Vatnajökull National Park

Vatnajökull National Park in Iceland is the second largest national park in Europe (the largest is Yugyd Va in Komi, Russia) and a natural world heritage site. The park was founded on 7 June 2008 and includes the former Skaftafell and Jökulsárgljúfur National Parks. Containing, the park covers about 14% of the surface of Iceland. At 2,106 metres, the park is home to Iceland's highest mountain (Hvannadalshnúkur), largest glacier (Vatnajökull), and Europe's most powerful waterfall (Dettifoss). The former Jökulsárgljúfur park is covered in its own article, in addition to the area around Jökulsárlón, a large glacial lake.

Understand
The park lies on the west side of Vatnajökull, Europe's largest glacier. Skaftafell is the name of the hill that runs along one of the glacier fingers and between the mountains. There is a visitor centre (open till 16:00) and campsite (open mid-May) with full amenities and disability access.

History
Skaftafell is mentioned early in the Saga of Burnt Njal (a popular Icelandic Saga). It is home to some of the best fertile land in the country and so has a long history of farming. Unfortunately, it also has a history of severe flooding, when volcanoes under the Vatnjökul glacier cause mass melting and flooding of the low lands. As a consequence, farmers abandoned their lush lowland farms and moved to higher ground.

Landscape
Lowland, rivers, black sand, a very big glacier, some picturesque mountains, hills, waterfalls, quicksand, quiet brooks — what more could you ask for?

The Skaftafell is the hill where farmers settled to avoid the floods from the giant glacier. There are well established hiking paths up the hill where you can access viewpoints that look across the glaciers, several stunning waterfalls, and a mixture of fauna and bird life. The high point of the hill is around 600 m and takes around two hours to reach the highest point. One of the highlights of the trek is Svartifoss (Black Falls), with stunningly beautiful black basalt columns around the falls. There is a road that goes to quite near the top allowing disabled access to the stunning views.



Climate
The eastern side of Iceland is the leeward side, getting less precipitation than the western side. Consequentially, this sea-level area is part of the low desert in Iceland, the high desert being represented by the area East of Mývatn.

Get in
Skaftafell information centre is open everyday all year round, from at least 10:00–16:00 (longer in summer).

Free toilets, expensive shop, very expensive Internet (including Wi-Fi), about 1000 kr/hour.

The staff may not always be aware of the current state of the tracks and paths, despite what they say.

Free parking.

Fees and permits
Free entrance to the park.

Get around
The only way to get around is by hiking only.

See

 * Ice caves and tunnels
 * Ice caves and tunnels

Do

 * Icelandic horse riding tours in Skaftafell.
 * January-March, find a guide to ski Hvannadalshnúkur.
 * Hike up the hill and see all the waterfalls and great views.

Eat
There is a small road side service station around 5 km east of the park, opposite the Skaftafell Hotel. The food is good and reasonably priced, but the choice is limited. There is also a mini supermarket within the service station, where you can buy many things from tea to soap at high prices.

Fosshotel Nupar has a restaurant open for lunch and dinner. À-la-carte dishes and group menu are offered. There is also a bar.

Huts
Several huts are in the area. All of the huts have cooking facilities and a bathroom. Some huts have showers. Camping facilities are available nearby.

Stay safe
Stick to the paths and don't venture onto the glacier without a guide - danger of death. There are few gas stations in the area. One is located a few kilometers east from the Skaftafell National Park entrance, on the Ring Road #1.