Explore the Majestic Vatnajökull Glacier
Discover Vatnajökull Glacier, Europe's largest glacier, where breathtaking landscapes and adventurous activities await in Iceland's stunning wilderness.
Vatnajökull, the largest glacier in Europe, offers breathtaking views and exhilarating activities for adventurous tourists. With its stunning ice formations, unique landscapes, and opportunities for glacier hiking, it's a must-visit destination in Iceland.
A brief summary to Vatnajokull
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Local tips
- Dress in layers to prepare for the ever-changing weather conditions.
- Consider booking a guided tour to explore the glacier safely and learn about its geology.
- Visit during the winter months for a chance to explore stunning ice caves.
- Bring a camera to capture the breathtaking views and unique ice formations.
- Stay hydrated and have snacks on hand, especially during longer hikes.
Getting There
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Car
From any location in Northeastern Region, take Route 1 (the Ring Road) heading south. Continue on Route 1 for approximately 180 kilometers until you reach the town of Höfn. From Höfn, follow the signs to Vatnajökull National Park. The main access point to Vatnajökull is at the Skaftafell Visitor Center, which is about 60 kilometers west of Höfn. Take Route 998 from Höfn to reach the park entrance. Parking fees may apply at the visitor center, ranging from 800 ISK for a car.
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Public Transportation
Start your journey at Akureyri or Egilsstaðir. Take a bus operated by Strætó to the town of Höfn. Buses are available several times a day, and the journey from Akureyri to Höfn takes around 5 hours. Upon arrival in Höfn, you can either rent a car to reach Vatnajökull National Park or check for local tour operators that offer guided trips to the glacier. The tour operators may include transportation costs in their packages, which can vary widely.
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Guided Tour
If you prefer a hassle-free experience, consider booking a guided tour that departs from Höfn. These tours typically include transportation to Vatnajökull, guided hikes on the glacier, and all necessary gear. Prices for such tours can range from 12,000 ISK to 20,000 ISK per person, depending on the length and type of the tour.
Discover more about Vatnajokull
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Kverkfjöll
25.7 km
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Kverkfjöll, where Iceland's volcanoes and glaciers create a stunning natural paradise for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike.
Morsaldalur
40.6 km
Explore the stunning landscapes and serene beauty of Morsaldalur Ravine, a hidden gem in Iceland perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Skaftafellsheidhi
43.8 km
Explore the serene shrubbery and stunning landscapes of Skaftafellsheidhi, a hidden gem in Iceland perfect for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Svinafellsjokull
44.9 km
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Svinafellsjokull Glacier, a must-see destination in Iceland's stunning Vatnajökull National Park.
Saatvik Restaurant (Kaffiterían Skaftafelli)
45.9 km
Discover Saatvik Restaurant in Skaftafell: your go-to spot for delicious meals and refreshments amidst Iceland's breathtaking landscapes.
Glacier Goodies
45.9 km
Experience the perfect blend of convenience and taste at Glacier Goodies, a fast food haven in the heart of Iceland's stunning Skaftafell region.
Icelandic Mountain Guides by Icelandia - Skaftafell Base Camp
45.9 km
Discover the breathtaking glaciers and stunning landscapes of Skaftafell with expert guidance from Icelandic Mountain Guides.
Arctic Adventures - Glacier Guides
45.9 km
Discover Iceland's stunning glaciers with Arctic Adventures - Glacier Guides, offering unforgettable tours in Skaftafell National Park.
Arctic Adventures (Skaftafell Base Camp)
45.9 km
Discover the stunning glaciers and breathtaking landscapes of Iceland at Arctic Adventures - Skaftafell Base Camp, your gateway to unforgettable glacier adventures.
Skaftafell tjaldsvæði
46.0 km
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Skaftafell Campground in Iceland, a perfect escape for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
Skaftafell & Svartifoss Parking
46.1 km
Discover the breathtaking landscapes of Iceland at Skaftafell & Svartifoss Parking, your gateway to iconic hikes and stunning natural wonders.
Unmissable attractions to see
Morsárfoss
34.9 km
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Morsárfoss, an iconic waterfall in Iceland, surrounded by majestic glaciers and mountains.
