Vatnajokull National Park

The basics

The park’s southern territory of Skaftafell is the gateway to the most accessible area of the Vatnajokull glacier (Europe’s biggest glacier) and one of the park’s most popular regions for outdoor activities. Visit the Skaftafell Visitor Center for information about attractions, hiking trails, and accommodations. You can also purchase souvenirs at its small shop. The visitor center is open all year, and in the summer park rangers host educational programs and lead hikes.

Interested in visiting Vatnajokull National Park with the experts? Book a blue ice cave tour inside the Vatnajokull glacier, which includes a 40-minute ride in a super jeep, or go for a hike on the Fjallsjokull glacier led by a professional glacier guide. If you’re not limited on time, book one of the longer Vatnajokull National Park tours from Reykjavik. These full day trips sometimes include a visit to the famous Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon.

Things to know before you go

• Dress in layers, bring waterproof boots, and be prepared for the weather to change.

• Pack plenty of snacks and water; while there are plenty of restaurants along the perimeter of the park, their hours are limited, and if you’re venturing deep into the park they won’t do you any good.

• You don’t need Vatnajokull National Park tickets to hike in the park; however, you’ll have to pay what’s called a regional fee (from approximately US$7) if you enter the park by car at Skaftafell or Jokulsarlon.

• Hiking trails are marked according to level of difficulty and indicate which are appropriate for wheelchair users or visitors with limited mobility.

• Day tours vary in length by season; in the summer there are up to 21 hours of sunlight whereas the winter sees as few as four hours of sunlight.

How to get there

To reach Vatnajokull National Park’s Skaftafell Visitor Center, you can either drive from Reykjavik (about four hours) or take a bus or organized tour. The town of Hofn is another park gateway, accessible from Reykjavik by regular flights or bus. Hofn is approximately 130 kilometers from the Skaftafell Visitor Center, and it has rental cars available at the airport. However, most travelers prefer to book guided tours such as this Private Full-Day Tour of the Vatnajökull Glaciers from Höfn.

When to get there

The best time to visit Vatnajokull National Park is in summer when days are longest, trail conditions are best for hiking, and boat tours around the Jokulsarlon lagoon are possible. While crowds are sparse in the winter, daylight hours can be as few as four in mid-December and many sights may be inaccessible.

Highlights of Vatnajokull National Park

Vatnajokull National Park is enormous, so you may choose to focus on a few highlights. Svartifoss (Black Falls), named for the black lava columns surrounding the falls, is a short hike from Skaftafell in south Iceland. On the edge of the park in southeast Iceland, Jokulsarlon was formed when the Breidamerkurjokull glacier began to recede. Today, it is the deepest lake in the country.

Meanwhile, nearby Diamond Beach is one of the most photogenic places along the south coast of Iceland. And in the northeast, glacial rivers flowing from the Vatnajokull glacier formed the mighty Dettifoss waterfall, which stands 330 feet (100 meters) wide and drops 144 feet (44 meters).

Ways to explore

Skaftafell is the gateway to the most accessible area of the Vatnajokull glacier, and is one of the park’s most popular regions for outdoor activities. Visit the Skaftafell Visitor Center for information about attractions, hiking trails, and accommodations.

If you prefer to explore Vatnajokull National Park with an expert, book a blue ice cave tour of the Vatnajokull glacier or a guided hike on Fjallsjökull Glacier. If you’ve got time to spare, visit as part of a Vatnajokull National Park tour from Reykjavik; these full-day trips sometimes include a visit to the famous Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon.

Accessibility

Some locations in Vatnajokull National Park feature paths that are wheelchair accessible, but rough terrain makes wider access challenging.

Age limits

None; many hiking tours are better suited to older kids and adults.

What to pack

Waterproof backpack, water bottle, snacks, camera, sunscreen

What to wear

Wear breathable layers as well as waterproof outerwear, sturdy hiking boots, warm socks, a hat, and gloves. Be aware that weather conditions change rapidly.

Not allowed

Camping in certain areas, littering or disturbing the landscape (including building cairns), off-leash dogs

Amenities

Visitor centers, restrooms, campgrounds

Address

Vatnajokull National Park is around 4.5 hours by car from Reykjavik, and the Skaftafell area of the park is particularly accessible. While public transportation options are limited, many tours include round-trip transportation from Reykjavik.

Driving

Take Iceland’s Route 1 along the southern coast to the Skaftafell area of the park. The trip takes around 4.5 hours each way. Paid parking areas are available close to trailheads and viewpoints.

Public transportation

Public transit options between Reykjavik and Vatnajokull National Park are limited. Instead, it’s best to book a sightseeing tour that includes round-trip transportation.

Best times to visit

To maximize your trip to Vatnajokull National Park—and available daylight hours—it’s best to arrive early; note that daylight arrives later in the morning during winter.

Best days to visit

Some of Vatnajokull National Park’s main routes and tours are likely to be more in demand on weekends, but there’s rarely a bad time to visit.

Best months to visit

Vatnajokull National Park is open throughout the year, but changing conditions can impact access. June and July are generally the most popular months to visit, thanks to warmer temperatures and long daylight hours.

Special events

The park offers ranger-led hikes and educational programs at various times of the year.