Vatnajökull National Park Travel Guide - Free Web & App

Your ultimate guide to Vatnajökull National Park. Discover top landmarks, proposed trips, and local tips. Free on the web or via the Evendo companion app.

Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play Download the Free PDF guide
Vatnajökull National Park
Vatnajökull National Park photo 2
Vatnajökull National Park photo 3
All photos

Vatnajökull National Park in Iceland spans glaciers, volcanoes, canyons and waterfalls, with hiking, wildlife and geological wonders to explore.

Glaciers and Volcanic Landscapes

Vatnajökull National Park covers a vast and varied area of south, central and north-east Iceland, centred on Vatnajökull, the country's great ice cap. Established in 2008 and expanded in stages, the park encompasses glacial valleys, black-sand outwash plains, volcanic mountains, gravel deserts, powerful rivers and deep canyons. Its landscape is shaped by the meeting of fire and ice: volcanic systems lie beneath or near the ice cap, while meltwater has carved river gorges and carried sediment towards the coast.
Read more about Vatnajökull National Park

Distinctive Areas to Explore

The park is not a single compact attraction but a collection of contrasting regions. Skaftafell in the south is the best-known walking area, with routes to Svartifoss, the Skaftafellsjökull glacier tongue and viewpoints over glacial valleys. Near the south-eastern coast, Jökulsárlón lies outside the park boundary but is closely associated with visits to the region, while neighbouring Breiðamerkursandur provides views of icebergs and seals. In the north, Jökulsárgljúfur includes the dramatic Ásbyrgi horseshoe-shaped canyon, the Dettifoss waterfall and the Hólmatungur area. More remote interiors include Askja and the volcanic landscapes around Kverkfjöll, reached only under suitable conditions and often with specialist preparation.

Nature, Heritage and Adventure

The park protects habitats ranging from birch woodland and wetlands to highland deserts and glacial environments. Reindeer occur in the eastern part of Iceland, while Arctic foxes, Ptarmigan and many other bird species inhabit the wider park landscape. Hiking, glacier interpretation, birdwatching, photography and guided highland excursions are central experiences, but conditions can change rapidly and some areas require robust vehicles, local knowledge or organised access. Gateway settlements such as Kirkjubæjarklaustur, Höfn, Egilsstaðir and Reykjahlíð help visitors approach different sectors, although facilities inside the park remain limited.

When is the best time to visit Vatnajökull National Park?

Best: June–August · 13–15°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January150
February140
March245
April440
May935
June (best)1330
July (best)1530
August (best)1435
September1140
October745
November450
December350

Getting to and around Vatnajökull National Park

How to get there

Vatnajökull National Park is reached through several regional gateways rather than through one entrance. Route 1 follows the south coast past approaches to Skaftafell and the park's south-eastern landscapes, with Kirkjubæjarklaustur and Höfn serving as useful bases. The north-eastern sector is approached from Egilsstaðir, Mývatn and Reykjahlíð, depending on the area being visited. Domestic flights serve regional airports including Höfn, Egilsstaðir and Akureyri, but road connections and organised excursions are usually more practical for exploring the park. Interior destinations such as Askja require careful planning and suitable access conditions, and are not reached by ordinary coastal-road transport.

Transportation

A car is the most flexible way to connect the park's widely separated sectors, although visitors should distinguish between paved Route 1 and rougher mountain roads that may be closed or unsuitable outside the appropriate season. Public buses connect some towns around Iceland but do not provide comprehensive transport between individual trails and remote park areas. Walking is concentrated around established sites such as Skaftafell and Ásbyrgi, while highland travel often involves a guided excursion or a properly equipped four-wheel-drive vehicle. Do not leave marked roads or attempt river crossings without checking official conditions and understanding local access rules.

Best attractions in Vatnajökull National Park

Skaftafell is the park's most accessible walking hub, with trails leading through birch woodland and glacial valleys towards Svartifoss and viewpoints over Skaftafellsjökull. In the north-east, Jökulsárgljúfur follows a powerful river canyon whose principal sights include Dettifoss, one of Europe's great waterfalls, and the sheltered horseshoe of Ásbyrgi. Hólmatungur adds contrasting vegetation, springs and river scenery. The central and north-eastern highlands offer more remote attractions, including the volcanic caldera landscapes of Askja and the glacier-and-volcano environment around Kverkfjöll, reached only when roads and conditions permit. Along the southern approach, visitors can see outlet glaciers and broad black outwash plains, while nearby Jökulsárlón and Diamond Beach lie outside the park but form part of the wider regional itinerary. The park's appeal lies in these sharp changes between woodland, ice, canyon, lava and highland desert rather than in one single viewpoint.