Kverkfjöll Ice Cave
35.1 km
Explore the breathtaking Kverkfjöll Ice Cave in Iceland, where stunning ice formations and unique geological wonders create a natural masterpiece.
Breiðamerkurjökull
35.3 km
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Breiðamerkurjökull Glacier, a stunning outlet of Vatnajökull, where adventure meets serene ice landscapes.
Nacional Skaftafell
35.4 km
Explore the breathtaking landscapes of Nacional Skaftafell, a stunning park in Iceland perfect for hiking, photography, and experiencing nature's wonders.
Skaftafellsjökull
39.8 km
Explore the breathtaking Skaftafellsjökull Glacier, a stunning natural wonder in Iceland's Vatnajökull National Park that promises adventure and unforgettable views.
Skaftafell
40.1 km
Explore the breathtaking landscapes and stunning waterfalls at Skaftafell, a nature lover's paradise within Vatnajökull National Park.
Grænalón
40.5 km
Explore the serene beauty and captivating landscapes of Grænallón, a must-visit tourist attraction in the heart of Iceland.
Blue Ice Cave
42.3 km
Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Blue Ice Cave in Iceland, a stunning natural wonder inviting adventure and exploration.
Skaftafell Glacier
44.4 km
Discover the stunning beauty of Skaftafell Glacier, a nature preserve in Iceland where ice meets volcanic landscapes, offering breathtaking views and outdoor adventures.
Svartifoss Trail
44.8 km
Explore the stunning Svartifoss Trail in Skaftafell National Park, featuring breathtaking landscapes and the magnificent Svartifoss waterfall.
Svartifoss
44.8 km
Explore Svartifoss, the stunning Black Waterfall in Iceland's Vatnajökull National Park, known for its majestic basalt columns and breathtaking scenery.
Vatnajökull National Park
45.0 km
Explore the wonders of Vatnajökull National Park, Iceland's breathtaking wilderness with glaciers, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife.
Skaftafellsjökull gönguleið
45.0 km
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Skaftafellsjökull, where stunning glaciers meet cascading waterfalls in Iceland's natural wonderland.
Sel
45.4 km
Explore the captivating historical landmark of Sel, surrounded by Iceland's stunning natural beauty and rich cultural stories.
Skeidhararjokull
45.4 km
Explore the breathtaking beauty of Skeidhararjokull Glacier in Iceland, a must-see destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
Essential places to dine
Þórbergssetur - Cultural Center & Restaurant
49.5 km
Explore Þórbergssetur: A unique blend of Icelandic culture and cuisine nestled in breathtaking Suðursveit.
Hali Country Hotel & Restaurant
49.5 km
Discover comfort and authentic cuisine at Hali Country Hotel & Restaurant, your perfect base for exploring the breathtaking landscapes of Höfn, Iceland.
Fjallsárlón Frost Restaurant
49.5 km
Experience authentic Icelandic cuisine with breathtaking glacier views at Fjallsárlón Frost Restaurant.
Nailed It Fish and Chips
51.0 km
Savor the best fish and chips in Iceland at Nailed It Fish and Chips near Jökulsárlón - where fresh seafood meets stunning landscapes.
Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon
58.7 km
Discover tranquility at Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon - your gateway to Iceland's stunning glaciers and breathtaking landscapes.
Jon Riki
64.7 km
Experience authentic Icelandic cuisine at Jon Riki in Höfn - where fresh local ingredients meet cozy ambiance.
Hotel Restaurant Vatnajökull
73.6 km
Experience exquisite Icelandic cuisine amidst stunning natural beauty at Hotel Restaurant Vatnajökull in Höfn.
Hotel Jökull
76.0 km
Experience comfort and stunning landscapes at Hotel Jökull - your gateway to Iceland's breathtaking fjords and glaciers.
Kaffi Hornid
78.4 km
Discover authentic Icelandic flavors at Kaffi Hornid in Höfn – where every dish tells a story amidst breathtaking landscapes.
Hafnarbuðin
78.6 km
Discover delicious Icelandic cuisine at Hafnarbuðin, where family-friendly dining meets local flavor in beautiful Höfn.
Otto Matur & Drykkur
78.7 km
Experience authentic Icelandic cuisine at Otto Matur & Drykkur in Höfn - where local flavors meet stunning coastal views.
