Vatnajökull National Park is great for glacier spotting
Located around 200 miles from Iceland’s capital, Reykjavik, Vatnajökull National Park is unique because the geological forces that created it are still shaping the landscape today, allowing visitors to marvel at the conflict between intense volcanic activity and the might of the park’s vast ice cap. From ancient volcanoes and lava fields to glaciers and ice caves, there is a spectacular array of scenery to discover across the entire region. Largely untouched by mankind (unless you count climate change, which is causing the glaciers to retreat) the vast diversity of the national park makes it an incredible destination to get away from the hubbub of everyday life and enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, snowmobiling, climbing, and horse riding.
Hiking is one of the most popular ways to experience the grandeur of the glaciers. There are several scenic trails in the park, ranging in difficulty from easy to challenging. The coastal Jökulsárlón route offers spectacular views of the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier and swings by the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, where you can also spot seals, puffins, and other wildlife. At the other end of the scale, a more challenging trek takes you off the beaten path to the more remote Heinabergslón glacier lagoon. Or if you’re a movie buff and fancy following in the footsteps of Bruce Wayne, put on the crampons and head out on a guided glacier walk across Svínafellsjökull.
Other ways to enjoy the glaciers in Vatnajökull National Park
Adventurous visitors to Vatnajökull National Park have many different ways to get up close and personal with the glaciers beyond. A guided kayak and glacier hike first takes to the water to navigate icebergs in Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon before heading out onto the Falljökull glacier for a panorama of the Vatnajökull ice cap and Hvannadalshnúkur, Iceland’s tallest mountain. To feel like a character from “Game of Thrones” you could take a horseback riding tour, or if you prefer to act like a criminal mastermind’s goon in a Bond movie, you can opt for another kind of horsepower by renting a snowmobile. Rock-climbing enthusiasts are also well-catered to with over 150 bolted routes dotted across the national park, including the most difficult in Iceland.
Your Icelandic glacier adventure doesn’t just stop at outdoor activities. It can extend to the cuisine with traditional Icelandic delicacies such as fermented shark, sheep’s head, puffin, or sour ram’s testicles. Don’t worry, most of the restaurants near the Vatnajökull National Park serve less exotic fare, often leaning heavily into locally sourced lamb and fish dishes. Most of the cafes and restaurants in the vicinity are pretty basic, but Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon is a good spot for a splurge. Sitting in the shadow of Hvannadalshnúkur, its stylish modern restaurant offers some excellent upscale takes on Nordic cuisine and international dishes.