Show more attractions

Best landmarks in Vatnajökull National Park

Vatnajökull itself is the defining landmark, a vast ice cap whose outlet glaciers descend into valleys and whose hidden volcanic systems illustrate Iceland's relationship between ice and fire. At Skaftafell, Svartifoss is recognised for the dark basalt columns framing its waterfall, while the surrounding mountains and glacial tongues form a distinctive southern panorama. In Jökulsárgljúfur, Dettifoss marks the force of the Jökulsá á Fjöllum river, and Ásbyrgi forms a broad, wooded canyon with a striking horseshoe shape. Askja represents the park's remote volcanic interior, where caldera landscapes dominate the highlands. These features are primarily natural landmarks rather than architectural monuments, and their appearance and accessibility can change with weather, erosion, volcanic activity and seasonal road conditions.

Show more landmarks

Explore Vatnajökull National Park on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top attractions, landmarks, restaurants and hotels are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Vatnajökull National Park

Dining within Vatnajökull National Park is limited, so most visitors eat in gateway towns or arrange food before entering remote areas. Kirkjubæjarklaustur and Höfn provide the broadest choice on the southern side, while Egilsstaðir, Reykjahlíð and settlements around Lake Mývatn serve travellers approaching the northern and eastern sectors. Icelandic menus commonly draw on lamb, dairy, rye bread, potatoes, fish and seafood, with Höfn particularly associated with lobster from the south-eastern coast. Rural cafés, hotel restaurants, service-station diners and locally produced provisions are more relevant here than a concentrated restaurant scene. Picnic food is useful for long drives and hikes, but visitors should follow local guidance on where eating is appropriate and take all waste away from natural areas.

Show more restaurants

Best bars in Vatnajökull National Park

Vatnajökull National Park has no nightlife district and very little evening entertainment inside its boundaries. Evenings are generally spent at accommodation in nearby settlements, where hotel lounges, village pubs and casual bars may provide a quiet place for a drink or meal rather than late-night clubs. Höfn, Kirkjubæjarklaustur, Egilsstaðir and the Mývatn area offer the most practical options, although the character and availability of venues vary by season and day. In remote sectors such as Askja or Jökulsárgljúfur, there may be no evening services at all, and darkness, weather and long driving distances make wilderness travel more important than nightlife. Seasonal community events can add local colour, but should not be assumed to operate on every visit.

Show more bars

Best nightclubs in Vatnajökull National Park

Vatnajökull National Park has no nightlife district and very little evening entertainment inside its boundaries. Evenings are generally spent at accommodation in nearby settlements, where hotel lounges, village pubs and casual bars may provide a quiet place for a drink or meal rather than late-night clubs. Höfn, Kirkjubæjarklaustur, Egilsstaðir and the Mývatn area offer the most practical options, although the character and availability of venues vary by season and day. In remote sectors such as Askja or Jökulsárgljúfur, there may be no evening services at all, and darkness, weather and long driving distances make wilderness travel more important than nightlife. Seasonal community events can add local colour, but should not be assumed to operate on every visit.

Show more nightclubs

Best shops in Vatnajökull National Park

Shopping inside Vatnajökull National Park is minimal, with no extensive retail centre or continuous commercial district. Visitors usually buy food, fuel, outdoor supplies and souvenirs in gateway settlements such as Höfn, Kirkjubæjarklaustur, Egilsstaðir or the communities around Mývatn. Regional products may include Icelandic wool garments, knitted goods, locally made crafts, preserves, chocolate and food produced from lamb, dairy or seafood. Höfn is a useful place to look for south-eastern food specialities, while larger eastern and northern settlements provide broader everyday provision. Small shops and service businesses may have limited opening patterns, particularly outside the main season, so supplies for remote journeys should be obtained before departure rather than expected at a park trailhead.

Show more shops

Get your free copy of our complete guide to Vatnajökull National Park, delivered straight to you.

Everything on this page, from attractions and restaurants to essentials and local phrases, in one PDF you can read offline, print or share.

Already have an account? Sign in

By clicking Create account, you accept the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Vatnajökull National Park essentials

