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Vatnajökull National Park, located in southeastern Iceland, is the largest national park in the country and one of the biggest in Europe, covering almost 15,000 square kilometers (about 14% of Iceland's land area).
It encompasses the vast Vatnajökull glacier—the largest glacier in Europe—and surrounding volcanic and geothermal landscapes.
The park was established in 2008 and became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2019 due to its dynamic interplay of fire and ice, including active volcanoes beneath the ice and stunning glacial features.
Good to know
Scenic beauty
The park offers breathtaking views of massive glaciers, volcanic peaks, ice caves, and vast wilderness. Visitors can witness unique natural phenomena like glacial floods (jökulhlaups), ice formations, and rugged volcanic terrain, creating a dramatic contrast between fire and ice.
Accessibility
Vatnajökull National Park is accessible by car with several visitor centers and trailheads, especially around popular areas like Skaftafell and Jökulsárlón. Guided glacier tours are the safest and recommended way to explore the glaciers, with expert guides providing equipment and safety briefings. Tours vary to accommodate different fitness levels and skills—from easier glacier walks lasting a few hours to more demanding ice cave explorations and multi-day hikes.
Cost
Glacier tours have varying costs depending on duration and difficulty. For example, shorter glacier hikes start around 16,900 ISK (about 110 EUR/USD), while more extensive or specialized tours such as ice cave adventures can cost upwards of 190 EUR/USD. There is no entrance fee to the national park itself, but guided tours are required for glacier access due to safety.
Crowd level
Vatnajökull National Park is a major tourist attraction, especially in summer months, leading to busier periods at popular spots like Skaftafell and Jökulsárlón. Booking tours in advance is advised