Skaftá

South coast, Iceland
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Skaftá is a glacial river that originates beneath Vatnajökull glacier. The river is prone to glacial outburst floods, when trapped water is suddenly released and causes a rapid and massive increase in the water flow, carrying huge amounts of water, ice, and debris downstream, thus altering the landscape and the look of the river. Down in the Landbrot area, Skaftá puts on a fantastic show of a winding and sinuous course, creating curves and bends along its path through a black sand plain eroded by the constant movement of river. The spectacle is breathtaking, especially from above, making the fantastic scenery resemble an oil painting.

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    Each location on Massif includes detailed information about climate, lighting conditions, accessibility, nearby services, permits, visitors, risk factors and much more.
  • Climate

    Climate

    Get location climate information which includes temperature, wind speed, amount of rain, snowfall and ice coverage through the year.
  • Lighting conditions

    Lighting conditions

    Find out precise information about daylight, Sun position, visibility and clouds throughout the year.
  • Accessibility, services and permits

    Accessibility, services and permits

    Learn about location regulations, how to get to the location, what conditions to expect, and what services are nearby.
  • Visitors and risk factors

    Visitors and risk factors

    Find out if location is frequently visited, if there is any danger in the location area and how to stay safe.

Accessibility

The area is close to the main ring road. A few farm roads lead to various places along the riverbank. Location manager or a guide could help you find a suitable place to arrive at the river. With special permission, depending on where you shoot, you could use 6-wheelers to get closer to the river.
Public transportation unavailable
There is no public transportation available in this area
Car recommended
Unchallenging terrain accessible by car
Excellent phone coverage
Great phone coverage without interruptions
Not needed
Guide is not needed

Services nearby

There are many hotels and lodgings options within 50 kilometres from this location. The nearest hospital is in Höfn, 205 kilometres away. Kirkjubæjarklaustur is 6 km away, there you can find shops and other services.
Accommodation
< 30 km
Gas station
< 30 km
Hospital or emergency room
More than 50 km away
Parking
< 30 km
Restaurants
< 30 km
Shopping
< 30 km

Permits

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You need a two-way permit depending on where you arrive at the riverbank.
Shooting requires both the permission from the property owner and the local government permit

Basecamp and facilities

Within 5 kilometers radius, there are several farms and fields where large basecamps could be erected. At intervals along the riverbank there are gravel roads with small offshoots that could be used as small tech bases or offloading areas. Phone coverage is excellent.

Risk factors

It can be strenuous to work in the sand. The riverbanks may change with the flow of the river.

Visitors

The area is not a tourist attraction and not a place frequently visited by locals.

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