Southeast Iceland - Iceland - page 647

jarstaðarskógur. Glacier Guides offers independent mountain-bike rental (Ikr3000 for three
hours) as well as five-hour guided cycling and walking tours four times a week ('Skaftafell
on Wheels'; Ikr19,990, rental included).
Note that from mid-June to mid-August, rangers guide free daily interpretive walks
that depart from the visitor centre - a great way to learn about the area. Check the website,
or ask staff.
Svartifoss
Star of a hundred postcards, Svartifoss (Black Falls) is a stunning, moody-looking water-
fall flanked by geometric black basalt columns. It's reached by an easy 1.8km trail leading
up from the visitor centre via the campsite (about 1½ hours return).
From Svartifoss, it's worth continuing west up the track to Sjónarsker , where there's a
view disc and an unforgettable view across Skeiðarársandur. From here you can visit the
traditional turf-roofed farmhouse Sel ; this 2½-hour, 5.3km return walk is classified easy.
Alternatively, from Svartifoss head east over the heath to the viewpoint at Sjónarnípa ,
looking across Skaftafellsjökull. This walk is classified as challenging; allow three hours
return (7.4km).
Skaftafellsjökull
Another very popular trail is the easy one-hour return walk (3.7km) to Skaftafellsjökull.
The marked trail begins at the visitor centre and leads to the glacier face , where you can
witness the bumps and groans of the ice (although the glacier is pretty grey and gritty
here). The glacier has receded greatly in recent decades, meaning land along this trail has
been gradually reappearing. Pick up a brochure that describes the trail's geology.
Skaftafellsheiði Loop
On a fine day, the five- to six-hour (15.5km) walk around Skaftafellsheiði is a hiker's
dream. It begins by climbing from the campsite past Svartifoss and Sjónarsker, continuing
across the moor to 610m-high Fremrihnaukur . From there it follows the edge of the plat-
eau to the next rise, Nyrðrihnaukur (706m), which affords a superb view of Morsárdalur,
Morsárjökull and the iceberg-choked lagoon at its base. At this point the track turns south-
east to an outlook point, Gláma , on the cliff above Skaftafellsjökull.