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There is a lot of great things you can do around the Vatnajökull area, here is our take on a Vatnajökull National Park day tour itinerary.
Vatnajökull National Park covers a region that’s a little under 14% of the area of Iceland as a whole. Aside from Greenland, no other European country has a national park of this size. This protected reserve encompasses a diverse range of environments including, of course, the vast icy expanse of Vatnajökull glacier. To see everything in a single day is clearly impossible, but realistically what can you accomplish in a single visit? Given the importance of ice in this part of Iceland, we’d suggest you focus on that. So, if you’re keen to see Iceland’s glaciers, let’s demonstrate what you could achieve on a one-day itinerary
Three glacier lagoons cluster together within walking distance of each other: Fjallsárlón, Breiðárlón and Jökulsárlón. A hiking path connects all three, taking about five hours to complete in its entirety. Begin at Jökulsárlón, where the Breiðármörk trail hugs the southern shore of this remarkable iceberg-strewn lake. It’s the deepest in Iceland and hugely popular as a result. But discerning visitors will want to leave the crowded shore behind, which is why it’s worth continuing on to the other two lagoons which deliver a more intimate experience.
Follow the trail west. The path is uneven in places and there are loose rocks but the views of tucked away Breiðárlón will spur you on. The route continues on to Fjallsárlón where you can refuel in Frost restaurant while enjoying the view of the lagoon and Fjallsjökull glacier behind it. Suitably refreshed, you can take a Zodiac boat trip out on beautiful Fjallsárlón glacier lagoon to get a closer look at the icebergs and the glacier behind it. A great way to finish of a one day in Vatnajökull national park.
Activities abound on Vatnajökull glacier, including snowmobiling and super jeep rides, making it easy to setup a Vatnajökull National Park day tour. However, the best way to really get to know the ice and its nuances is to take it slowly, so covering the ground on foot on a guided glacier hike is an irresistible option. Glaciers can be dangerous environments for those who don’t know them well, but accompanied by one of our experts you can have the confidence to stride forward over the ice.
Your glacier hike adventure begins with a safety briefing and distribution of helmets, crampons and ice axes, all essential tools when you’re on the ice. In all, you’ll walk around 5 to 7km on a three-hour odyssey that immerses you in this wondrous landscape. Peer into blue crevasses, study ice streaked with volcanic ash and take in the dazzling panorama. Afterwards, get a different perspective with a stroll on nearby Diamond Beach or one of our boat trips.
Vatnajökull is present year round; it’s enormous size and thickness of the ice means that the ice sheet itself isn’t under threat as a consequence of climate change like some of its smaller outlet glaciers. Melting in summer as the temperatures warm does have an effect, however, and the water that trickles down from the surface of the glacier sculpts hollows within the ice. These ice caves are off-limits during the summer but if you’re here in winter they are a spectacular must-see.
Visitors can only access ice caves as part of a guided tour, so we’ll escort you to an ice cave within the Breiðamerkurjökull outlet glacier. This is for safety reasons; though the ice is far more solid at this time of year, each cave is thoroughly checked over to make sure there are no indications of instability. But the glittering sight that awaits is one of the most incredible views that you’ll find not just in Iceland but anywhere in the world, a truly jaw-dropping experience that we highly recommend.
You might think that a Vatnajökull National Park day tour is not an option due to how massive the park is, but getting from westerly Skaftafell to the glacier lagoons further east is a piece of cake thanks to the ring road that connects them. This means it’s easily doable to spend the morning at Fjallsárlón and the afternoon at Skaftafell or vice versa as journey times average about 35 minutes between the two car parks.
At Skaftafell, the signature hike is the trail that leads up to Svartifoss, a magnificent waterfall flanked by hexagonal basalt columns. This natural amphitheatre is a splendid reward for those who lace up their boots for the 3km roundtrip walk. Allow about an hour and a half. Close by, you might also choose to sign up for a horse riding tour through the bucolic coastal meadows in front of the glacier. You’ll ford small creeks and learn how to pull off a tölt, the fifth gait that’s unique to Icelandic horses.
Self-Drive vs Guided Glacier Tours in South East Iceland. South East Iceland is one of those surreal places with towering glaciers, black sand beaches, iceberg-filled lagoons, winding mountain roads, and waterfalls around nearly every corner. Believe it or not, it’s the kind of destination that makes you want to stop the car every five minutes.… Continue reading Self-Drive vs Guided Glacier Tours in South East Iceland
FjallsárlónEver wondered what’s the difference between glacier hiking and regular hiking? If you have already laced up your boots for a hike through Iceland’s spectacular landscapes, you might think you know what to expect. Let us paint you a picture: winding trails, dramatic peaks, and the occasional sheep or two are all part of this… Continue reading Glacier Hiking vs Regular Hiking – What is the Difference?
FjallsárlónHere are some great tips for photographing glaciers in Iceland. If you are planning a trip to South East Iceland, chances are your camera or smartphone is at the top of your packing list. After all, the glaciers around Fjallsárlón glacier lagoon are among the most spectacular photographic subjects in the world.
Fjallsárlón
