Vatnajökull National Park

Vatnajökull National Park is the largest national park in Iceland, and its landscape of glaciers and volcanic land was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2019. The park authority describes a country shaped by fire and ice, which is a fair summary: icecaps, outlet glaciers, black sands and glacial rivers sit side by side.

Skaftafell is the easiest place to start. It has a visitor centre, and the park lists an easy 4.1 km loop to the foot of the Skaftafellsjökull glacier that takes about an hour to an hour and a half. Jökulsárlón, the glacier lagoon, is also inside the park, and regional fees apply there, so check the park's notices before you go because car parks can close for works.

Glaciers are not places to wander alone. The park asks visitors to be ready for ever-changing weather and conditions, and Safetravel recommends going with a guide who knows the area thoroughly if you plan to step onto the ice. In winter day length, road conditions and tours all change, so plan with the park's travel advice and safetravel.is open.