Vatnajokull National Park
Europe's largest national park wraps Iceland's biggest ice cap, ice caves and the country's highest peak.
Vatnajokull glacier tongue and icefall
What to expect at Vatnajokull National Park
Vatnajokull covers roughly 14% of Iceland and the surrounding national park sprawls across black-sand deserts, active volcanoes hidden under ice, and the fjord-cut southeast coast. It is the country's flagship wilderness and the launch pad for the famous blue ice caves that form each winter beneath the glacier. The park has two main hubs: Skaftafell in the south for hikes and icefalls, and Jokulsargljufur in the north for the canyon country around Dettifoss.
Base yourself in Hofn or Kirkjubaejarklaustur along the Ring Road and dedicate a full day to Skaftafell — the Svartifoss hike, a glacier walk on Falljokull and the drive to Jokulsarlon all fit in one long summer day. Ice cave season runs November to March and every tour departs from the Jokulsarlon car park; book the small-group operators at least a week ahead. Weather changes fast, so check safetravel.is before you set out.
Questions about Vatnajokull National Park
The park is free. Skaftafell parking is $10 per day. Glacier walks run $95-130 and ice cave tours $180-260.
The whole park is free of charge, all year, at all hours. Only parking and guided activities are paid.
A full day for Skaftafell (Svartifoss + a glacier tour). Add another day if you also want Jokulsarlon and the ice cave.
Never closes. The Skaftafell visitor centre shuts 24-25 December; some F-roads into the highland section are closed October to June.
Yes for any glacier walk or ice cave (7-14 days ahead in winter). Hiking Svartifoss needs no booking.
Skaftafell visitor centre car park sits directly off Ring Road 1 at km 327 from Reykjavik. Straeto bus 51 stops here on request.
Hotels near Vatnajokull National Park
More natural parks
All natural parks
From the journal
All posts
Hotels
Hotels with hot tubs in Iceland
Ten Icelandic stays where a geothermal soak is part of the room rate, ranked by heat, view and how quickly you can get from bed to bubbles in under 60 seconds.
Hotels
Best Ring Road hotels in Iceland, ranked
A ranked list of 9 hotels spaced roughly every 200km around Route 1, so you can drive the loop in 7 days without a single 3-hour dinner detour.
Hotels
Family-friendly hotels in Iceland
Eight Icelandic hotels that actually welcome kids under 10, with pools, family rooms and food served before 6pm — tested with a 4- and 7-year-old in tow.