Solo Adventure in Vatnajokull National Park

A Majestic Start in Vatnajokull National Park

After months of planning and dreaming, I finally arrived in Vatnajokull National Park! The crisp October air filled my lungs as I stepped off the bus, a welcome change from the bustling streets of Berlin. The landscape here is simply breathtaking, a raw and untamed beauty that immediately captivates the soul. Being here, completely solo, is a little daunting, but also incredibly empowering. I'm ready to embrace the challenges and soak in every moment of this adventure.


Explore the breathtaking landscapes, glaciers, and rich biodiversity of Vatnajökull National Park, Iceland's largest national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The journey here was quite something. My flight from Berlin to Reykjavik was smooth, but the bus ride to the park was a bit of an adventure in itself. The Icelandic landscape whizzed by, a mesmerizing blend of lava fields and moss-covered hills. I even managed to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights faintly dancing in the distance – a promising sign of things to come! I must admit, I nearly forgot my portable phone charger in Berlin, which would have been a disaster. Thank goodness for double-checking my bag! Hans would never let me hear the end of it.

My first stop was the Skaftafell Visitor Center. It's a hub of activity, with fellow travelers eager to explore the park's wonders. I gathered some maps and trail information from the rangers, who were incredibly helpful and informative. I also picked up a charming little travel journal from the shop, its pages just waiting to be filled with my Icelandic musings.


Discover breathtaking landscapes and rich history at Skaftafellsstofa Visitor Center, your gateway to Vatnajökull National Park's natural wonders.

The best view comes after the hardest climb.

Fueled by excitement and a hearty breakfast at Cafe Vatnajökull, I set off towards Svartifoss. The cafe was a delightful surprise, a cozy little spot offering a variety of warm beverages and light meals. I opted for a traditional Icelandic pastry and a strong coffee, the perfect fuel for a day of hiking. I even spotted some local crafts and artwork, a testament to the vibrant community surrounding the park.


Discover the unique blend of art and flavor at Cafe Vatnajökull – an inviting cafe nestled in Iceland's stunning Öræfi region.

The hike to Svartifoss was nothing short of magical. The trail wound its way through birch woodlands and over gentle slopes, the air filled with the sound of rushing water. The October weather was crisp, with temperatures hovering around 6°C (43°F), and a slight wind that added a touch of invigorating chill. The path was well-marked, which was a relief for a solo hiker like myself. The park gets around 7.5 hours of sunshine in October, so I was lucky to have a good amount of daylight.

As I ascended, I was treated to glimpses of other waterfalls, like Hundafoss and Magnúsarfoss, each with its own unique charm. The landscape was breathtaking, a tapestry of green meadows, black sands, and distant glaciers. It was easy to see why Skaftafell is considered one of Iceland's most beautiful areas.


Explore the breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife of Skaftafell National Park, a must-see destination in Iceland's natural beauty.

Reaching Svartifoss was a truly awe-inspiring moment. The waterfall cascaded over a cliff framed by dark, hexagonal basalt columns, a sight that felt both surreal and ancient. I spent a good hour simply admiring the view, snapping photos, and soaking in the tranquility of the surroundings. I can see why the unique basalt columns were the inspiration for Reykjavík's iconic Hallgrímskirkja church.

After descending from Svartifoss, hunger started to gnaw. I decided to grab lunch at Saatvik Restaurant (Kaffiterían Skaftafelli). Being a vegetarian, I was delighted to find a restaurant offering authentic vegetarian and vegan dishes. I savored a flavorful curry, a welcome burst of warmth on a chilly day. The restaurant was family-run, adding a personal touch to the dining experience.


Discover Icelandic flavors at Saatvik Restaurant amidst stunning landscapes near Höfn.

With my belly full and my spirit rejuvenated, I decided to explore the Skaftafellsstofa a bit more. I couldn't resist buying a few postcards to send to Sofia and Hans back in Berlin. Sofia will love the pictures of the cute Icelandic horses!

