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Vatnajökull
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Vatnajökull is the largest glacier in Iceland and one of the most voluminous in Europe, covering approximately eight percent of the island's total landmass. With an area of around 7,900 square kilometers, it dominates the southeastern part of the country and reaches an average ice thickness of about 400 meters. Beneath the massive ice cap lie some of Iceland's most active volcanoes, including Grímsvötn and Öræfajökull, whose eruptions often trigger catastrophic glacial floods known as jökulhlaups. The glacier's plateau acts as a vast water reservoir, feeding numerous major rivers and significantly influencing the regional climate. In 2008, the Vatnajökull National Park was established, which now encompasses nearly 14 percent of Iceland's territory and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2019. The landscape is characterized by deep blue glacier tongues, massive crevasses, and distinct layers of volcanic ash trapped within the ice. The glacier is a critical research site for glaciologists and climate scientists worldwide to study the effects of global warming on arctic ice sheets. For visitors, the glacier's periphery provides spectacular sites such as the Jökulsárlón lagoon, where icebergs drift toward the ocean.
- Location: Iceland
- Top sights: Grímsvötn · Iceland hotspot
- Nearby: Skaftafell (48 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -8 | -8 | -8 | -6 | -3 | 0 | 1 | 1 | -1 | -4 | -7 | -8 |
| Rain mm | 327 | 298 | 269 | 219 | 144 | 116 | 144 | 171 | 284 | 273 | 268 | 322 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
The inherently dangerous access onto the ice is almost exclusively done within the strict framework of organized specialized tours, departing from various well-equipped base camps around the vast national park edges.
Best season
While professionally guided glacier hikes are often possible almost year-round, the inherently safe exploration of the spectacular, natural blue ice caves is very strictly limited to the freezing cold winter months.
Terrain & paths
The constantly shifting, dynamic surface consists of rock-hard bare ice, many treacherous deep crevasses, and razor-sharp ridges, which strictly requires highly focused and continuous careful footwork at all times.
What to bring
Proper fitting crampons, safety helmets, and ice axes are thankfully usually provided professionally by the tour operator; however, extremely warm, multi-layered, and highly waterproof outer clothing is strictly self-provided.
Parking
You typically park your rental vehicle safely at the explicitly designated meeting points of the major tour operators, very often located directly at the main visitor centers or special large lots by the glacier lagoon.
Safety
The massive, sprawling ice is constantly in motion and absolutely unpredictable; recklessly stepping onto it without a highly experienced, properly certified local guide is widely known to be irresponsible and highly lethal.
Time needed
A typical, well-guided intensive glacier hike or a highly specialized, deep natural ice cave tour usually demands at least a solid three to six hours full of intensely striking visual impressions and serious physical exertion.
Geography
Facts
- Vatnajökull covers approximately 8% of Iceland's total land area.
- The average thickness of the ice cap is around 400 meters.
- At its thickest point, the glacier reaches a depth of 950 meters.
- Several active volcanic systems lie hidden beneath the ice sheet.
- The glacier was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2019.
- The total area of the glacier is approximately 7,900 square kilometers.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Vatnajökull (2)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
How large is Vatnajökull?
It is Europe's largest glacier by volume, covering about 8% of Iceland's total land area.
What activities are offered on the glacier?
Glacier hikes, ice cave tours (in winter), and snowmobile excursions are popular activities.
Can I go on the glacier alone?
No, due to hidden crevasses, you should only enter the glacier with a certified professional guide.
When can you visit ice caves?
Natural ice caves are typically only safe to visit during the winter months, from November to March.
Are there volcanoes under the ice?
Yes, several active volcanoes, such as Grímsvötn and Öræfajökull, lie beneath the ice cap.
Vatnajökull: where is it located?
Vatnajökull is located in Iceland.
Vatnajökull: what is there to see?
Highlights include Grímsvötn, Iceland hotspot.
Vatnajökull: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Vatnajökull: why is it worth visiting?
Vatnajökull is the largest glacier in Iceland and one of the most voluminous in Europe, covering approximately eight percent of the island's total landmass.
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History & landmarks
Nature
Bárðarbunga
Bárðarbunga is a massive stratovolcano under the northwestern part of the Vatnajökull glacier.
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Hvannadalshnúkur is the highest peak in Iceland, reaching an elevation of 2110 meters.
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The lagoon is a key habitat for seals, often seen resting on drifting icebergs.
Jökulsárlón
Jökulsárlón is a glacial lagoon at the edge of Vatnajökull.
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More places
Kverkfjöll
A massive mountain range on the northern edge of Vatnajökull.
Vatnajokull National Park
The park encompasses massive glaciers and green oases like Skaftafell.
Öræfajökull
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