Vatnajokull National Park

About Vatnajokull National Park

Vatnajökull National Park is Europe's largest national park, covering approximately 14% of Iceland (around 14,141 km²). The park was established in 2008 by merging Skaftafell and Jökulsárgljúfur national parks with the Vatnajökull glacier area. It encompasses Iceland's highest peak, Hvannadalshnúkur (2,110m), Europe's most powerful waterfall (Dettifoss), and numerous active volcanic systems beneath the ice cap. The park showcases the dynamic forces of fire and ice that have shaped Iceland over millions of years. Visitors can explore black sand deserts, glacier tongues, canyon systems, thundering waterfalls, and unique geological formations. The park is divided into several visitor areas, each offering distinct landscapes and experiences, from the lush greenery of Skaftafell to the stark volcanic deserts around Askja to the surreal beauty of Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon.

📖 History

Skaftafell and Jökulsárgljúfur were established as separate national parks in 1967 and 1973, respectively. In 2008, they were merged with the Vatnajökull glacier region to create one massive national park. The area has been shaped by volcanic eruptions, glacial floods (jökulhlaups), and glacial advances and retreats over thousands of years. The catastrophic Skaftáreldar eruption of 1783-84 from the Lakagígar crater row within the park caused widespread devastation in Iceland and climatic effects across Europe.

Key Facts