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.
Your adventure begins at our Troll base, offering free parking and only a short drive from the glacier. Please arrive 20 minutes before departure to meet your certified English-speaking glacier guide. All essential safety equipment, helmet, crampons, harness, and ice axe, is provided.
After gearing up, we take a 15-minute ride to the glacier car park, followed by a 15-minute walk to the edge of the ice. Along the way, your guide will show how the glacier has retreated over time, pointing out exposed bedrock and the nearby meltwater lagoon. Once on the ice, your guide will teach you how to walk safely using your equipment.
You’ll spend 1 to 1.5 hours exploring Falljökull. What you see varies with the season, but every tour offers a chance to experience the glacier’s scale and the unique formations created by its movement. Throughout the hike, your guide will share insights into how the glacier forms, shifts, and affects the surrounding environment.
After returning to the meeting point, enjoy a complimentary hot drink and a candy bar
Embark 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.
Why choose this 5-hour tour? This experience is perfect for guests who want to spend more time on the glacier, see a wider variety of features, and explore areas that shorter tours don’t reach.
Your adventure begins at our Troll base, located just minutes from the glacier with free parking available. Please arrive 20 minutes before departure to meet your certified English-speaking glacier guide. All essential safety equipment, helmet, crampons, harness, and ice axe, is provided.
Once the group is ready, we take a 15-minute ride to the glacier car park, followed by a 15-minute walk to the glacier’s edge. During this walk and the safety briefing, your guide will explain how to use the equipment and what to expect on the ice.
From there, you will spend 3.5 to 4 hours exploring Falljökull. Depending on the season, you may walk through deep crevasses, look into moulins, see sculpted ice formations, or view features from above when the surface is smoother in summer. As you climb higher, wide views over Skaftafell open up, showcasing the dramatic landscapes shaped by the glacier. Your guide will also share insights into how Falljökull forms, moves, and changes over time. After returning to the meeting point, enjoy a complimentary hot drink and a candy bar.
Take 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.
Why choose this 6-hour tour? This is the ideal option for guests wanting a longer and more technical glacier experience. With rope-assisted sections set up by your guide, you’ll reach areas of the glacier that are otherwise inaccessible on standard tours.
Your adventure begins at our Troll base in Hof, just minutes from the glacier and offering free parking. Please arrive 20 minutes early to meet your certified English-speaking glacier guide and gear up with a helmet, crampons, harness, and ice axe.
Once the group is ready, we take a 15-minute ride to the glacier car park, followed by a 15-minute walk to the edge of the ice. During this walk and the safety briefing, your guide will show you how to use your equipment and move safely on the glacier.
From there, you’ll spend 4.5 to 5 hours on the ice, exploring the glacier’s upper areas and wilder terrain. Depending on conditions, you may travel through deep crevasses, pass moulins, see cool formations, and in winter, look into small ice tunnels. Where needed, your guide will set up secure anchors and ropes to help the group access steeper or more technical sections safely.
Throughout the tour, your guide will explain how the glacier forms, moves, and constantly changes. After returning to the meeting point, enjoy a complimentary hot drink and a candy bar
Join 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.
Your journey takes place on Falljökull, an accessible and stunning outlet glacier in Vatnajökull National Park. The tour starts at our Troll base in Hof, just minutes from the glacier and offers free parking. Please arrive 20 minutes before departure to check in and meet your certified English-speaking glacier guide. After a short introduction, your guide will help you gear up with all the essential safety equipment: helmet, crampons, harness, and ice axe.
Once everyone is ready, we take a 15-minute ride to the glacier car park. From there, it’s an easy 15-minute walk toward the glacier, where your guide will point out signs of the glacier’s retreat, like exposed bedrock and the nearby meltwater lagoon. When you reach the ice, your guide will show you how to move safely with your equipment.
You’ll spend around 2 hours exploring Falljökull, where you’ll get the rare chance to walk through deep crevasses and discover unique ice formations that change from season to season. You’ll also get to enter a naturally formed blue ice cave, the main highlight and a must-see for anyone visiting the glacier. Throughout the tour, your guide will explain how the glacier forms, moves, and changes from year to year.
Back at the meeting point, you can warm up with a complimentary hot drink and a candy bar.
Jökulsárlón - 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.
Our adventure begins at the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon parking lot, where our expert guides will join you on this expedition. Aboard a specialized Super Jeep designed for Iceland's extreme terrain, you'll journey toward the glacier summit while listening to tales of this land's ancient icy legends.
The moment you step into the heart of the glacier, you'll be immersed in a dreamlike world: sapphire-blue ice walls envelop you gently, crystalline light refracts in mesmerizing patterns, and winding ice tunnels lead you deep into the earth—this naturally sculpted crystal palace reshapes its beauty each year, and the art of ice you encounter will be a unique masterpiece presented just for you.
Please equip yourself with warm clothing and a waterproof jacket, as this expedition into the very soul of Iceland's winter deserves your full preparation. This is more than a tour—it's an Icelandic tribute blending ultimate adventure, natural wonders, and lifelong memories. Book now, and let us write your exclusive legend with the glacier!
This 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.
This unique kayaking tour provides an intimate, eco-friendly adventure on the serene waters of the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, located in Southeast Iceland. This tour requires you to meet the guide directly at the Jökulsárlón parking lot base camp (GPS Coordinates: 64.048096, -16.178778).
