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Vatnajökull National Park

Highlands, IcelandEst. 200814,141 km²
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Vatnajökull National Park

Highlands, IcelandEst. 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.

AI assistant

Plan your visit to Vatnajökull National Park

Build an itinerary — full days, multi-stop routes, drive times, alternatives.

Driving conditions
Road conditions
Check live· From Reykjavík to the foss
Drive: Good·Visit now·30 min stop
Ring Road 1Checking…
F-roadsOpen
ClosuresChecking…
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open map
Prices
Cost to visit
Free
No fees
Entry: Free
Parking: Free
No booking
Entry feeFree
ParkingFree
BookingNot needed
Getting thereCar recommended
Forecast
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HighlandsReykjavíkSouth CoastWestNorthEastWestfjordsReykjanes
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Cars & campers

−15%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 −15%
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 −15%
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 −15%

Tours near Vatnajökull National Park

Free cancellationSmall groups
Glacier & Golden Circle
Adventure

Glacier & Golden Circle

Snowmobile across a glacier, then hit the Golden Circle classics.

Duration10 hours
PickupReykjavík
ActivitySnowmobile
VehicleSuper Jeep
From
49.990 kr
View tour →

Daily conditions for your trip

Roads, weather, and aurora for your exact travel dates — one short email each morning, nothing else. Unsubscribe any time.

Photos & videos

Vatnajökull National Park — photo by Wikimedia CommonsWikimedia Commons

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

Reviews

Nearby

Waterfalls

#1.Morsárfoss
43 km·~52 min drive

Morsárfoss is a waterfall in Vatnajökull National Park, Iceland. Measurements showed that…

#2.Draugagilsfoss
51 km·~61 min drive

A waterfall in South Coast. One of many cascades that make Iceland a waterfall paradise.

#3.Svartifoss
53 km·~63 min drive

Black Falls. A waterfall framed by dark hexagonal basalt columns that inspired…

Svartifoss
#4.Magnúsarfoss
53 km·~64 min drive

A waterfall in South Coast. One of many cascades that make Iceland a waterfall paradise.

Magnúsarfoss
4 waterfalls near Highlands

Hot Springs

#1.Guðlaug
44 km·~53 min drive

New seaside hot pot on Langisandur beach in Akranes. Ocean views.

#2.Víti
62 km·~75 min drive

Water hot spring

#3.Víti Askja
63 km·~75 min drive

Volcanic crater lake at Askja. Highland destination, not always safe for bathing - check…

#4.Hoffell Hot Tubs
78 km·~94 min drive

Hot tubs with Vatnajökull glacier views near Höfn. Run by local farm.

4 hot springs near Highlands

Campsites

#1.Kverkfjöll / Sigurðarskáli
33 km·~39 min drive

Highland campsite accessible in summer only. F-road driving required. Basic facilities…

#2.Skaftafell
54 km·~65 min drive

The camp site is spacious with trees as shelter. The camp site is divided into several…

#3.Campsite Reception
54 km·~65 min drive

Icelandic campsite offering basic facilities for travelers exploring the area. Iceland's…

#4.Nýidalur
58 km·~69 min drive

Highland campsite accessible in summer only. F-road driving required. Basic facilities…

4 campsites near Highlands

Supermarkets

#1.Nettó
90 km·~108 min drive

Nettó supermarket — supplies

#2.Gvendarkjör
94 km·~113 min drive

Supermarket — supplies

#3.Krambúð
127 km·~152 min drive

Krambúð supermarket — supplies

#4.Kjörbúðin
131 km·~157 min drive

Supermarket — supplies

4 supermarkets near Highlands

Gas stations

#1.Freysnes
57 km·~68 min drive

Orkan · 308.6 kr/L petrol

#2.Fagurhólsmýri
71 km·~85 min drive

N1 · 310.9 kr/L petrol

#3.Nesjar
87 km·~104 min drive

N1 · 310.9 kr/L petrol

#4.Höfn
90 km·~108 min drive

Olís · 310.8 kr/L petrol

4 gas stations near Highlands

Tours

#1.Glacier & Golden Circle
10 hours·Pickup Reykjavík

Snowmobile across a glacier, then hit the Golden Circle classics.

from 32,990 krView tour →
1 tours near Highlands

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

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