Vatnajökull National Park was established June 7th 2008 and is Europe´s largest national park. It is 13.600 square kilometers in size and covers over 13% of Iceland´s surface. The main goal with the designation is to protec Vatnajökull glacier and it´s surroundings. The park is both charming and magnificent at once with its diverse vegetation, powerful glaciers and deserted black sands! Skaftafell N.P. offers multiple hiking opportunites for everyone to enjoy. There is a paved path towards Skaftafell glacier that is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.

A popular walk is up to beautiful Svartifoss waterfall, which is hugged by columnar basalt. From Skaftafell is a great view of Hvannadalshnúkur (2119m), Iceland´s highest peak. Day trips from Skaftafell are available to this majestic place during the spring and summer months.

Information about hiking routes and interpretive walks are in the service center. The camp ground and restroom/shower facilities are in the national park, as well as a small convenient store in the service center. Diverse accommodation is available at close range to the park.

Six visitor centers and service areas are linked to the national park and they distribute to the four main park areas. Those are the Southern part, Eastern part, Northern part and Western part of the park. The Vatnajökull regions belongs to the Southern part and the visitor center is in Skaftafell. In the future plans are to open another visitor center close to the town of Höfn.

Vatnajökull Travel offers both organised and private tours in Vatnajökull National Park!

Credit: Iceland Tourism