Family Adventure in Skaftafell National Park

Skaftafell's Embrace: A Day of Glaciers and Grub

Today was a day of immersion in the raw beauty and surprising culinary experiences that Skaftafell National Park has to offer. From the awe-inspiring glaciers to the unexpectedly delightful meals, it was a day that reinforced why we chose Iceland for our family adventure.

Our morning began bright and early at Saatvik Restaurant (Kaffiterían Skaftafelli) for breakfast. I'll admit, the name didn't exactly inspire confidence – a cafeteria in a national park? But we were pleasantly surprised. The kids were happy with their pastries, and Ana and I enjoyed some hearty Icelandic Skyr with fresh berries. It was a simple but satisfying start to a day that promised much more.


Discover delicious local cuisine at Saatvik Restaurant while exploring the breathtaking Skaftafell area in Iceland.
With bellies full, we set off to explore Vatnajökull National Park. The sheer scale of the place is humbling. As a software engineer, I'm used to dealing with vast systems and intricate networks, but nothing I've ever encountered in the digital world compares to the majesty of nature's architecture here. The park itself is part of the largest national park in Europe, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so you know you are in for something special. We opted for the Skaftafellsjökull gönguleið, a trail leading closer to one of the glacier tongues. Luka was particularly excited, peppering us with questions about how glaciers are formed and how old the ice was. I tried my best to explain, drawing parallels to the data storage systems I work with back in Zurich – much to Ana's amusement.


Discover the breathtaking landscapes of Vatnajökull National Park, featuring Europe's largest glacier, stunning waterfalls, and diverse wildlife.

Explore the enchanting trails of Skaftafellsjökull, a stunning glacier in Vatnajökull National Park, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.
The hike itself was relatively easy, perfect for a family with an eight-year-old. The views were simply stunning. The glacier loomed in the distance, a shimmering river of ice carving its way through the landscape. We took countless photos, trying to capture the immensity of it all, knowing full well that no image could truly do it justice. Even though I had forgotten my sunglasses, the views were still incredible. I really need to remember my Trip Essentials!

The earth has music for those who listen.

After our glacial hike, we drove to Höfn for lunch at Pakkhús Restaurant. This place came highly recommended, and for good reason. Nestled in an old warehouse overlooking the harbor, it had a cozy, rustic atmosphere. We were lucky to get a table, as it was quite busy. Apparently, they don't take reservations but work on a first-come, first-served basis, but it was well worth the wait. Ana, ever the architect, was fascinated by the building's history, pointing out the original stamps on the walls that marked the start of Pakkhús's history. The service was excellent, and the staff were incredibly attentive.


Experience exquisite Icelandic cuisine at Pakkhús Restaurant in Höfn - where fresh seafood meets stunning coastal views.
Höfn is known as the lobster capital of Iceland, so we had to try the langoustine. Luka, surprisingly, was a big fan, devouring his portion with gusto. Ana and I shared a seafood platter, sampling a variety of local delicacies. Everything was incredibly fresh and flavorful. It was a welcome change from the sometimes-predictable fare we find on our travels. It was rated as the number one restaurant on TripAdvisor and has excellent reviews, so if you only have time for one meal in Höfn – make sure it's at Pakkhús!

In the late afternoon, after our hike, we stopped at Veitingasala Restaurant, Shop, And Gas for dinner. I know, it sounds like an odd choice, but we were looking for something quick and easy before heading back to our campsite. And honestly, it was better than expected. It’s basically a roadside stop that has a restaurant and convenience store. The staff were friendly, and the food was hearty and filling. Luka enjoyed a burger, while Ana and I opted for some traditional Icelandic lamb soup. It was the perfect fuel for the drive back.


Experience authentic Icelandic cuisine at Veitingasala Restaurant in Svínafell – where local flavors meet stunning landscapes.
As the day wound down, we decided to treat ourselves to a drink at Klaustur Restaurant & Bar in Kirkjubæjarklaustur. We found ourselves staying at the Hotel Icelandair due to lack of rooms in guest houses nearby. The atmosphere was relaxing and inviting, especially the bar and dining room. The ambience was very bright, white, clean, and romantic. I sampled a local IPA, while Ana sipped on a glass of wine. Luka, of course, had a soda. We chatted about the day's adventures, marveling at the incredible landscapes we had witnessed and the delicious food we had consumed. It was a perfect way to end a perfect day.


Discover Icelandic cuisine at Klaustur Restaurant & Bar, where local flavors meet inspired cocktails in a stunning setting.
Tomorrow marks the last day of our family adventure in Skaftafell National Park. It’s hard to believe how quickly the time has flown. We plan to visit Systrafoss and explore Arctic Adventures - Glacier Guides. We’ll have breakfast at Glacier Goodies and dinner at Fjallsárlón Frost Restaurant. And, before we head to Reykjavik, we’ll stop by UNA Local Product / Sveitabúðin Una to pick up some souvenirs.

As I sit here in our tent, the sounds of the Icelandic wilderness lulling me to sleep, I can't help but feel grateful for this experience. Skaftafell has exceeded all our expectations, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and unexpected culinary delights. It's a place that will stay with us long after we've returned to our busy lives in Zurich. It reminds me of a quote from one of my favorite photographers, Ansel Adams:

You don't take a photograph, you make it.

And that's exactly what we've done here in Skaftafell. We've made memories that will last a lifetime.