Skaftafell: hiking and discovering the glaciers in this region of Iceland

Iceland is the ideal country for walkers looking for wild landscapes and legendary glaciers. Among these experiences, a hike in Skaftafell: summer and winter, the national park offers legendary memories.

For lovers of large spaces, Iceland is an opportunity to contemplate Mother Nature’s true face. Discovering the country is also and above all paying particular attention to its historical treasures, of those who make it a wholly-owned heritage.

So to all those who would like to experience an experience out of the beaten paths: go to Skaftafell National Park for an unknown earth experience that you are not ready to forget!

History of Skaftafell National Park

The concept of "National Park" appears from the late nineteenth century in the United States. The idea is to preserve the natural environment in exceptional beauty territories. Human activity is restricted and very framed, in order to preserve its wild appearance, to protect fauna, flora and geological specificities. In Iceland, the first territory to be declared Natural Park was Thingvellir in 1930. Skaftafell came second in 1967, due to his exceptional wealth in glaciers. In 2008, he merged with Jökulsárgljúfur created in 1973. The latter also includes adjacent areas, thus forming the Vatnajökull National Park, the largest in Europe.

The various hiking routes in Skaftafell

There are many hiking opportunities, so plan several days to enjoy each moment.

When you arrive in the village, go to the information centre. You will find everything you need to go hiking in Skaftafell. The centre is open all year round, has a shop and is responsible for the management of the campground. The latter is large enough to accommodate up to 400 tents, as well as a section for vans or caravans, with electricity.

Waterfall hike

This is Skaftafell’s most famous hike. It is accessible to all, even to children! A length of 1.5 km, with a height of 150 m, the buckle requires about 1 h 30 from the parking lot.

The Svartifoss waterfall in itself is not very spectacular since the Stórilækur River falls only 12 meters in this place. What makes the popularity of this fall is its environment: it descends in front of a set of basaltic rocks that form black organ, which, combined with green vegetation, offers a very picturesque spectacle. A bridge was built around 20 metres from the fall, allowing photographers to immortalize this view.

On the way, you will also pass through the Hundafoss and Ójófafoss cascades. One of the other interests of this rando is trees – fir and poplar – planted by farmers. A rare show in Iceland!

Hiking between Sjonarnipa and Sjonarsker

Nestly longer with its 14 km, and more demanding with its 750 m of elevation, this hike in Skaftafell includes that of the cascades.

The red trail leads first to the point of view of Sjonarnipa. You will be marvelled by the show which then offers to your eyes: you are in front of the cooler Skaftafellsjokull. Continue to climb, you arrive at the Glama point of view and its view of the Skaftafellsjokull glacier. Two more points of view await you again! If it is very beautiful, you can see the highest point of Iceland, the Hvannadalshnukur (2,110 m).

Hiking Kristinartindar

Always from the information centre’s campsite, Kristinartindar’s hike is to be reserved for good hikers/grimpeurs (especially on its last part). Along its 16 km, and above all its 1,000 m of denial, you will attend a glacier festival, including that of Skaftafelljokul that flows into the sea. Beautiful views also on the Hvannadalshnukur.

Of course, under penalty of losing much of its interest, this exit is to be booked for a sunny day...

What type of hike choose in Skaftafell?

The most beautiful assets of the Skaftafell are undoubtedly its many glaciers. From their top or foot, ice giants are to be discovered from many angles. It depends on the type of hiking you choose!

Note : whatever your preferred course, it is important to take into account the unpredictable aspect of glaciers in perpetual motion. It is highly recommended to use a guide to undertake such an adventure.

Hiking on glaciers

Equipped with a helmet, crampons, a harness and piolets (provided by the agency), you will be able to observe closely the structure and color variations of the Skaftafellsjökull or Svínafellsjökull. Here, you evolve in landscapes that have served as a decor to many series, like Game of Thrones .

There are different hiking levels On ice, the easiest last about two hours and are accessible to children from 8 years old. The guide will explain how to behave and walk with crampons, which is not necessarily obvious!

The glacial valleys

The melting water of glaciers is sometimes blocked by accidents in the field. It then forms a glacial valley called Sandur . Often crossed by a multitude of river arms, it offers a surreal landscape.

The Skeiðarársandur, with more than 1,000 km, is probably the largest in the world. You will have the opportunity to contemplate this immensity of black sand and water, because the road that leads to Skaftafell, the crossing.

Ice caves

Did you think you saw everything in Iceland's glaciers? Do you know that it is also possible to visit ice caves? During his life, a glacier undergoes constant transformations. In the summer, with the melting of glaciers, the waters infiltrate through crevices and dig cavities. With the movements of the glacier, these can grow and open, revealing superb blue sculptures . These caves are ephemeral; the local guides are looking for them and studying them, in order to identify those who are safe enough to take visitors there in winter, when the conditions are optimal.

When to go hiking in Skaftafell?

Located south of Iceland, the region enjoys temperate air from the ocean and mountain and glacier protection. This region offers favourable climate conditions in the summer, where it is mild, as in winter, where it rarely snows.

In summer

Long summer days are suitable for long hiking in Iceland. In the park, you will be able to enjoy the beautiful falls of Svartifoss and Morsárfoss, go on the mountain or hike on the glaciers, accompanied by a guide.

Hiking in Skaftafell in the summer is a superb trio of contrasting colors: white glaciers, black volcanic beaches and green grasslands.

In winter

Choosing a hike in Skaftafell in winter is good for the region. If the climate is mild in this period, the least frequentation of the paths is an undeniable advantage. But what makes Skaftafell the main interest in this season is undoubtedly the beautiful blue color that glaciers take.

The disadvantage is, of course, the shortening of days, which it is important to take into account in the programming of your hikes.

How to get to Skaftafell?

By car or bus from Reykjavik

Skaftafell Natural Park is located southeast of Iceland, 330 km from the capital, Reykjavik .

• By car : the fastest route is on Route No. 1, about 4:30;
• By bus : bus line 51 from the Mjódd terminal in Reykjavik around noon and Skaftafell dessert in 5:20.

By plane from France

The nearest airport is that of Höfn Two hours' drive. The bus 51 operates there once a day in all seasons.