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Vatnajökull National Park

Est. 200814,141 km²
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National parkHighlands

Vatnajökull National Park

HighlandsEst. 200814,141 km²

About

Europe's largest national park, encompassing Vatnajökull glacier and surrounding areas. Includes Skaftafell, Jökulsárlón, Dettifoss, and countless other natural wonders.

Ice, fire, water — all the elements in one park. From glacier hikes to volcanic calderas to thundering waterfalls. Too big to see in one trip.

Created in 2008 by joining Skaftafell and Jökulsárgljúfur national parks with Vatnajökull glacier. Covers 14% of Iceland. Contains both the highest peak and the largest glacier in the country.

The park is massive — plan which sections you'll visit. Skaftafell is most popular for day hikes. Ice caves are winter-only. Askja and the interior require 4x4 and more planning.

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Map of Vatnajökull National Park

Map

64.5000°N, 17.0000°W · Highlands

Plan your visit

Nearest town
Nesjahverfi — 87.7 km away
Distance from Reykjavík
241 km in a straight line
What else is close
1 mapped places within 20 km

Tours that include Vatnajökull National Park

Ingólfshöfði Puffin Tourfrom 12.500 ISK · 2 h 30 minGlacier Kayak Adventure at Heinabergslónfrom 20.900 ISK · 3 h 30 minSkaftafell 3 Hour Glacier Walkfrom 17.900 ISK · 3 hScenic Airplane Tour from Skaftafellfrom 22.900 ISK · 15 minGlacier Encounterfrom 16.900 ISK · 3 hIce Climbing Captured in Skaftafellfrom 32.500 ISK · 4 hFull Day on Vatnajökull Adventurous Glacier Exploration Hikefrom 49.900 ISK · 7 hGlacier Discoveryfrom 21.900 ISK · 4 hHvannadalshnúkur The Great Withe Onefrom 79.900 ISK · 14 h
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ToursIn season nowSouth Coast & Sky Lagoon Sér Pass Tourfrom 32.590 ISK · 13 hBlue Ice - Glacier Hike & Ice Climbing from Reykjavíkfrom 32.990 ISK · 13 h 30 minNorthern Lights Tour Led by Local Hunters - Hotel pickup availablefrom 11.990 ISK · 4 hAll 1,631 toursBy activity and region

Vatnajökull National Park weather and conditions

Last updated

-5°Covercast · feels -10°C3 m/swind8 h 42 mdaylight · 08:31 – 17:13
In season now · Winter in IcelandSouth Coast & Sky Lagoon Sér Pass Tourfrom 32.590 ISK · 13 h
See the tour
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Cars & campers

−12%exclusive discountFree cancellationKEF airport pickup 24/74.8
Dacia Duster 4x4
SUV

Dacia Duster 4x4

Cheapest real 4WD in the fleet — gravel, the Westfjords and easy summer F-roads without truck prices.

TransmissionManual
FuelPetrol/diesel
Seats5
Drive4WD
From
5,355 kr6,300 kr/day
Reserve −12%
VW Caravelle
9-seater

VW Caravelle

Whole family or friend group in one car — gear in the back, room to stretch.

TransmissionAutomatic
FuelDiesel
Seats9
Drive2WD
From
12,750 kr15,000 kr/day
Reserve −12%
Key Camper Wild Duo
Camper

Key Camper Wild Duo

Sleep right by the trailhead, wake up at the falls — F-road ready from mid-June.

TransmissionManual
FuelPetrol
Sleeps2
Drive4WD
From
5,304 kr6,240 kr/day
Reserve −12%

Photos & videos

Vatnajökull National Park — photo by Justraveling.com · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0Photo: Justraveling.com · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0

No verified videos yet — we only show footage confirmed to be Vatnajökull National Park, no lookalikes. Search YouTube

Nearby

Waterfalls

  1. 1Morsárfoss43 km
  2. 2Draugagilsfoss51 km
  3. 3Svartifoss53 km
All waterfalls →

Hot springs

  1. 1Guðlaug44 km
  2. 2Víti62 km
  3. 3Víti Askja63 km
All hot springs →

Fuel

  1. 1Freysnes57 km · 308.6 kr/L
  2. 2Fagurhólsmýri71 km · 310.9 kr/L
  3. 3Nesjar87 km · 310.9 kr/L
All fuel →

Supermarkets

  1. 1Nettó90 km
  2. 2Gvendarkjör94 km
  3. 3Krambúð127 km
All supermarkets →

Tours

  1. (Cruise Ships) Lake Mývatn and Goðafossfrom 25.300 ISK · 6 hours 30 minutes
  2. (RS) Lake Myvatn & Godafoss Waterfall Day Tour from Akureyrifrom 25.900 ISK · 6 hours
  3. A Gourmet golden circle - a taste of Iceland combined with amazing nature attractions!from 159.000 ISK · 8 hours
All tours →

Frequently
asked
questions

How big is Vatnajökull National Park?
About 14,141 km² — the largest national park in Europe.
What can you do in the park?
Glacier hikes, ice caves, hiking, waterfalls, ice lagoons — varies by season and location.
What's included in the park?
Vatnajökull glacier, Skaftafell, Jökulsárlón, Dettifoss, Askja, and much more.
Is there an entrance fee?
No general fee. Some areas have parking fees. Tours and activities have separate costs.
When are ice caves open?
Winter only (November-March typically). Tours must be booked.

Data & sources

Everything on this page comes from the sources below. Live feeds refresh automatically.

Spotted an error, or have something to add? Help us keep this page accurate.

All national parks1 national parks in Highlands, mapped with photos, distances and live conditions
Iceland nowfrom 19 Sep 06:10
8°C · overcastWind 2 m/sRing Road (R1) openAurora Kp 2.67Daylight 07:02 – 19:39Webcams