As the day drew to a close, I treated myself to dinner at Hali Country Hotel & Restaurant. The hotel is located a bit outside of the park itself, but I had heard great things about its restaurant. I indulged in a delicious meal featuring local produce, savoring the flavors of Iceland. The Hali Country Hotel prides itself on local food from the farm, which I thought was a nice touch.


Discover authentic Icelandic hospitality at Hali Country Hotel & Restaurant - your gateway to stunning landscapes and local cuisine.

Before heading back to my campsite, I took a moment to reflect on the day's adventures. Vatnajokull National Park had already exceeded my expectations, offering a sensory feast of sights, sounds, and tastes. I felt a deep sense of gratitude for the opportunity to explore this incredible landscape, to connect with nature, and to challenge myself as a solo traveler. October is proving to be a great time to visit Iceland, with fewer tourists and the promise of the Northern Lights.

Tomorrow, I plan to visit Jökulsárlón and Diamond Beach, two iconic destinations that I'm incredibly excited to see. I've heard that the icebergs against the autumn colors create great photo opportunities, despite the variable weather. Maybe I'll even treat myself to a drink at the Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon bar after a long day of exploring!

For now, though, it's time to snuggle into my sleeping bag and drift off to the sound of the Icelandic wind. Goodnight from Vatnajokull National Park!

I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings.

Day 1 Expenses

• Bus from Reykjavik to Vatnajokull National Park: 8,000 ISK
• Cafe Vatnajökull (coffee and pastry): 2,500 ISK
• Lunch at Saatvik Restaurant: 4,000 ISK
• Dinner at Hali Country Hotel & Restaurant: 7,000 ISK
• Postcards from Skaftafellsstofa: 1,000 ISK

The total expenses for day 1 was 22,500 ISK, which is approximately 155 EUR. Not too bad, considering the incredible experiences I had today. I am trying to keep costs down by camping, but food is proving to be quite expensive. I might need to adjust my budget slightly, but I think it's worth it for the quality of the food and the overall experience.

Camping in Skaftafell

Camping in Skaftafell was a unique experience. The campsite is well-maintained and offers basic facilities, including restrooms and showers. There are designated spots for tents, as well as areas for motorhomes and caravans. Since it's October, the campsite was relatively empty, which meant I had plenty of space to myself. The only downside was the cold. Even with my warm sleeping bag, the temperature dipped quite low during the night. I definitely needed all my layers to stay warm! Despite the cold, waking up to the stunning views of the surrounding mountains made it all worthwhile. I would highly recommend camping in Skaftafell for anyone looking to immerse themselves in nature and save on accommodation costs.

What to Pack for October in Vatnajokull National Park

Based on my experiences today, here's what I recommend packing for a trip to Vatnajokull National Park in October:

• Warm layers: Thermal underwear, fleece jacket, insulated pants
• Waterproof outer layers: Rain jacket, waterproof pants
• Warm hat, gloves, and scarf
• Sturdy hiking boots
• Thick socks
• Reusable water bottle
• Portable phone charger
• Camera to capture the stunning scenery

I would also suggest bringing a headlamp or flashlight, as the days are getting shorter in October. And don't forget sunscreen, even though it's not summer. The sun can still be strong, especially when reflected off the glaciers. I also forgot sunscreen, which is not ideal. I will need to buy some tomorrow at Jökulsárlón.

Local Insights and Tips

Here are some local insights and tips I gathered during my first day in Vatnajokull National Park:

• The Skaftafell Visitor Center is a great place to start your visit. The rangers are very knowledgeable and can provide valuable information about hiking trails, weather conditions, and local attractions.
• The hike to Svartifoss is a must-do. The waterfall is stunning, and the trail offers beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.
• If you're a vegetarian or vegan, Saatvik Restaurant is a great option for lunch. They offer a variety of delicious and authentic vegetarian and vegan dishes.
• Hali Country Hotel & Restaurant is a great place to have dinner. The restaurant features local produce and traditional Icelandic cuisine.
• Camping in Skaftafell is a great way to save on accommodation costs and immerse yourself in nature.