Vatnajökull National Park

Vatnajökull National Park highlights

Vatnajökull National Park: Absolute Essentials

Vatnajökull National Park encompasses over 14% of Iceland, centered around Europe's largest glacier. This collection highlights the park's diverse geological features, from the iceberg-filled Jökulsárlón lagoon and the basalt columns of Svartifoss to Dettifoss, Europe's most powerful waterfall. The region includes active volcanic systems like Askja and Laki, the horseshoe-shaped Ásbyrgi Canyon, and Hvannadalshnjúkur, Iceland’s highest peak. Visitors can explore naturally formed ice caves, black sand beaches strewn with glacial ice, and the extensive hiking trail network within the Skaftafell wilderness.

Vatnajökull National Park: Absolute Essentials — Map

Martin Peeks / CC-BY-SA-3.0

A

Jökulsárlón

Glacial lagoon known for large floating icebergs and deep waters near a major Icelandic glacier.

Zairon / CC BY-SA 3.0

B

Black Waterfall

Waterfall featuring distinctive basalt columns that resemble organ pipes, surrounded by unique geological formations.

Zairon / CC BY-SA 3.0

C

Dettifoss

A waterfall with a height of 44 meters and width of 100 meters, known for its powerful water flow and scenic natural surroundings.

sergejf / CC BY-SA 2.0

D

Diamond Beach

Black sand beach known for glacial ice chunks that wash ashore from a nearby glacier lagoon, creating a striking contrast between ice and volcanic sand.

Gustavo Vargas Coli / CC-BY-SA

E

Crystal Ice Cave

Naturally formed cave within the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier featuring translucent blue ice. Access is typically limited to winter months via guided tours.

Zairon / CC BY-SA 3.0

F

Asbyrgi Canyon

Ásbyrgi is a glacial canyon and forest in the north of Iceland, located approximately 38 kilometres east of Húsavík on the Diamond Circle…

Slimguy / CC BY-SA 2.0 de

G

Askja

Askja is an active volcano situated in a remote part of the central highlands of Iceland.

47Mhg491Vgb / CC BY-SA 2.0

H

Laki

Laki or Lakagígar is a volcanic fissure in the western part of Vatnajökull National Park, Iceland, not far from the volcanic fissure of…

Pablo Vazquez / CC-BY-SA

I

Skaftafell Visitor Centre

Information hub for the Skaftafell area providing hiking maps, exhibition displays, and details on glacier safety. Includes a gift shop and essential facilities.

Gummao / CC BY-SA 3.0

J

Hvannadalshnjúkur

Hvannadalshnjúkur or Hvannadalshnúkur Icelandic pronunciation: is a pyramidal peak on the northwestern rim of the summit crater of the…

Hansueli Krapf / CC BY-SA 3.0

K

Svartifoss

Designated vantage point offering a direct view of the Svartifoss waterfall and its surrounding hexagonal basalt column formations.

Olikristinn / CC BY-SA 3.0

L

Falljökull

A steep outlet glacier of the Vatnajökull ice cap, characterized by a dramatic icefall and rugged terrain often used for guided hiking expeditions.

M

Jökulsárlón

Main parking area located adjacent to the Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon, providing direct access to boat tour departures and shoreline viewing areas.

Other Lists

Glaciers and Ice Caves Icelandic Volcanoes Iceland's Majestic Peaks and Viewpoints Waterfalls and Lakes of Iceland Icelandic Alpine Huts