Vatnajökull National Park

Vatnajökull National Park

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Vatnajökull National Park

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Vatnajökull National Park, which covers nearly 14% of the country of Iceland, boasts a stunning dramatic landscape of ancient glaciers, active volcanoes, and epic cascading waterfalls.

History

Scientists believe that the Vatnajökull glacier began to form around 2,500 years go. The surrounding area was highly population for centuries, thanks to the highly fertile land in the area. However, a massive volcanic eruption in 1362 wiped out this land, turning it into somewhat of a wasteland, or Öræfi, as it came to be known.

How to Explore Vatnajökull National Park

You can explore Vatnajökull National Park from various points around Iceland, with Skaftafell being the most popular base for exploration.

If you're adventurous, you'll want to check out an ice cave tour, which allows you to descend into bright blue and white caverns formed naturally within the glacier. There are also lots of hiking trails, as well as various boat tours on glacial lagoons such as Jökulsárlón.

When to Visit Vatnajökull National Park

The best time to visit Vatnajökull National Park from Skaftafell is between May and June, as you'll have plenty of daylight (nearly 24 hours), giving you lots of time for hiking and/or camping. The downside of visiting at this time of year is that you cannot explore the ice caves due to melt water.

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