Things to Do in Vatnajökull National Park
Vatnajökull National Park is one of Europe’s largest protected areas, covering around 14% of Iceland’s total landmass. Home to the mighty Vatnajökull glacier—the largest ice cap in Europe—the park spans a diverse range of landscapes, from glacial tongues and volcanoes to black sand plains and lush green valleys. It's divided into several visitor-friendly regions, including Skaftafell in the south-west side, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon in the east, and the glacier itself, which dominates the central highlands. Whether you're interested in hiking, photography, geology, or guided adventure tours, the park offers an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Why Visit Vatnajökull National Park
Vatnajökull National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Iceland’s natural wonders. Located about 4 to 7 hours by car from Reykjavík, depending on which part of the national park you’re heading to, it’s home to Vatnajökull—the largest glacier in Europe by volume. To put its scale in perspective, the glacier alone covers around 8% of Iceland’s landmass, and its vast white expanse feeds numerous outlet glaciers that spill dramatically into surrounding valleys, plains, and lowlands.
What makes Vatnajökull so special isn’t just its size, but its diversity. From the easily accessible hiking trails and glacier tours in the Skaftafell region in the south, to the thundering Dettifoss waterfall and volcanic canyons of Jökulsárgljúfur in the north, the park spans a breathtaking range of landscapes shaped by both ice and fire. Guided glacier hikes on outlets like Falljökull and Virkisjökull allow you to safely explore the glacier’s crevasses and ice formations, while winter visitors can venture inside crystal-blue ice caves formed deep within the glacier itself. With its unmatched scenery, geological significance, and well-maintained visitor infrastructure, Vatnajökull National Park is a powerful reminder of nature’s scale and beauty—well worth the journey from Reykjavík.
Popular Vatnajökull Destinations
The most popular destinations within Vatnajökull National Park include the Skaftafell area in the south, known for its accessible hiking trails, glacier tours on Falljökull and Virkisjökull, and the striking Svartifoss waterfall; Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, just outside the park boundary, where icebergs float serenely from Breiðamerkurjökull into the Atlantic Ocean; and the Jökulsárgljúfur region in the north, home to Dettifoss—Europe’s most powerful waterfall—and the forested Ásbyrgi canyon. In winter, natural ice cave tours beneath Vatnajökull’s outlet glaciers become a major draw, offering visitors the chance to explore surreal, blue-hued caverns formed entirely by glacial meltwater and ice. These areas offer a mix of scenic beauty, geological significance, and adventure, making them the top highlights of Iceland’s largest national park.
Skaftafell - Best for Glaciers Hikes
Explore the ever-changing ice formations of Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier, on a guided walk. This tour gives you a close look at a landscape shaped by ice, where conditions shift from season to season. Depending on the time of year, you may walk into crevasses,or see ice features from above as the surface changes in summer. Your guide may also point out interesting details like glacier-shaped formations or patches of “glacier mice,” small moss balls found on the ice.
Skaftafell
Meet on location
Easy to moderate
3 HoursEmbark on a longer and more in-depth glacier hike on Falljökull, an outlet of Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier. This extended tour takes you higher onto the ice, where you can explore more remote terrain and enjoy wide panoramic views over Skaftafell National Park.
Skaftafell Meet on location Medium 5 HoursTake on our most adventurous glacier tour, a full-day journey that takes you deeper onto the ice than any of our other hikes. This experience gives you access to remote terrain and the dramatic landscapes surrounding Europe’s largest glacier.
Skaftafell Meet on location Challenging 6 hoursJoin an unforgettable adventure on Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier, located in the beautiful Skaftafell area. The highlight of this tour is the chance to step inside a naturally formed blue ice cave, an experience very few people ever get to have.
Skaftafell Meet on location Medium 4 HoursJökulsárlón - Best for Ice Caves & Glacier Kayaking
Prepare for an epic journey through Iceland's breathtaking landscapes! You will ride in a powerful 4x4 Super Jeep, conquering pristine wilderness, venture into the heart of a glacier, and explore the stunning Blue Ice Cave, renowned as the "Crystal Palace." Before your eyes, shimmering shades of blue ice, millennia-old crystalline domes, and ever-changing glacial crevasses and tunnels will create a once-in-a-lifetime moment frozen in time.
Jökulsárlón Super jeep from Meeting Point Easy 2 to 3 hoursThis tour offers a unique kayaking adventure on the pristine waters of the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon in Vatnajökull National Park. Highlights include gliding safely past floating icebergs with panoramic views of surrounding majestic glaciers and rugged mountains. The adventure uses highly stable, beginner-friendly SIT-ON-TOP kayaks and emphasizes eco-conscious travel within this breathtaking natural environment.
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon 1.5 Hours Meet on location
SummerThis full-day combo tour offers two distinct, fully guided adventures in Vatnajökull National Park for maximum immersion. Highlights include an exhilarating kayaking tour among the floating icebergs of Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, followed by an adventurous glacier hike on Breiðamerkurjökull (an outlet of Vatnajökull). You will witness dramatic glacier cliffs, explore deep ice formations, and experience two of Iceland’s most iconic activities—on water and on ice—in a single, efficient day. All safety gear is provided, and the entire experience departs from the same convenient location.
Jökulsárlón & Breiðamerkurjökull 3 Hours + 1.5 Hours Not Included SummerThis full-day combo package offers two essential glacier experiences in Southeast Iceland for maximum adventure. Highlights include a guided kayaking adventure among the icebergs of Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and an exhilarating glacier hike on a Vatnajökull outlet glacier in Skaftafell Nature Reserve. This tour efficiently pairs two distinct, guided activities—on water and on ice—in one day. All necessary safety gear and instructions for both the kayaking and glacier trekking are provided by certified guides.
