Trip to Skaftafell National Park
Vatnajökull Glacier
Vatnajökull Glacier is the largest glacier in the world outside the polar regions. The glacier spans an area of 8,100 sq km and covers about 8% of the island's land area. Volcanic activity takes place beneath the thick layer of ice. On a tour on top of the glacier, you will hear the ice chunks falling, shifting, and changing nature in this wonderful natural playground. The Grímsvötn volcano, which erupted in May 2011, is located at the foot of the glacier. In its recent eruptions, it caused massive floods in the area. Measurements show that throughout history, the glacier has been shrinking. The rich volcanic activity in the area causes ice melting, but global warming also contributes its share. Relatively warm temperatures heat the region and prevent the glacier from regenerating.
The highest glacial peak in Iceland is located in the southern part of the glacier, near the glacier lagoon, and is called Hvannadalshnúkur. The peak reaches an elevation of 2,110 m.
Challenging and unique experiences for extreme enthusiasts include walking on top of the glacier. The weather on the glacier can change rapidly, so it is advisable to equip yourself with a rain jacket and rain pants. The hike is demanding, but the view never ceases to amaze. A once-in-a-lifetime experience! From afar the glacier looks like a single solid mass, but as you walk on it you discover numerous crevasses, small ice formations in stunning shapes, many ice caves, and mesmerizing blue waters.
♦ Book a glacier hiking and ice caves tour in Skaftafell Park:
Skaftafell National Park
Inside the vast glacier lies Skaftafell National Park, from which you can embark on many excursions across the glacier: snowmobiling, climbing, hiking, jeep tours, and more. Walking on the glacier is hazardous because of numerous crevasses in the ice. It is highly recommended to use experienced guides and not attempt to climb independently. The national park is located about a 45-minute drive from the glacier lagoon and spans an area of 500 sq km.
♥ Recommended Accommodation in the Skaftafell Glacier Area
Hali Country Hotel
A 3-star hotel offering a variety of room types. Located 12 km from the glacier lagoon and 70 km from Skaftafell Park, right off Ring Road 1.
There are rooms with private bathrooms as well as shared bathrooms, including a shared kitchen.
Free Wi-Fi and parking.
Hotel Skaftafell
A 3-star hotel close to Skaftafell Park.
All rooms have private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi.
Restaurant and bar on-site. Free parking.
Hof 1 Hotel
Located a 15-minute drive from Skaftafell Park, 37 km from the glacier lagoon, and right off Route 1.
Some rooms feature private bathrooms while others share facilities.
The hotel features a free spa with a hot tub, sauna, and showers.
Bar and restaurant on-site. Free Wi-Fi in public areas.
Svartifoss Waterfall
There are several hiking trails in the park near the glacier: at the foot of the glacier and close to the campsite and visitor center, there is a walking trail heading toward Svartifoss waterfall. The waterfall drops from a height of 20 meters and is striking primarily due to the dark hexagonal basalt columns behind it. These basalt columns gave the waterfall its name – "The Black Fall." The round-trip trail to the waterfall and back to the visitor center takes about an hour and a half.
