Iceland National Parks

Iceland is a country bursting with natural beauty. From the mighty cliffs and icebergs to the dramatic waterfalls, geysers and mountains - there is something for everyone in this incredible destination!

The Land of Fire and Ice is home to a number of national parks that are well worth visiting. Learn everything you need to know about visiting these protected areas in our guide!

Skaftafell

Skaftafell is a spectacular national park in the southeast of Iceland. It is home to the huge Vatnajokull glacier, and has stunning waterfalls, mountains, and volcanoes. This natural wonderland is the perfect destination for those looking to see Iceland's incredible beauty up close and personal.

It is also home to some of the country's most iconic nature reserves and flora. This area has been protected since 1967, and became a part of Vatnajokull National Park in 2008.

The landscape of Skaftafell has been slowly formed over thousands of years. The enormous forces of volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and glacial movements have created a unique and unforgettable landscape.

Many of the plant species that thrive in this area are hardly found anywhere else on the island, including glacier buttercup, mountain avens, angelica, and Arctic thyme. The landscape is home to a variety of birdlife, as well as wild mammals such as the Arctic fox and mink.

Hiking in Skaftafell is incredibly rewarding, with the area offering a number of hikes that will allow you to discover the region's most amazing sights. It's a great way to see the natural world at its very best, and it's recommended that you hire a guide for any of the hikes.

Located about 4 hours drive from Reykjavik, you'll find Skaftafell on route 1. This is a popular destination for travelers who want to experience the stunning natural beauty that Iceland has to offer.

You can access Skaftafell on your own, but it's better to book a guided tour with one of our experienced Icelandic guides. They will have a wealth of local knowledge and can take you to the best hiking trails, waterfalls, and glaciers in Skaftafell.

Visitors can reach the national park by car, but you should check road conditions before setting out. You'll need to pay an entry fee when you arrive, but this is part of the park's conservation efforts.

To ensure you have the most memorable experience possible, it's best to visit Skaftafell during the summer. The weather is generally pleasant in the park, and there are plenty of activities to keep you occupied.

Tourists consider renting a car one of the best ways to enjoy all that Iceland has to offer. Renting an economy class car in Reykjavik Airport will cost about 19 euros per day, in Reykjavik Downtown - about 21 euros per day.

Vatnajokull

Vatnajokull is a unique national park that combines natural phenomena such as glaciers, volcanoes and geothermal activity. Established in 2008, it covers 13% of Iceland and ranks among the largest national parks in Europe.

Its uniqueness is based on the reciprocity between fire and ice, which gives it an exceptional appeal to visitors. The park is located in southeastern Iceland and is known for its stunning landscapes.

There are a number of awe-striking features in the park, such as glacial lagoons and icy rivers. These features make the place a popular destination for tourists from all over the world.

Another highlight of the park is the ice caves. These caves are located on the base of Vatnajokull, a glacier that forms the park’s namesake. The caves are carved by water from the glacier and can be explored on a guided trip.

The glacial ice caves are also home to a variety of wildlife, including polar bears, Arctic foxes, and seals. They are a must-see for nature enthusiasts and adventurers alike.

You can reach these areas from Reykjavik by renting a car or campervan. The journey will take a little time, but it is well worth the drive.

Moreover, you can get to see the incredible waterfalls in the area, such as Dettifoss and Askja. There are also many other attractions in the area that are worth exploring, such as Skaftafell and Jokulsarlon.

In addition, there are a number of hiking trails in the park. Some are easy, while others involve more difficult terrain. The hikes can be a great way to experience the natural beauty of Vatnajokull and learn about the region’s history.

The landscape of Vatnajokull is very diverse, with a highland plateau and mountains on the north side. It also includes a 25 km (14 miles) long glacial canyon, Jokulsargljufur.

Some of the most popular activities in the park include hiking, fishing and camping. You can also enjoy a tour in a 4x4 Jeep.

The park is managed by the Icelandic government. It is an effective organisation with mature governance, a good management structure and experienced staff in place. In addition, the park is supported at all levels by local municipalities and businesses.

Thingvellir

Thingvellir is one of the most popular National Parks in Iceland and is a must-see destination when you're planning a trip to Iceland. Not only is it a beautiful place to visit, but it also features many unique activities that are sure to make your trip unforgettable.

This magnificent landscape was created by tectonic forces that have torn apart a rift valley in the divide between the North American and Eurasian continental plates. The resulting gorges and fissures are the main attraction of this national park. The most famous of them is Almannagja, which is a gorge that cuts through the edge of both tectonic plates. You can walk through the gorge and see these plates in all their glory as they stick out of the Icelandic landscape.

The park also boasts a number of geysers that release hot water into the air. These are a spectacular sight and are known to be the oldest in the world.

There are a few ways to get to Thingvellir, but the easiest is to hire a car and drive yourself there. It's a fairly straightforward drive, taking around 40 minutes from the capital of Reykjavik.

Another way to reach Thingvellir is to take a tour. These tours usually run from April to October, and are a great way to experience the park without having to worry about crowds.

If you're looking for something a little more active, you can take a horseback riding or snorkeling tour in the park. These activities are popular among both locals and visitors and are a fun and exciting way to explore the landscape.

The best time to visit Thingvellir is between May and October when the weather is typically at its happiest. However, even then the area can be subject to rain and wind so it's recommended that you pack some waterproof clothing.

In addition to these awe-inspiring vistas, the park is also home to numerous historical attractions. This includes the original site of the first parliament in Iceland, which is what gives the park its name.

Other landmarks include the Thingvellir Church, which is one of the most beautiful churches in the country. Its white exterior and black roof are a photo opp to die for!

Snaefellsjokull

Snaefellsjokull is one of the most famous glaciers in Iceland. It gained worldwide fame after it was featured in Jules Verne’s A Journey to the Center of the Earth, and it’s still considered a must-see destination for tourists visiting the country.

Located on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, Snaefellsjokull National Park was established in 2001 and protects many of the natural wonders and picturesque fisherman villages that are found around the glacier. This area of the country is a haven for visitors who want to experience the wild side of Iceland, with rocky coves, moss-covered lava fields, seabird colonies, towering cliffs and more.

If you’re looking for an easy day trip from Reykjavik, Snaefellsjokull can be reached in about three hours by car. The quickest route is via an underwater tunnel underneath the Hvalfjordur fjord, but there’s also an excellent road that takes you around the fjord.

There are a number of hiking trails in Snaefellsjokull, with varying degrees of difficulty. Whether you’re planning on taking a leisurely stroll or trying your hand at an intense hike, be sure to check the weather forecast and bring plenty of water and proper hiking gear.

Aside from hiking, Snaefellsjokull has a wide variety of other outdoor activities to enjoy. For example, you can walk down 115 feet underground into an 8,000-year-old lava tube system called Vatnshellir that you’ll only be able to access by guided tour.

Another popular activity is to climb all the way up the extinct volcano crater at Saxholl, which offers fantastic views of the surrounding park. It’s best to take a guide with you on this hike, since the path can be quite steep and there are many dangerous ledges along the way.

During your visit to Snaefellsjokull, you should try to spend at least two days in the park, as there’s so much to see. This way you’ll be able to enjoy the beauty of the area in depth and explore more than just the main attractions.

Snaefellsjokull and the surrounding area are home to a variety of animal species, including grey seals, harbour seals, foxes, minke whales and porpoises. Keep your eyes open for these creatures, and if you’re lucky, you may even spot the magnificent killer whales that frequent this region of the country.