Skaftafell & Jökulsárlón 3 Hours + 1.5 Hours Not Included SummerSummer Multi-day Tours That Visit Vatnajökull
During this unforgettable 2-day tour, we will take you to the hidden gems of the most visited place in Iceland – the South Coast. Get ready to climb on one of Europe’s largest glaciers, catch a boat to gigantic icebergs, and explore the most beautiful places in the South of Iceland. Along the shore, you’ll also get the chance to stop by some majestic waterfalls, the beautiful Black Sand Beach, and learn everything you need to know about Iceland.
Minibus tour: Pick up & Drop off included
Included: 1 Night & Breakfast Summer 2 DaysJoin us for a 3 days excursion to see the famous Golden Circle and the South Coast. Experience the beauty of our glacier lagoon Jökulsárlón, hike on Europe's largest glacier and powerful waterfalls.
Minibus tour: Pick up & Drop off included Included: 2 Nights & Breakfast Summer 3 DaysEmbark on a comprehensive 6-day guided tour from Reykjavík to Akureyri, exploring Iceland's diverse natural wonders. This immersive trip includes all the iconic highlights of the Golden Circle, South Coast, and Mývatn Region. Your expert guide will lead you to breathtaking sights like Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and on thrilling adventures, including a Whale Watching boat trip and a unique Ice Cave tour. Book your stress-free journey to experience the very best of Iceland, from south to north.
Minibus tour: Pick up & Drop off included Included: 5 Nights & Breakfast Summer 6 DaysEmbark on the ultimate 8-day summer adventure around Iceland's iconic Ring Road and the mystical Snæfellsnes Peninsula. This comprehensive journey is your perfect opportunity to witness the country’s most beautiful and popular spots under the glow of the Midnight Sun. Discover breathtaking natural wonders, from the famous Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach and the unforgettable Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon to the thunderous power of Dettifoss Waterfall. This tour provides a complete and stress-free way to experience the very best of Iceland’s diverse landscapes in the magical summer light.
Minibus tour: Pick up & Drop off included Included: 7 Nights & Breakfast Summer 8 DaysWinter Multi-day Tours That Visit Vatnajökull
This 8-day guided tour is the perfect way to discover Iceland’s incredible variety of natural wonders. The comprehensive journey takes you from the capital of Reykjavík all the way to the ‘Capital of the North,’ Akureyri, and beyond. Your adventure begins on the famous Golden Circle, where you'll visit the stunning Gullfoss waterfall, the erupting Geysir geothermal area, and the historic Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Minibus tour: Pick up & Drop off included Included: 7 Nights & Breakfast Winter 8 DaysThis fully guided, 6-day minibus tour offers a pragmatic and comprehensive exploration of Iceland, covering all major regions—the Golden Circle, South Coast, East Fjords, and North Iceland—in a single trip.
Minibus tour: Pick up & Drop off included Included: 5 Nights & Breakfast Winter 6 DaysThis three-day guided minibus tour focuses on exploring Iceland’s key geological attractions and glacier activities, offering a comprehensive winter experience of the Golden Circle and South Coast. The tour operates from Reykjavík and includes two nights' accommodation. This is the only 3 day minibus tour in Iceland with two glacier activities are included, a glacier hike and an ice cave visit.
Minibus tour: Pick up & Drop off included Included: 2 Nights & Breakfast Winter 3 DaysJoin us for a two-day adventure to Iceland’s spectacular South Coast. The journey's highlights include visits to the iconic Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, a guided glacier hike on ancient ice, and the opportunity to enter a natural blue ice cave (Oct-Mar). You will explore the surreal beauty of Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and the nearby Diamond Beach, followed by a stop at the famous Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach. In the evenings, you’ll have a prime chance to spot the Northern Lights thanks to a remote countryside hotel stay.
Minibus tour: Pick up & Drop off included Included: 1 Night & Breakfast Winter 2 Days
Frequently Asked Questions
Planning a trip to Skaftafell in Vatnajökull National Park? From glacier hikes to iconic waterfalls like Svartifoss, we’ve answered the most common questions to help you prepare, explore, and get the most out of your adventure in this incredible part of southeast Iceland.
Frequently Asked Questions
Summer months (June to August) offer the best weather for hiking and exploring the park’s trails. Winter (November to March) is ideal for ice cave tours and winter glacier hikes.
No, ice caves are typically accessible only during the winter months when the ice is stable and safe. Most tours run from November through March.
No prior experience is required for most glacier hikes, but you should have a reasonable fitness level. Guides provide all necessary safety equipment and instructions.
It is strongly recommended to join guided tours for safety reasons. The terrain is hazardous, and certified guides ensure a secure and informative experience.
Dress in layers with waterproof outerwear, sturdy hiking boots, gloves, and a hat. Most tours provide crampons, helmets, and safety gear.
Many tours offer family-friendly options. However, some hikes and ice cave adventures may have age restrictions due to safety.
The park’s main areas, including Skaftafell and Jökulsárlón, are accessible via Iceland’s Ring Road (Route 1), with parking and visitor facilities available.
Nearby accommodations include guesthouses, hotels, and campsites in Skaftafell, Höfn, and Kirkjubæjarklaustur.
Yes, many operators offer combo tours that combine glacier hikes, ice cave visits, and kayaking for an immersive experience.
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