Hike Svartifoss to Sjónarnípa Loop in Skaftafell, Iceland.

I got this hiking suggestion from a friendly ranger at the national park because we had a massive group of at least twelve people so we wanted to be inclusive to everyone. It would be hard enough to feel accomplished yet easy enough to not kill the people on the trip who aren’t big hikers. The views are definitely worth it, to see the glacier from above and to feel extremely small with your trail lunch. I recommend doing this hike clockwise for the easiest time, but if you hate yourself and want the burn, do it counter-clockwise.

Location: Start at Skaftafell Campground

Difficulty Level: Moderately hard - some parts are difficult, but there is also a lot of flat hiking

Distance and Duration: 6.9 km / 4.5 mi

Accessibility: The first portion looks like old 4x4 road that has been reinforced with rubber mats and then it turns into a wide gravel path. The portion cutting from Svartifoss to Sjónarnípa is either narrow footpath or a raised walkway. Coming down from the viewpoint of the glacier is all narrow footpath with loads of rocks and steps.

Elevation Gain: 271 m / 888 ft

Trail Type: Loop with 5 minutes of backtracking.

Gear and Equipment: Bring everything you would for a half day/day hike.

Essentials: Always bring the 10 essentials! 

Permits and Fees: No permits or entrance fees for hiking here.

Weather Check: It’s Iceland, always check weather but be ready for anything. Local emergency number is 112. There is a shelter in the camping area. It’s wonderful to walk in the forest in the rain.

Trailhead Description: If you can locate Skaftafell Campground and its visitors center, you’re in the right place. If you are facing the mountain, go left of the visitors center for about five minutes, walking through the campground. You will see the marked trailhead on your right.

Seasons: In the late spring to summer, this is a beautiful place to see Iceland’s local flora, go birdwatching and finish a moderately strenuous hike. In the autumn, the willows leaves turn with beautiful warm colors. In the winter, I would advise going on a guided trip or doing much more research and planning. All seasons are great for looking at the glacier arm.

Scenic Points: A beautiful cascading waterfall, a meadow, and a massive glacier arm.

Challenges: The footpath is narrow in some places. I recommend going in a clockwise direction for the easier route.

Wildlife Encounters: This is a great area for birdwatching, sunbathing, and picnicking on rocks.