Family Adventure in Skaftafell, Iceland

Skaftafell's Grand Welcome

After a long journey from Heidelberg, Germany, via Frankfurt and Reykjavik, we finally arrived in Skaftafell, ready to dive into the heart of Iceland's natural wonders. The air was crisp, carrying a hint of rain, and the landscape was breathtaking, a perfect blend of lush greenery and icy glaciers. Sophie was practically buzzing with excitement, eager to start our adventure in Vatnajökull National Park. Lena and I were equally thrilled, ready to explore this stunning corner of the world with our family.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Glacier Goodies.


Experience delicious fast food at Glacier Goodies while exploring the stunning landscapes of Skaftafell National Park.

I opted for a traditional Icelandic pastry, while Lena enjoyed a strong coffee to shake off the jet lag. Sophie, of course, went straight for the pancakes. Fueled up, we were ready to explore Vatnajökull National Park.

The sheer scale of Vatnajökull is hard to put into words. As Europe’s largest glacier, it dominates the landscape, its icy fingers stretching down from the highlands. Even in May, with the beginnings of spring, there was still a chill in the air. The weather forecast predicted some sprinkles, so I was kicking myself for forgetting our raincoats. Thankfully, the Skaftafellsstofa shop came to the rescue.


Explore the breathtaking landscapes and rich geological history at Skaftafellsstofa Visitor Center in Vatnajökull National Park, Iceland.

Our first stop was Skaftafellsjökull, one of the glacier tongues of Vatnajökull.


Experience the breathtaking beauty of Skaftafellsjökull, where stunning glaciers meet cascading waterfalls in Iceland's natural wonderland.

We decided on the Glacier Trail, a well-indicated path starting near the visitor center. The first half was paved, making it easy for Sophie, and the latter half was a comfortable gravel surface. The landscapes shaped by the glacier were prominent on the route. We saw glacier gardens and kettle holes, and noted the progress of vegetation at different levels. The walk along Jökulslóð is like a living history lesson about the retreat of a glacier.

Nature is not a place to visit. It is home.

Sophie was fascinated by the glacier, asking endless questions about how it formed and how it was moving. It was a great opportunity to teach her about the power of nature and the importance of protecting our environment. I tried my best to explain it in a way a six-year-old could understand, which mostly involved comparing it to a giant, slow-moving ice cream.

After our walk around Skaftafellsjökull, we had lunch at Saatvik Restaurant (Kaffiterían Skaftafelli).


Discover delicious local cuisine at Saatvik Restaurant while exploring the breathtaking landscapes of Skaftafell National Park.

This restaurant was a welcome sight after our morning of exploring. Lena was delighted to find vegetarian options, and Sophie devoured a plate of fries. I decided to try their chicken biryani, a surprising but delicious find in the heart of Iceland.

With our bellies full, we headed to the Skaftafellsstofa Visitor Centre. This place is a treasure trove of information about the park. We learned about the various hiking trails, the local wildlife, and the geological history of the area. The rangers were incredibly helpful, providing us with maps and answering all of our questions. Sophie was particularly interested in the stuffed animals on display, especially the Arctic fox. Of course, we couldn't leave without a souvenir, so we picked up a small plush puffin for Sophie to remember our trip.

Before dinner, we stopped by the Skaftafellsstofa shop. I was hoping to find a replacement portable phone charger, since I had forgotten mine, but no luck. However, we did find some postcards to send to our friends and family back in Germany, letting them know about our adventure. The shop had a great selection of local handicrafts, and Lena bought a beautiful hand-knitted wool scarf.

For dinner, we decided to drive to Höfn to try Pakkhús Restaurant.


Experience exquisite Icelandic cuisine with stunning coastal views at Pakkhús Restaurant in Höfn.

I had read rave reviews about their langoustine, and since Höfn is known as the langoustine capital of Iceland, I knew we had to try it. The drive itself was stunning, with the sun beginning to set and casting a golden glow over the landscape.

Pakkhús did not disappoint. The restaurant is housed in an old warehouse, giving it a rustic and cozy atmosphere. We were lucky to get a table by the window, overlooking the harbor. The langoustine was indeed incredible – fresh, succulent, and perfectly cooked. Lena enjoyed the fish of the day, and Sophie, surprisingly, devoured a plate of langoustine pizza. It was the perfect end to a fantastic first day. We skipped dessert, but I made a mental note to try their Volcano dessert next time.

As we drove back to our rental cabin near Skaftafell, we reflected on our first day in Iceland. The majestic landscapes of Vatnajökull National Park had already captured our hearts. Sophie was fast asleep in the back seat, clutching her puffin toy. Lena and I exchanged tired but happy smiles. Despite the long journey and the forgotten raincoat and charger, we knew this trip would be one for the books.

Tomorrow, we are planning to hike the Svartifoss Trail and explore the Skaftafell Glacier. I am hoping the weather will be kind to us, and we can get some great photos of the waterfall and the glacier. I've also heard that the Skaftfell Bistro is worth a visit, so maybe we'll stop there for a drink in the evening. For now, it's time to rest and recharge for another day of adventure in Iceland.