The tour utilizes ultra-stable SIT-ON-TOP kayaks, ensuring the activity is safe and enjoyable for both seasoned paddlers and first-time kayakers. You will glide across the mirror-like waters, receiving unparalleled views of the massive Vatnajökull glacier outlets and the icebergs that have calved into the lagoon. This offers a different perspective than boat tours, immersing you directly into the landscape.
This 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.
Join this active, full-day combo tour designed for travelers who want to maximize their experience of Iceland's icy wilderness. This adventure efficiently pairs a kayaking excursion with a glacier hike, all departing directly from the Troll.is Glacier Lagoon base camp in Jökulsárlón.
The tour operates with two schedule options, allowing you to choose whether to begin with the Kayak (09:30 AM) or the Glacier Hike (10:00 AM). Both segments are led by separate certified guides (glacier and kayaking specialists).
The kayaking segment offers a serene experience, paddling across the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon for close-up views of the floating icebergs and towering glacier cliffs. For the glacier hike, you will be fitted with all necessary equipment (crampons, ice axe, helmet) and led onto the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier. The hike explores the challenging frozen terrain, allowing you to safely view natural features like blue ice formations and crevasses.
Practical Logistics:
- Meeting Point: Both activities start and end at the same location (Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon), eliminating the need for self-driving between segments.
- Requirements: Participants must be in good physical condition for a full day of active exploration on both water and ice.
- Timing: Guests must arrive at least 20 minutes before their scheduled departure time for gearing up and check-in.
This seamless combo tour is the optimal way to experience two unique aspects of Vatnajökull National Park in one unforgettable day.
This 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.
This unique, self-drive combo tour is designed for active travelers wanting to experience the immense natural beauty of Southeast Iceland in a single day. The adventure is split into two separate guided tours: a morning and an afternoon activity.
You have the flexibility to choose your starting point: either the Glacier Hike in Skaftafell Nature Reserve or the Kayaking session at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Certified guides lead both segments, ensuring safety and providing all technical equipment, including kayaks, dry gear, crampons, and ice axes. The hiking portion explores the frozen terrain of an outlet glacier of Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest ice cap. The kayaking session allows you to glide silently past breathtaking ice formations in the lagoon.
Practical Logistics:
- Transportation: Travel between Jökulsárlón and Skaftafell is self-drive, requiring participants to use their own vehicle to move between the two base camps.
- Meeting Points: You must meet the guides at the designated Troll.is base camps in Jökulsárlón and Skaftafell.
- Timing: Strict adherence to the schedule is required; you must arrive 20 minutes before each scheduled departure time (morning and afternoon) to gear up.
This tour is ideal for maximizing adventure time while efficiently exploring the glacier region with professional guidance.
Summer 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.
Join 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.
Embark 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.
Embark 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.
Winter 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.
Continuing your travels, you'll head along the much-talked-about South Coast, where you can explore the unique black sand beach of Reynisfjara and the breathtaking Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. After exploring the scenic East Fjords, the tour moves to the north, where you’ll be captivated by the otherworldly landscapes around Lake Mývatn, including the mysterious lava pillars of Dimmuborgir.
The final leg of your journey takes you to West Iceland and the dramatic Snæfellsnes Peninsula, often called "Iceland in Miniature," where you’ll find iconic locations like Kirkjufell mountain. Throughout the trip, the dark nights are a perfect opportunity to search for the breathtaking Northern Lights. You can also book optional activities like Horseback Riding to make your experience even more special and adventurous.
This 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.
The journey starts and ends in Reykjavík, and includes 3 activities: A glacier hike, an ice cave visit, and a whale watching tour. The tour also includes optional activities, allowing you to opt for a horse riding tour, a nature bath visit.
The journey is packed with guaranteed geological and historical sightings: Þingvellir National Park (tectonic rift and historic parliament), the erupting Strokkur geyser, and the colossal Gullfoss Waterfall.
Along the South Coast, you will visit the waterfalls Seljalandsfoss (walk-behind) and Skógafoss, and the dramatic Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach. While venturing thorugh the South Coast, you will experience two key guided glacier activities: a Glacier Hike on Sólheimajökull (with all safety gear), a visit to a natural Ice Cave (either Vatnajökull or Katla, depending on conditions).
Further north, you explore the geothermal area of Námaskarð, the unique lava pillars of Dimmuborgir near Lake Mývatn, and the powerful Dettifoss and beautiful Goðafoss waterfalls. Your journey through the North of Iceland will also include a whale watching tour from Hauganes.
Throughout the trip, your guide will actively hunt for the Northern Lights (September–March).
This 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.
The tour features Iceland's most significant natural and historical landmarks. You will visit Þingvellir National Park, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates visibly pull apart. You will witness the geothermal activity at the Geysir Area, watching the active Strokkur geyser erupt up to 35 meters every five minutes, and see the powerful cascade of Gullfoss Waterfall. The South Coast route includes walks behind Seljalandsfoss and along the 60-meter-high Skógafoss Waterfall, exploration of the basalt columns at Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, and a journey to the glacier-fed Jökulsárlón Lagoon and Diamond Beach. The tour includes a supervised glacier hike with essential safety equipment and an opportunity to visit a natural Ice Cave (October–March). At night, your guide will actively monitor the forecast to maximize your chances of seeing the Northern Lights (September–March) from the remote hotel locations.
Join 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.
This comprehensive 2-day tour offers an efficient way to experience the vast geological diversity of Iceland's South Coast, departing from Reykjavík.







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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