Háifoss hike
Distance: 12 km total
Difficulty: Moderate. Some parts are steep and require caution.
At 122 meters, Háifoss is Iceland's second tallest waterfall. There are two ways to visit Háifoss: Hiking or driving. The hike is 6 kilometers each way. Start at Stöng, the excavation site of a Viking-era longhouse. A marked trail leads hikers along Fossárdalur valley, following the river Fossá. As you reach the bottom of the valley, the course takes a rather steep ascent to the top of the cliffs across from the waterfalls Háifoss and Granni. Be careful and keep a safe distance from the cliff's edge as you take in the impressive views. The easiest way back is to backtrack. Alternatively, you may walk along road 332, making it a round trip of 18 kilometers.
Prefer the driving option? Road 332, a rough gravel road accessible for 4WD vehicles, leads to a parking lot near Háifoss. From there, it is just a five-minute walk to the viewpoint.
Skógá river hike
Distance: Up to 16 km total.
Difficulty: Moderate. Considerable elevation increase.
Skógá river is primarily known for its iconic Skógafoss waterfall. Fewer people know that the river holds several other waterfalls, visible from an enchanting hiking route. The hike starts with stairs next to Skógafoss. From there, the trail winds and bends along the river with a steady elevation increase. Keep in mind as you go further that you will need the same time to traverse back. If you keep going, you will eventually reach a walking bridge across the river. This is a good place to turn around and walk back, enjoying the ocean view to the south.
(Hikers going further are presumably trekking Fimmvörðuháls, which is a challenging 25-km one-way hike ending in Þórsmörk. Trekking Fimmvörðuháls requires careful prior planning and hiking experience)
Svartifoss hike
Distance: 5,5 kilometers round-trip.
Difficulty: Easy.
Svartifoss cascades off a cliff adorned with beautiful black basalt columns. The hike starts at Skaftafell Visitor Center, leading you through the campground before beginning a mild ascent to a viewpoint above the waterfall. The trail then takes you across a footbridge to the other side of the ravine, reaching another viewpoint. On the way back to the visitor center, the path passes an old turf house named Sel. This is an easy hike and an ideal way to enjoy Skaftafell national park.
Hike safely
Study the route ahead of hiking and stay on the marked trail at all times. The weather will likely change during your hike, so you must check the weather forecast before heading out. Be warm: bring a hat, gloves, a warm sweater, a waterproof jacket, and trousers. Pack food and water, even for short hikes. Leave a travel plan for free at Safetravel.is or notify someone about your plans. Never go on a hike without a charged phone.
