Jökulsárlón
Iceland's best-known iceberg lagoon, about 60 km east of Skaftafell. Walk the shore, or take an amphibian or zodiac boat between May and autumn.
Things to see near Svartifoss
Svartifoss is in Skaftafell, on Route 1 in the south-east, and most of the other good stops sit along the same road. The park puts Kirkjubæjarklaustur 70 km west of Skaftafell and Höfn 130 km east of it. Everything on this page is reached from that visitor centre or that road, so the simplest way to plan is by how far you are willing to drive.
On foot from the visitor centre
Skaftafellsjökull is the easiest glacier to reach, because the trail starts at the Skaftafell visitor centre. The park rates the S1 trail as an easy 4.1 km loop. It makes a natural second walk after the waterfall.
A short way east on Route 1
The next glacier tongue east, Svínafellsjökull, is a viewpoint stop only. Guided trips onto it have stopped because of rockslide risk, so read that page before you set out.
Hofskirkja, a turf-roofed church at Hof, is 22 km from Skaftafell according to Wikipedia. It takes minutes to see from the outside.
The lagoons, about 60 km east
Fjallsárlón is the quieter lagoon and comes first as you drive east. Jökulsárlón lies 10 km further on and has the amphibian and zodiac boat tours. Diamond Beach, where lagoon ice washes onto black sand, is across the road from it.
Planning a day
The 60 km each way is the thing to weigh. The park charges a regional fee for parking at both Skaftafell and Jökulsárlón, with 50% off the second if you pay both on the same day (see its price list, checked October 2026). If you would rather not drive, our tours page lists glacier hikes, ice caves, lagoon boats and day trips through GetYourGuide, where we earn a commission on bookings.
Start with the main Svartifoss guide for the waterfall itself. Our getting there page covers the roads, and the where to stay page covers sleeping nearer the lagoons.
Diamond Beach
The black-sand beach opposite Jökulsárlón where lagoon ice washes ashore. A short stop, but the ice comes and goes, so treat it as a bonus.
Fjallsárlón
A smaller lagoon in front of Fjallsjökull, 10 km west of Jökulsárlón. Fewer visitors, its own zodiac boat tour, and free parking according to the operator.
Svínafellsjökull
A glacier tongue east of Skaftafell, closed to guided tours because of rockslide risk. Look from the viewpoint, and walk on ice elsewhere with a guide.
Skaftafellsjökull
A 4.1 km marked loop from the Skaftafell visitor centre to the glacier's edge. About 1 to 1.5 hours, easy, and a clear view of how far the ice has retreated.
Hofskirkja
A small turf-roofed church from the 1880s on Route 1, 22 km from Skaftafell. You can view it at any time, from the outside only.
Questions people ask
How far is Jökulsárlón from Skaftafell?
Wikipedia and Visit South Iceland both give about 60 km. Fjallsárlón, the smaller lagoon, is 10 km west of Jökulsárlón, and Diamond Beach is across Route 1 from the lagoon.
Which nearby sight is the easiest to add to a Svartifoss visit?
The glacier walk to Skaftafellsjökull, which starts next to the same visitor centre. The park rates the 4.1 km loop as easy and gives 1 to 1.5 hours.
Do you pay to park at Jökulsárlón?
Yes, the national park charges a regional fee at the Jökulsárlón car parks. At our October 2026 check it was ISK 1,110 (about €8) for a car with up to five seats, and the second same-day fee at a park area such as Skaftafell is half price.
Compare glacier hikes, ice caves and lagoon trips near Skaftafell in one place.
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