Family Adventure at Vatnajokull National Park

First Day Wonders in Vatnajökull National Park

Today marked the beginning of our family's grand adventure in Vatnajökull National Park, and what a start it has been! From the moment we set foot on Icelandic soil, the raw, untamed beauty of this land captivated us. The crisp, clean air filled our lungs as we embarked on a day filled with exploration and wonder.


Cafe Vatnajökull

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

The cozy atmosphere and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee were the perfect way to kickstart our day. I opted for the coconut curry soup, while David enjoyed a sandwich. Jasmine, of course, went straight for the pastries. It's amazing how a little sugar can instantly brighten a teenager's mood! The cafe was bustling with fellow travelers, all eager to explore the park. It was a great spot to fuel up and gather some last-minute tips from the friendly staff.



After breakfast, we made our way to the Vatnajökulsþjóðgarðs Visitor Centre

Explore Vatnajökull National Park at the Vatnajökulsþjóðgarðs Visitor Centre, your gateway to Iceland's stunning natural landscapes and rich heritage.

This place is a treasure trove of information about the park's geology, hiking trails, and wildlife. We spent a good hour exploring the exhibits, learning about the formation of the glaciers and the unique ecosystem that thrives here. Jasmine was particularly fascinated by the interactive displays, while David was engrossed in the maps, plotting our course for the days ahead. I picked up a few handmade souvenirs from the shop, little reminders of our adventure to come.



With our backpacks packed and our spirits high, we set off to explore Skaftafell

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

The weather in May is quite mild, with the landscape starting to warm up. The average high temperature is around 6°C (43°F), but the sun was shining, making our hike quite pleasant. We chose one of the shorter trails, mindful of Jasmine's stamina and the fact that we were still adjusting to the time difference. The trail wound through lush green valleys, with towering mountains on either side. Waterfalls cascaded down the cliffs, their thunderous roar echoing through the landscape. It was a truly breathtaking sight.

Sometimes, the greatest adventures are the ones we embark on together, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

We paused for lunch at Saatvik Restaurant (Kaffiterían Skaftafelli)

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

This charming cafe offered a variety of options, and we were delighted to find several vegetarian choices. I opted for a hearty vegetable soup, while David enjoyed a traditional Icelandic dish. Jasmine, ever the adventurous eater, tried the vegan cheesecake and declared it delicious. The cafe had a cozy, welcoming vibe, and we enjoyed chatting with the friendly staff and fellow hikers.



After lunch, we continued our exploration of Skaftafell. We hiked to Svartifoss waterfall, a stunning cascade surrounded by basalt columns. The sight was truly mesmerizing, and we spent a good while taking photos and simply soaking in the beauty of nature. Jasmine, who is quite the budding photographer, had a field day capturing the dramatic landscape.



As the day drew to a close, we made our way to Hali Country Hotel & Restaurant

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

for dinner. The hotel is nestled in a picturesque location, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and coastline. The restaurant had a warm, inviting ambiance, and we were greeted by friendly staff. We indulged in a delicious meal of traditional Icelandic cuisine. I savored the Arctic char, while David opted for the braised lamb. Jasmine, surprisingly, chose the schnitzel, declaring it the best she'd ever had. The Hali Country Hotel is also known for waffles, ice cream and cheesecakes. The hotel had a drying room to dry our wet stuff.



During dinner, we discussed our plans for tomorrow. We are all excited to visit Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and Diamond Beach. Jasmine is especially thrilled about Diamond Beach, as she's seen so many photos of it online and can't wait to capture its beauty herself. I’m looking forward to seeing the icebergs floating in the lagoon. David is keen on capturing some time-lapse photography of the glaciers. We might even stop by the Jungle Cocktail Bar for a nightcap.



I did realize today that I had forgotten my sunglasses and portable phone charger. Rookie mistake! It's hard to keep track of everything. Luckily, there are some stores in the area to pick them up from.



As I sit here now, writing this blog post from our cozy guesthouse, I can't help but feel grateful for this incredible experience. Vatnajökull National Park has already exceeded all of our expectations, and I know that the days to come will be filled with even more adventure and unforgettable moments. I am so glad that my family and I can experience this together. It's moments like these that make life truly special. As a community outreach coordinator, I am always advocating for the preservation of our environment. It's so refreshing to see the natural beauty of Iceland being preserved so well. I can't wait to share more of our journey with you all tomorrow!



Good night from Iceland!