Svartifoss–Sjónarsker–Sel (S2) Trail (5.8 km, Moderate) – Vatnajökull National Park

Overview

About Svartifoss–Sjónarsker–Sel (S2)

This is Skaftafell’s greatest hits in one loop: the famous basalt‑column waterfall Svartifoss, airy panoramas from Sjónarsker, and a quiet detour by the old turf houses at Sel. The full loop is about 5.8 km (3.6 miles) total with roughly 200–250 m of climbing, taking most hikers 1.5–3 hours depending on how long you linger at viewpoints. Expect a steady grade, lots of steps, and crowds up to Svartifoss that thin out as soon as you continue the loop.

Why go

Crowds drop dramatically once you pass Svartifoss and commit to the loop
Bundles waterfalls, a panoramic ridge, and turf houses into one efficient outing

Heads up

Stair-heavy sections feel relentless on the climb and descent by the ravine
Paid parking and a busy first stretch through the campground

Map & elevation

The route

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Full map

Elevation87–279 m

TrailheadSkaftafellsstofa64.01652, -16.96641

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Plan your hike

Before you go

Parking

Park at the Skaftafell Visitor Centre (paid; kiosks/app/online payment). The trail starts behind the campground.

Best time to go

Start early or late to dodge tour‑bus hours and to get cleaner photos at the falls—please keep a respectful distance and don’t block the footbridge area. Shoulder seasons can be fantastic, but footing is slick after rain and icy in deep winter. Clear afternoons often light up the basalt columns nicely, while mornings are quieter. If you want bigger glacier vistas, consider the Sjónarnípa (S6) route on a separate day.

Safety

Many wooden/stone steps and slick surfaces after rain; icy or snowy in winter. Steady climbing can be tough for weaker legs. Keep a safe distance at the waterfall and be courteous at photo spots.

1 active Vatnajökull alert

ClosureFosshvammur permanently closed at DettifossFosshvammur at Dettifoss is permanently closed to all traffic; do not enter.Official details

Vatnajökull alerts

A park ranger sits on a dash-mounted phone, talking, as Parkwolf’s Tour Guide plays “Army Cutworm Moths: A Grizzly Bear Buffet” on Grand Loop Road below Dunraven Pass in Yellowstone — Parkwolf Tour GuideThe highest, rockiest slopes around here are a summer buffet for grizzly bears.

Vatnajökull Tour Guide

Your drive to Svartifoss–Sjónarsker–Sel (S2), 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 Area

Listen

“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.

Hiking Svartifoss–Sjónarsker–Sel (S2)

What You’ll SeeSvartifoss steals the show with its striking dark, hexagonal basalt columns—lava that cooled…

Svartifoss steals the show with its striking dark, hexagonal basalt columns—lava that cooled slowly around 300,000 years ago. You’ll also pass Hundafoss and Magnúsarfoss on the approach, then gain a broad, all-directions outlook at Sjónarsker on a clear day. The loop’s character changes nicely after the falls: more open views, fewer people, and a peek into local heritage at the sod‑roofed buildings in Sel before returning via Lambhagi.

Route NotesStart at the Skaftafell Visitor Centre.

Start at the Skaftafell Visitor Centre. The first 250 m run through the campground before a right turn and a sustained uphill toward the Svartifoss viewpoint. From there, drop into the ravine, cross the footbridge, and climb the basalt‑like steps opposite the falls for closer views. Continue to Sjónarsker for panoramas, then descend toward Sel and follow signs back to the visitor centre via Lambhagi. The path is well marked and generally wide enough for 2–3 people to walk abreast.

Difficulty and ConditionsCall it moderate: firm tread (compacted soil/mats) with many wooden and stone steps.

Call it moderate: firm tread (compacted soil/mats) with many wooden and stone steps. It’s straightforward but can feel punchy if you’re stair‑averse or not used to climbing. Surfaces get slippery when wet and can be icy or snow‑covered in winter; traction and poles help. The first 1.5 km climbs about 140 m to the Svartifoss viewpoint, so pace yourself.

LogisticsParking is at the Skaftafell Visitor Centre (paid; expect a fee).

Parking is at the Skaftafell Visitor Centre (paid; expect a fee). Facilities there include restrooms, information, a small shop, and a cafeteria. There’s no separate admission fee for walking the trail. If you’re short on time, the out‑and‑back to Svartifoss alone is about 3.4 km (2.1 miles) total—expect the highest foot traffic on that segment.

Wildlife

Wildlife in Vatnajökull

All Vatnajökull wildlife maps

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 map

Sighting maps show where each species has been reported across Vatnajökull. Wildlife moves, so no sighting is guaranteed.

Svartifoss–Sjónarsker–Sel (S2)