Svartifoss

Svartifoss is another one of those sights that you will probably witness only in Iceland. It is also called The Black Waterfall. Hidden inside the Vatnajokull National Park, Svartifoss can easily be distinguished by its basalt volcanic columns. The dark lava columns lend an air of mystery to the waterfall and the surrounding landscape. The black colour of the columns is the reason for its popularity as The Black Waterfall. The handsome waterfall is every geologist’s dream come true. It is possible to drive right up to the waterfall but a number of people opt to hike to the top. The two-hour hike that starts at the Skaftafell Visitor Center affords great views of the surroundings and allows hikers to climb up the basalt columns of the waterfall. Make sure you wear waterproof clothing. Once there, it’s easy spend a long time just listening to the sound of the water falling off the cliff. Svartifoss’ hexagonal basalt columns have also inspired one of Iceland’s most recognizable buildings—the Hallgrimskirkja Church in Reykjavik.