Pakkhús Restaurant
78.7 km
Experience exquisite Icelandic cuisine with stunning coastal views at Pakkhús Restaurant in Höfn.
Ishusid Pizzeria Restaurant
78.8 km
Discover the unique blend of pizza and fresh seafood at Ishusid Pizzeria in Höfn, where local flavors meet culinary creativity.
Gígur
91.8 km
Discover authentic Icelandic flavors at Gígur, where local ingredients meet breathtaking views in Kirkjubæjarklaustur.
Restaurant Bistro Magma Hotel
92.5 km
Experience exquisite dining at Bistro Magma Hotel, where local flavors meet stunning Icelandic landscapes.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Hotel Skaftafell
48.2 km
Explore the beauty of Iceland while enjoying comfort and convenience at Hotel Skaftafell, your perfect base for adventure.
Söluskálinn í Freysnesi
48.2 km
Experience the best of Icelandic cuisine at Söluskálinn í Freysnesi, a unique gas station, restaurant, and store offering local delights.
Glacier and Volcano Expeditions
48.3 km
Discover the breathtaking landscapes of Iceland with Glacier and Volcano Expeditions, where adventure meets natural beauty in unforgettable tours.
Orkan
48.3 km
Discover Orkan in Hof, Iceland—a vital gas station and convenience store, perfect for fueling up and finding local treasures on your journey.
Veitingasala Restaurant, Shop, And Gas
48.3 km
Discover the flavors of Iceland at Veitingasala Restaurant in Svínafell, where local ingredients meet a cozy atmosphere.
The potato storage
49.2 km
Experience Icelandic hospitality at The Potato Storage, a cozy guest house in Svínafell, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and unique charm.
Tröll Expeditions Skaftafell
56.9 km
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Iceland's glaciers with Tröll Expeditions Skaftafell, your gateway to unforgettable adventures in nature.
Litla-Herad EFH
57.1 km
Discover the charm of Litla-Herad EFH, a cozy coffee shop in Fagurhólsmýri offering delicious brews and stunning Icelandic views.
Vesturhus Hostel
57.3 km
Discover the charm of Vesturhus Hostel, where comfort meets affordability in the stunning landscapes of Iceland, perfect for adventurous travelers.
Hof
57.4 km
Explore Hof for a unique selection of Icelandic crafts and souvenirs, capturing the essence of Icelandic culture in every product.
Cafe Vatnajökull
60.5 km
Discover Café Vatnajökull: an artful café near Vatnajökull National Park, serving fresh pastries and coffee in a stunning natural setting.
Lambhus Glacier View Cabins by Vatnajökull National Park
65.3 km
Discover the serene beauty of Lambhus Glacier View Cabins, your perfect retreat near Vatnajökull National Park, Iceland’s breathtaking natural wonder.
Askja
65.5 km
Discover the breathtaking scenery and geological wonders of Askja, a stunning volcano in Iceland's highlands, perfect for adventurers and nature lovers.
Glacier World Guesthouse
69.6 km
Discover the serene beauty of Iceland at Glacier World Guesthouse, your cozy bed and breakfast surrounded by majestic glaciers and breathtaking landscapes.
Dreki
69.6 km
Experience the breathtaking wilderness at Dreki Mountain Cabin, the perfect retreat for adventurers and nature lovers alike in Iceland.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Hótel Jökulsarlon - Glacier Lagoon Hotel
48.3 km
Discover the beauty of Iceland at Hótel Jökulsarlon, where luxury meets nature by the stunning Glacier Lagoon.
Guesthouse Gerði
49.8 km
Discover a cozy haven at Guesthouse Gerði, where comfort meets the breathtaking landscapes of Höfn, Iceland.
Fancy Sheep
51.0 km
Experience the unique flavors of Iceland at Fancy Sheep, a fast food restaurant nestled in the magnificent landscapes of Jökulsárlón.
Fosshótel Núpar
71.0 km
Experience the beauty of Iceland at Fosshótel Núpar, your perfect retreat surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and rich local culture.
Hafið
78.8 km
Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Hafið in Höfn, where local drinks and a friendly vibe create unforgettable nights.
Fagrifoss
93.7 km
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Fagrifoss Waterfall, a hidden gem in Iceland's stunning landscapes, perfect for nature lovers and photographers.
