Things to do in Skaftafell

Things to do in  Skaftafell

Ready, set, glacier

At the southern tip of the mighty Vatnajökull glacier, the preservation area of Skaftafell lies within Vatnajökull National Park and showcases the diversity of Iceland’s landscapes—from birch forest and rugged mountains to black basalt columns and shimmering glaciers. A network of trails through forests, past waterfalls, and over black sands makes Skaftafell a playground for hikers and it’s the perfect base camp for those planning to climb Iceland‘s highest peak, Hvannadalshnjúkur. Another of the best things to do in Skaftafell is a glacier adventure, whether hiking or ice caving.

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Top 3 attractions in Skaftafell

#1

Vatnajokull National Park

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Established in 2008 by combining Iceland’s former Jokulsargljufur and Skaftafell National Parks, Vatnajokull National Park is one of Europe’s largest national parks. It presents incredibly diverse and dramatic scenery including glacial plateaus, active volcanoes, towering ice caps, black-sand beaches, and terrain that is bubbling with geothermal activity. The park is dominated by the Vatnajokull glacier, Europe’s third-largest glacier, and contains Iceland’s highest mountain (Oraefajokull) and deepest lake (Jokulsarlon).More
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#2

Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

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Perched on the cusp of Europe’s largest glacier and separated from the Atlantic Ocean by just a narrow isthmus, the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon is the largest, deepest, and arguably most magnificent of Iceland’s many glacial lakes. Here, icebergs bob in glittering water framed by jagged peaks, rugged lava fields, and black-sand beaches.More
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#3

Diamond Beach (Breiðarmerkursandur)

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A strip of black sand littered with chunks of translucent ice, Diamond Beach is a must-see attraction on Iceland’s southern coast. It lies next to the Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon, filled with ice splitting off from sections of Europe’s largest icecap. The “diamonds” range from fist-sized turquoise spheres to white blocks large as humans.More
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Top activities in Skaftafell

Skaftafell Glacier Hike 3-Hour Small Group Tour

Skaftafell Glacier Hike 3-Hour Small Group Tour

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$109.20
Skaftafell Ice Caving & Glacier Hike

Skaftafell Ice Caving & Glacier Hike

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$152.87
Glacier Hike from Skaftafell - Extra Small Group
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Glacier Hike from Skaftafell - Extra Small Group

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$145.00
Small Group Glacier Wonders Adventure From Skaftafell

Small Group Glacier Wonders Adventure From Skaftafell

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$104.83
Skaftafell Ice Climbing & Glacier Hike
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Skaftafell Ice Climbing & Glacier Hike

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$223.85
Ultimate Sightseeing Flight from Skaftafell

Ultimate Sightseeing Flight from Skaftafell

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$611.50
Skaftafell Adventure Tour - 5-Hour Expedition

Skaftafell Adventure Tour - 5-Hour Expedition

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$147.42
Half-Day Vatnajokull Glacier Small Group Tour from Skaftafell
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Half-Day Vatnajokull Glacier Small Group Tour from Skaftafell

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$180.00
Vatnajokull Small Group Glacier Hike From Skaftafell

Vatnajokull Small Group Glacier Hike From Skaftafell

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$151.78
Sightseeing Flight over Vatnajökull Volcanic Eruption Sites

Sightseeing Flight over Vatnajökull Volcanic Eruption Sites

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$382.19
5-hour Glacier Adventure From Skaftafell

5-hour Glacier Adventure From Skaftafell

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$185.00
Glacier Encounter in Iceland
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Glacier Encounter in Iceland

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$126.00
Ice Cave Tour
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Ice Cave Tour

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$164.00
Small-Group 3.5 Hour Blue Ice Experience in Vatnajökull National Park
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Small-Group 3.5 Hour Blue Ice Experience in Vatnajökull National Park

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$138.00
Glacier Discovery - half day glacier hike near Skaftafell
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Glacier Discovery - half day glacier hike near Skaftafell

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$163.00
Small Group Day Tour to Lakagigar volcano by Super Jeep from Klaustur

Small Group Day Tour to Lakagigar volcano by Super Jeep from Klaustur

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$303.57
Small Group Glacier Hiking & Ice Caving Tour Inside Vatnajokull Glacier

Small Group Glacier Hiking & Ice Caving Tour Inside Vatnajokull Glacier

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$159.43
Crystal Treasures of Vatnajökull: Ice Cave Adventure
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Crystal Treasures of Vatnajökull: Ice Cave Adventure

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$182.00
Sightseeing flight over black sands and riverbeds from Skaftafell Terminal

Sightseeing flight over black sands and riverbeds from Skaftafell Terminal

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$375.64
Skaftafell Ice Cave and Glacier Hike - Extra Small Group
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Skaftafell Ice Cave and Glacier Hike - Extra Small Group

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$120.00
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All about Skaftafell

When to visit

Like most of Iceland, Skaftafell is most popular in the summer, when lots of extra daylight and a mild climate lets visitors fill their days with outdoor activities. That said, the reserve is a great place to visit all year round. In winter, if you don’t mind the cold and dark, you can enjoy the sight of blue-hued glaciers crawling toward the lowland.

Getting around

While it is technically possible to reach Skaftafell by taking a public bus from Reykjavík (via Selfoss and Vík), getting around the nature reserve and Vatnajökull National Park is easiest if you have your own vehicle. If you prefer not to drive, you can book a guided tour. Multiple operators offer hiking tours, glacier walks, and other adventures departing from either Skaftafell or Reykjavík.

Traveler tips

Surrounded by dark lava basalt columns, Svartifoss (which translates to black falls) is one of Iceland’s most striking waterfalls. However, far fewer people visit this sight than the popular Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss falls. To get to the waterfall, you’ll need to hike about 30 minutes each way; there are several trails to choose from, of varying levels of difficulty. This hike helps keep the crowds down but is well worth the effort.

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Tours
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People Also Ask

Where in Iceland is Skaftafell?

Skafatell is a wilderness area in the Vatnajokull National Park in the southeast of Iceland. If you are driving to Skafatell from Reykjavik, it will take around four and a half hours. It is also possible to get there by public bus, but it will take you at least six hours.

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How much time do you need at Skaftafell?

It depends on exactly what you want to do, but aim to spend at least half a day (around four or five hours) exploring Skafatell. That gives you enough time to soak up the area’s natural beauty and embark on one of its many hiking trails.

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How long does it take to hike Skaftafell?

There are many different hiking routes of varying lengths and levels of difficulty around Skaftafell. How long it takes will depend on which route you choose. A popular activity is hiking on the Fallsjokull glacier, which will take between 2.5 and 4 hours.

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Can you visit Skaftafell for free?

Yes, if you are traveling there by public bus, but Vatnajokull National Park charges a service fee for vehicles parking at Skaftafell. The cost depends on the size of the vehicle. The charge is per day and valid until midnight. Payment can be made in advance online.

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What else is there to do near Skaftafell?

Around a 20-minute drive south of Skaftafell, the small farm community of Hof is known for its turf-roofed church, which was built in 1883 and belongs to the National Museum of Iceland. Under two hours away, the picturesque fishing village of Hofn is popular with visitors, especially in July when it hosts its famed lobster festival.

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Is Skaftafell worth visiting?

Yes. Skaftafell is an excellent example of the diversity of Iceland’s landscapes. The wilderness area encompasses everything from birch forest and rugged mountains to black basalt columns, shimmering glaciers, and teeming waterfalls. Skaftafell is a must-visit for keen hikers and anyone with a love of nature and the outdoors.

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