Skaftafell is a paradise for hikers and nature lovers. Starting at the information center are nine trailheads. These paths range in distance from under a mile to 17.7 miles. One of the most popular leads to Svartifoss (Black Waterfall) cascading 65 feet over basalt columns. The other is this 2.2 mile, round trip to Skaftafell Glacier (Skaftafellsjökull) next to the snow-capped Hafrafell Mountain. Formally the Skaftafell National Park, Skaftafell became part of the Vatnajökull National Park in 2008. This reserve covers over 8,700 square miles or about 14% of Iceland’s landmass. Included within its boundaries is the entire namesake glacier.
