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Vatnajokull National Park
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Vatnajökull National Park is Iceland's largest protected area, covering approximately 14 percent of the country's total landmass. The heart of the park is the massive Vatnajökull glacier, the largest ice cap in Europe by volume outside the Arctic. Beneath its thick ice shield lie some of Iceland's most active volcanoes, such as Grímsvötn and Öræfajökull, whose eruptions frequently trigger massive glacial outburst floods (jökulhlaups). The park was established in 2008, consolidating the former Skaftafell and Jökulsárgljúfur national parks into one vast ecosystem. The landscape is defined by dramatic contrasts, ranging from deep-blue ice caves and expansive glacier tongues to black sand deserts and lush birch forests in sheltered valleys. Since 2019, the park has been a UNESCO World Heritage site, uniquely documenting the dynamic interaction between ice and fire. For scientists and nature enthusiasts alike, the park gives a living laboratory of geology and a wilderness of unparalleled majesty.
- Location: Iceland
- Nearby: Jökulsárlón (37 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 | -1 | -1 | -1 | 1 | 3 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 3 | 0 | -1 |
| Rain mm | 280 | 258 | 223 | 177 | 111 | 96 | 119 | 149 | 228 | 244 | 225 | 270 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
The seemingly massive park area is excellently and easily connected via the fully paved Icelandic Ring Road, with the well-known Skaftafell visitor center serving as an extremely popular and practical starting point.
Best season
The extensive national park is highly appealing and scenic year-round, with the warmer summer being absolutely good for extended hikes and the harsh winter perfectly suited for spectacular ice cave tours.
Terrain & paths
The vast terrain varies enormously and dramatically from flat, lightly wooded scenic valleys and simple paths to extremely steep, dangerous sprawling glacier tongues and very rough, uneven rocky mountainsides.
What to bring
Exceptionally sturdy footwear and absolutely windproof layers are essential everywhere here, while any deeper excursions directly onto the bare ice always strictly require specialized safety gear such as crampons.
Parking
At the large, official major visitor centers, particularly at the huge main hub in Skaftafell, there are generally completely sufficient paved, paid parking spaces widely available for the influx of tourists.
Safety
Venturing completely independently onto the massive, shifting glaciers is extremely and lethally dangerous; professionally guided tours are absolutely essential to safely navigate around the many hidden, deep crevasses.
Time needed
Depending closely on the specifically chosen route and physical stamina, you can easily undertake everything here from short, flat one-to-two-hour scenic walks to intensely demanding multi-day alpine adventures.
Geography
Facts
- The park covers an area of approximately 14,141 square kilometers.
- The Vatnajökull glacier alone covers about 7,900 square kilometers.
- Beneath the ice lies Grímsvötn, Iceland's most active volcano.
- Iceland's highest peak, Hvannadalshnúkur (2,110 m), is located here.
- The national park was officially established on June 7, 2008.
- It was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2019.
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.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Vatnajokull National Park (1)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
How large is Vatnajökull National Park?
It covers about 14% of Iceland's surface and is one of Europe's largest.
Can you hike on the glacier?
Yes, but only with a guide and proper equipment.
When is the best time for ice caves?
Most natural ice caves are only safe to visit from November to March.
Are roads in the park always open?
Main roads are mostly open, but highland roads are often only passable in summer.
Are there campsites?
Yes, for example in Skaftafell there are well-equipped campsites.
Vatnajokull National Park: where is it located?
Vatnajokull National Park is located in Iceland.
Vatnajokull National Park: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Vatnajokull National Park: why is it worth visiting?
Vatnajökull National Park is Iceland's largest protected area, covering approximately 14 percent of the country's total landmass.
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