifoss and Sjónarnípa combine two of Skaftafell’s marquee sights in one circuit.
- The route is well indicated and returns via Austurbrekkur.
Heads up
- Challenging uphill sections and wind exposure near the glacier viewpoint.
- Mud, ice and slippery wooden steps can slow the route in colder or wetter seasons.
Map & elevation
The route
Loading the Vatnajökull map
Full mapElevation133–346 m
Plan your hike
Before you go
Parking
Safety
1 active Vatnajökull alert
- ClosureFosshvammur permanently closed at DettifossFosshvammur at Dettifoss is permanently closed to all traffic; do not enter.Official details
The highest, rockiest slopes around here are a summer buffet for grizzly bears.
Vatnajökull Tour Guide
Your drive to Sjónarnípa Viewpoint Trail (S6), narrated.
Parkwolf is a GPS audio tour guide for Vatnajökull National Park. As you drive, it chimes in with what’s ahead: hidden gems, upcoming stops, history, geology, and wildlife, right through your car’s speakers.
Recorded for this trailhead
Welcome to the Skaftafell Visitor Center AreaListen
“You're pulling into the Skaftafell area, which is the main basecamp for exploring the glaciers and waterfalls nearby. The large building is the visitor center, and it's the best place to start to get oriented.”
Plays as you drive up to this trailhead in the Parkwolf Vatnajökull Tour Guide.
More stories near here in the app
- Hundafoss, The First Waterfall on the Svartifoss Trail
- Rivers and Sandstorms of Skeiðarársandur
- Skeiðarárbrú Bridge Monument
- Freysnes: Gas, Food, and Tour Hub
- 102 audio storiesacross Vatnajökull’s roads, triggered by GPS as you drive
- Wildlife heatmapsfor Grey Seal, Harbor Seal, Caribou, and 13 more
- Works offlinemaps, 16 trails, 72 places, and audio download before you lose signal
- CarPlay readysimple controls built for the drive
“Fantastic app with many points of information… It’s great to just turn on while you’re driving and it gives you an audio tour of the national Park. We love it!!!!”
Trail guide
Hiking Sjónarnípa Viewpoint Trail (S6)
RouteStart in front of Skaftafellsstofa at the Skaftafell Visitor Centre.
Start in front of Skaftafellsstofa at the Skaftafell Visitor Centre. The first 250 m pass through the campground before the route turns right and uphill. Follow the trail toward Svartifoss and continue to the viewpoint above the falls, ignoring the first signpost for Sjónarnípa. Then take the signed trail to Sjónarnípa and return to the visitor centre via Austurbrekkur to complete the circuit.
What You’ll SeeThe route looks toward Kristínartindar, Hrútfjallstindar and Öræfajökull, with…
The route looks toward Kristínartindar, Hrútfjallstindar and Öræfajökull, with Skaftafellsjökull opening up as you approach Sjónarnípa. Svartifoss adds its distinctive basalt columns, and spring and early summer can bring rich birdlife along the route.
Difficulty and ConditionsThe park classifies S6 as challenging.
The park classifies S6 as challenging. Expect an uphill opening, steeper or narrower sections and wind exposure near the glacier-facing viewpoint. Mud, ice and slippery wooden steps can make the route slower in shoulder seasons and winter.
Getting There and LogisticsTurn off Route 1 onto Road 998 for Skaftafell and park at the Skaftafell Visitor Centre.
Turn off Route 1 onto Road 998 for Skaftafell and park at the Skaftafell Visitor Centre. Facilities and trail information are available at Skaftafellsstofa. The route is circular and returns to the visitor centre.
Safety NotesKeep a safe distance from the cliff edge at Sjónarnípa and take extra care with wind, ice and…
Keep a safe distance from the cliff edge at Sjónarnípa and take extra care with wind, ice and wet steps. Weather can change quickly; carry layers, rain protection and water. In spring and early summer, respect bird nesting and rearing areas and any signed seasonal restrictions.
Wildlife
Wildlife in Vatnajökull
22 sightingsGrey SealMost seen around 5 AMSighting map
258 sightingsHarbor SealMost seen around 11 AMSighting map
184 sightingsCaribouMost seen around 7 PMSighting map
62 sightingsArctic FoxMost seen around 8 PMSighting map
168 sightingsWhooper SwanMost seen around 5 PMSighting map
68 sightingsAtlantic PuffinMost seen around 7 PMSighting mapSighting maps show where each species has been reported across Vatnajökull. Wildlife moves, so no sighting is guaranteed.