Currency and Payment
Iceland uses the Icelandic króna (ISK). Cards and contactless payments are widely used in Iceland, including in many rural businesses, but acceptance and connectivity should not be assumed at every remote stop. Cash machines and a broader choice of services are more likely in gateway settlements such as Höfn, Kirkjubæjarklaustur, Egilsstaðir and Reykjahlíð than inside the park. Carry a practical backup payment method and obtain supplies before heading into remote areas, where there may be no shop, fuel station or reliable mobile signal.
Safety
Conditions can change quickly around glaciers, volcanic terrain and highland roads. Cold, wind, fog, rain and poor visibility may develop even in summer, while trails can be uneven, wet or exposed. Keep away from glacier fronts, crevasses, unstable ice, fast-flowing water and river margins, and follow all local warnings. In the interior, distances are large and mobile coverage may be limited; travelling alone or without suitable navigation and vehicle preparation can create serious difficulties. Check road and weather information before setting out, and use an experienced guide for activities requiring specialist equipment or knowledge.
Emergency Situations
For police, fire or medical emergencies in Iceland, call 112. Give the operator the most precise location possible, including a trail, road number, landmark, vehicle position or GPS coordinates, and describe the situation clearly. In remote parts of the park, response times can be affected by distance, weather and terrain, so do not rely solely on a mobile phone or assume that a signal will be available. Inform a responsible person of your plans before entering the highlands, and contact 112 promptly if conditions become life-threatening.
Do's and Don'ts
Stay on marked paths where they exist, close gates, keep away from farm animals and leave plants, rocks and natural features undisturbed. Do not drive off authorised roads, cross rivers casually, or approach glacier fronts and nesting birds too closely. Take all rubbish with you and use toilets where provided, as fragile soils and vegetation recover slowly in Iceland's climate. Respect warning signs, temporary closures and the quiet character of rural communities. Wild camping, fishing, fires and other activities may be subject to specific rules, so check the relevant local requirements before proceeding.
Local Tips
Skaftafell is a practical first choice for visitors seeking established walking routes, whereas Ásbyrgi and Dettifoss suit travellers exploring the north-eastern sector. Base yourself in different towns if you want to combine southern and northern areas rather than attempting the entire park from one location. Early or late in the day can offer quieter conditions at popular viewpoints, but daylight, weather and access matter more than a fixed visiting hour. Download maps and essential information before entering remote areas, and allow generous margins for slow roads, stops and changing plans.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloHalló[hah-loh]
GoodbyeBless[bless]
YesJá[yah]
NoNei[nay]
Please/You're welcomeGjörðu svo vel[gyor-thu s-voh vel]
Thank youTakk[tahk]
Excuse me/SorryAfsakið[ahf-sah-kith]
How are you?Hvað segir þú?[kvath seh-yeer thoo]
Fine. And you?Í lagi. En þú?[ee lah-ye. en thoo]
Do you speak English?Talar þú ensku?[tah-lahr thoo ehns-koo]
I don't understandÉg skil ekki[yeh skil ehk-kee]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseÉg vil sjá matseðilinn, takk[yeh vil syah maht-se-thil-inn, tahk]
I don't eat meatÉg borða ekki kjöt[yeh bor-tha ehk-kee k-yot]
Cheers!Skál![skowl]
I would like to pay, pleaseÉg vil greiða, takk[yeh vil gray-tha, tahk]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Hjálp![hyowlp]
Go away!Farðu í burtu![far-thoo ee bur-too]
Call the Police!Hringdu í lögregluna![hring-thoo ee ler-ehg-loo-nah]
Call a doctor!Hringdu í lækninn![hring-thoo ee lehk-nin]
I'm lostÉg er týndur[yeh air teenth-ur]
I'm illÉg er veikur[yeh air vay-kur]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Ég vil kaupa...[yeh vil koy-pa]
I'm just lookingÉg er bara að skoða[yeh air bah-rah ath skoh-tha]
How much is it?Hvað kostar það?[kvath koh-star thah]
That's too expensiveÞað er of dýrt[thahd air ohv deert]
Can you lower the price?Getur þú lækkar verðið?[geh-tur thoo lah-kar vehr-thith]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Hvað er klukkan?[kvath air kloo-kahn]
It's one o'clockKlukkan er eitt[kloo-kahn air ayt]
Half past (10)Hálf tíu[howlf tee-oo]
MorningMorgunn[mor-gun]
AfternoonSíðdegis[seeth-theh-yeesh]
EveningKvöld[kvuhlt]
YesterdayÍ gær[ee g-yir]
TodayÍ dag[ee dahg]
TomorrowÁ morgun[ow mor-gun]
1Eitt[ayt]
2Tveir[tvay-r]
3Þrír[threer]
4Fjórir[f-yoh-reer]
5Fimm[feem]
6Sex[sehx]
7Sjö[syoh]
8Átta[ow-thuh]
9Níu[nee-oo]
10Tíu[tee-oo]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Hvar er...[kvar air]
What's the address?Hvað er heimilisfangið?[kvath air hay-mi-lis-fahn-gith]
Can you show me (on the map)?Getur þú sýnt mér (á kortinu)?[geh-tur thoo seent m-ehr (ow kohr-tin-oo)]
When's the next (bus)?Hvenær kemur næsti (strætisvagn)?[khveh-ni-ar keh-mur nah-sti (strath-is-vahn)]
A ticket (to ....)Einn miði (til ...)[ayth mi-thee (teel)]

History of Vatnajökull National Park

Ice and Volcanic Formation

Vatnajökull and the surrounding landscapes reflect a long interaction between volcanic activity, glaciation and erosion. Ice has repeatedly advanced and retreated across valleys and plains, while volcanic systems beneath and around the ice cap have produced mountains, lava fields and ash-rich surfaces. Meltwater rivers have cut major gorges, including Jökulsárgljúfur, and transported sediment towards the south coast. These geological processes remain active, making the park a place where changing landforms can be observed rather than simply studied as a completed historical record.

