Skaftafell National Park

Skaftafell National Park was a protected area in southeast Iceland that is now incorporated into Vatnajökull National Park and is renowned for its glaciers, waterfalls and accessible mountain trails. The area serves as a popular base for hiking and guided glacier activities on the margins of Europe’s largest ice cap by volume.

Key natural attractions include Svartifoss, a waterfall framed by distinctive basalt columns, and glacier tongues such as Skaftafellsjökull that descend from Vatnajökull. The park contains marked hiking routes of varying length and difficulty and a visitor centre with trail information.

Historically Skaftafell was designated for protection in the 20th century to conserve its unique glacial and volcanic landscapes; its incorporation into Vatnajökull National Park in 2008 expanded protection across a larger portion of the ice cap and surrounding terrain. The area has a long record of scientific interest in glaciology and volcanology.

Skaftafell lies in southeast Iceland on the southern edge of Vatnajökull, accessible by road from Iceland’s Ring Road; the landscape combines glacial outlets, volcanic features and coastal plains to the south.

• Park status and services: The area became part of Vatnajökull National Park in 2008; visitor services include a staffed centre, marked trails and information on guided glacier activities.
• Visiting season and conditions: Best visiting season for most trails is late spring to early autumn when access is easiest; weather can change rapidly and proper clothing is required.

What to See #

• Svartifoss: Svartifoss waterfall, notable for its columnar basalt formations, is a principal natural attraction reached by marked trails from the park visitor centre.
• Skaftafellsjökull: Skaftafellsjökull is a glacier tongue of Vatnajökull visible from several short hikes in the park and accessible for guided glacier walks where conditions and permits allow.