Skaftafell

Scenic nature, favorable weather conditions and a network of hiking trails make Skaftafell an ideal destination for those who like to enjoy outdoor activities in Icelandic nature. 

Short and easy trails lead to waterfall Svartifoss and glacier Skaftafellsjökull, but for those who want to reach further out valley Morsárdalur and mountain peaks Kristínartindar are perfect in terms of distance and labour. Skaftfell is also the perfect base camp for those who seek to climb Iceland‘s highest mountain peak, Hvannadalshnjúkur.

Private travel companies operate in Skaftafell and offer guided hikes on the nearby glaciers and mountains. Also on offer are sightseeing flights over glacier Vatnajökull and other renowned attractions.

In 1967, Skaftafell National Park was established, but in 2008 it became a part of the newly established Vatnajökull National Park. To enjoy Skaftafell's true value it is recommended to spend at least few days there, either staying at the camp site in Skaftafell or in a nearby accommodation.

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Information

Skaftafell has a large campground, serviced from May 1 to September 30. [Read more]

Activities

Hikers will find plenty of hiking routes within Skaftafell. From mid-June to mid-August, park visitors can join park rangers on short walks around the park. Private companies offer guided glacier walk and other activities within the national park. Öræfaferdir and Icelandic Mountain Guides operate the whole year, and Glacier Guides from May to September. Atlantsflug operates sightseeing flights from Skaftafell during the summer.

Getting there

By car:
Road 1 goes from Reykjavík to Skaftafell (326 km). Road 998 (2 km) leads up to the visitor centre in Skaftafell. Road 1 continues to the east from Skaftafell. The distance to Höfn is 136 km and the distance to the Glacial Lagoon is 56 km.

By bus:
A scheduled bus goes between Reykjavík and Höfn via Skaftafell. For further information check this website: www.straeto.is

Restaurants / food stores

A cafeteria is operated in Skaftafell during the summer. It offers hot soups, sandwiches, cakes and coffee, along with some basic dairy products, bread, biscuits and fruits, to mention some.

A restaurant can be found in Freysnes which is 5 km to the east from Skaftafell (opposite Hotel Skaftafell). It is operated all year round and also has a small-scale food store. A larger grocery store is in Kirkjubæjarklaustur (70 km to west) and yet another one in Höfn (136 km to east).

Accommodation

Information on accommodation near Skaftafell can be found on the website of the regional tourism organisation.