Settlement and Difficult Living

Human settlement developed mainly along Iceland's more sheltered coasts and valleys rather than on the high ice cap or barren interior. Farming communities in south and east Iceland lived with glacial rivers, volcanic soils, harsh winters and periodic floods. Travel across the interior was difficult, but historic routes connected districts and supported seasonal movement, trading journeys and travel between farms. The relationship between settlement and the natural environment remains visible in the cultivated lowlands, pastoral landscapes and place names around the park's margins.

Volcanoes, Floods and Local Memory

Volcanic eruptions and glacial outburst floods have repeatedly altered the region. The 1783–1784 Skaftáreldar eruption in the Lakagígar area, west of the present park, caused widespread environmental and social disruption in Iceland. Subglacial eruptions beneath Vatnajökull have also generated jökulhlaups, or sudden glacial floods, capable of reshaping river channels and damaging roads and bridges. These events are part of the living history of communities around the park and help explain both the stark appearance of the landscape and the caution required when travelling near active volcanic and glacial systems.

Tourism and Scientific Exploration

As roads and vehicles improved during the twentieth century, the landscapes around Skaftafell, the south-eastern glacier lagoons and north Iceland became increasingly accessible to visitors. Scientific interest also grew through research into glaciers, volcanism, hydrology and climate change. Skaftafell was protected as a national park in 1967, creating an important framework for conserving its glaciers, woodland, waterfalls and mountain valleys. The area later became part of the larger Vatnajökull National Park, linking several previously separate natural and cultural landscapes.

National Park and World Heritage Status

Vatnajökull National Park was established in 2008 and now includes the glacier and extensive surrounding landscapes. Its importance lies not only in the scale of Vatnajökull but in the continuing interaction between ice, volcanoes, rivers and ecological succession. In 2019, Vatnajökull National Park was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List for its major natural values. Conservation, research and carefully managed tourism are now central to the area's identity, particularly as climate change affects glaciers, access conditions and water systems.

Vatnajökull National Park in Photos

Browse through our photo collection highlighting the charm and character of the destination.

0 / 0

Cities in Vatnajökull National Park

The towns and cities of Vatnajökull National Park, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Neighbouring destination travel guides

The closest destinations to Vatnajökull National Park, if you have time for more than one.

Explore more

Highlands
More of the region

Explore more of Highlands

Explore the untamed beauty of Iceland's Highlands, where volcanic landscapes, colorful mountains, and hidden hot springs await adventurous travelers.

Explore Highlands
Iceland
More of the country

Explore more of Iceland

Discover Iceland, where glaciers meet volcanoes, Northern Lights dance in the skies, and natural wonders await at every turn.

Explore Iceland
The Evendo app on two phones

Evendo: The Ultimate Travel Guide to Vatnajökull National Park

Discover Vatnajökull National Park with Evendo - a 100% free app-based travel guide covering attractions, landmarks, restaurants, tours, and more.

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities
  • Rich set of information including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details
  • Easy booking of hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences directly within the app
Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play
More about the Evendo app

Explore Vatnajökull National Park like never before with Evendo. This free travel guide app offers detailed insights into attractions, landmarks, dining, and local experiences, making your trip unforgettable.

  • History and travel essentials for visiting Vatnajökull National Park
  • Curated local tips to experience the park like a local
  • User-friendly navigation and 'Near Me' feature to discover nearby attractions
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases or additional costs
  • Global coverage with information on over 7,000 destinations worldwide

Planning a trip to Vatnajökull National Park? Evendo is your ultimate companion, offering detailed information on the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities. Imagine exploring the mesmerizing Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, hiking through the stunning Skaftafell Nature Reserve, or discovering the hidden gems of Svartifoss Waterfall—all with comprehensive guides and local tips at your fingertips.

Evendo doesn't just stop at sightseeing. The app provides valuable local advice to ensure you make the most out of your visit. Easily navigate through the park with our user-friendly maps, contact details, and the 'Near Me' feature that shows you what's around, no matter where you are. Whether you're interested in dining at the renowned Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon restaurant or booking an adventurous ice cave tour, Evendo has got you covered.

With Evendo, there's no need to search for what to see, do, or experience and then figure out how to get there. The app allows you to book hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences directly, making your trip planning hassle-free. And the best part? It's entirely free with no in-app purchases or additional costs—ever. Plus, Evendo covers over 7,000 other destinations worldwide, so once you have it, you literally have the world in your pocket.

Get the latest from Evendo

Hand-picked travel deals, new destination guides and trip ideas, straight to your inbox.