Iceland’s Frozen Giant – Vatnajokull National Park

A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2019, Vatnajökull is the largest of Iceland’s three national parks and includes the Vatnajökull glacier, Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and Askja volcano.

Created to safeguard a variety of geological, botanical and historic agricultural features, Vatnajökull covers roughly 13% of Iceland’s land mass. Which also makes it one of the largest national parks in Europe. Total size is 5,375 square miles, or roughly the same size as Yellowstone and Grand Canyon national parks combined. In other words: Huge!

The majority of the national park is concealed under thick ice. Nonetheless, the landscape is unique and diverse due to the interplay of volcanoes and glaciers. It showcases the effects that a combination of rivers and glaciers in combination with volcanic and geothermal activity, can have on the Earth.

Skaftafellsstofa Visitor Center is open year-round and staffed by rangers who can provide information about the park including details on hiking trails, nature and accommodation. There is also a small souvenir store with handmade items from the region. Other visitor centers are located in Skaftafell and Snaefellsstofa.

This map shows which hikes can be undertaken in Vatnajökull.

Iceland ProTravel offers a wide range of excursions to the national park, such as an ice cave tour or a hike across Vatnajokull glacier.

Read More