Guide to exploring Vatnajökull National Park: Get Blown Away!

Bored of going to familiar places like Paris, New York, Switzerland? Want to explore someplace exotic? How about a National park situated on the largest glacier on the European continent? Vatnajökull National park is a wonder, a must-see exhilarating place with loads of fun activities to do. This park is an outdoor traveller’s dream with adventure activities like hiking, ice-caving, glacial kayaking and many more. While these activities may seem strenuous to those with no physical strength and endurance, Vatnajökull National park has something for everyone. You may get lost when searching for where to go and what to do, so we have a guide to explore Vatnajökull National park and Vatnajökull activities.

Guide to exploring Vatnajökull National Park

Occupying around 5200 square miles, Vatnajökull National park is among the must-visit places in Iceland. This park was established in 2008 and covers 13% of Iceland. The quick change in the scenery, a mix of glaciers, volcanoes, mountains and geothermal energies is something to look at. And we assure you won’t see another park-like Vatnajökull.

This park is also the reason why Iceland is called the land of ice and fire. The best time to visit Vatnajökull Park is in the summer. The days are less cold and longer during summer, it gives you an opportunity to explore more. Let’s go and discuss 5 places to visit in Vatnajökull National park.

How to Reach Vatnajökull Park

You can reach Vatnajökull Park by taking a flight and then by car/bus. So you have to use two different modes of transport to reach Vatnajökull Park.

1. By flight

Taking a flight to Keflavik International airport is the only way to reach the destination. Then after checking out of the airport, you can head to Reykjavik to catch your next mode of transport.

2. By car/bus

After reaching Reykjavik, you can choose between taking a bus ticket or booking a cab/ car to reach the national park. You can reach the park in just 4 hours if you take a car. But do remember to read the Iceland driving rules before doing so.

Driving Rules in Iceland

Driving laws of Iceland are quite strict as compared to India, there are some important tips to remember before you go backpacking-

• You need to drive on right hand side in Iceland.
• A person needs to be 21 years old to rent a car and 25 years old for a off- road truck, so do ensure that your age is 21+ before renting.
• Forget off roading trips in Iceland, it is strictly prohibited here, so stay on the marked roads.
• It is a law to use your headlights in both daytime and nighttime.
• Your driving speed must be 30kmph in residential areas, 50kmph in other built-in areas, and 90kmph on well surfaced roads.
• Don’t ever dream of drinking and driving, unless you want to explore the prisons of Iceland. Only 0.05% alcohol should be present in your blood when checked.

Explore Vatnajökull National Park activities

Every corner, every gravel of this scenic park has the power to leave you gasping. When it comes to adventure activities, there is little for everyone out there. No need to worry about your physical capabilities and just enjoy. We have listed the best adventure activities in Vatnajökull National Park below:-

1. Go For Hiking at Vatnajökull National Park

Hiking is the most famous activity in Vatnajökull National Park, and you can get the best hikes in Vatnajökull National Park. When the winter season comes, the snow covers the caves of the park, making it worth exploring. Park is littered with hiking trails, making it a hiker’s dream. Hiking on a glacier is something you would have never tried before.

There are trails that end in mere 30 minutes, while a few of them can take days. And if you visit Vatnajökull in winter make sure that daylight hours are of lesser duration in winter.

2. Enjoy Horse Riding at Vatnajökull National Park

It would be a waste for any horse lover if you come to Iceland and don’t enjoy horse riding. Horses in Iceland are not ordinary; they are intelligent, strong and have a special gait called tolt, a unique feature.

This feature makes the ride even if the terrain is challenging. You can enjoy the scenery of Vatnajökull National park while riding the horse and there is no other joy like that.

3. Go For Boat Rides and Kayaking

If you want to observe the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon from proximity and marvel at its beauty, you must try boat rides. Kayaking tours start with just $145 and also give you a guide through the 1000-year-old ice marvel. The guide will help you understand the knick-knacks of the ice structure, and you won’t forget the experience.

5 places to Explore In Vatnajökull National park

Vatnajökull National Park is filled with amazing, jaw-dropping places. If you want to explore these wonderful places, a Vatnajökull National Park map is a good idea. You can add these places to your itinerary and enjoy them during your stay. We have listed 5 places to visit in Vatnajökull National park.

1. Svartifoss

Svartifoss is a waterfall amidst the thrilling beauty of Vatnajökull National Park. And it is often included in the bucket list of people. The only reason tourists come to this place is because they want to come and visit this place.

The waterfall looks mesmerizing because it is surrounded by lava columns.

2. Jökulsárlón

Jökulsárlón is a lagoon that borders Vatnajökull National Park. It’s awe-inspiring blue waters, that are still and dotted with icebergs from surrounding Breiðamerkurjökull glacier. The glacial lagoon follows the Atlantic Ocean that leaves large chunks of ice on black sand beaches. In winter, these lagoons are filled with thousands of seals.

3. Askja

Askja is an active volcano and is located in a remote part of Iceland. The name Askja itself refers to a compound of nested calderas within the neighbouring Dyngjufjöll mountains. It rises up to 1,510 metres.

4. Skaftafell

Skaftafell is a wild area in Vatnajökull National Park. The huge glaciers include Skaftafellsjökull and Svínafellsjökull. All the tracks lead to Kristínartindar mountain and Svartifoss waterfall, which fall over black basalt columns. Morsárdalur valley and Bæjarstaðarskógur woodlands are found to the west.

5. Öræfajökull

Öræfajökull is situated in the southeastern part of Vatnajökull National Park. This is a huge volcano covered by ice that gives its breathtaking beauty. Öræfajökull is the highest peak in Iceland. The peak shines and reflects in sunlight, travellers get lost in the beauty and peace that it imparts.

Come and find out why Iceland is called the land of fire and ice by exploring Vatnajökull National Park. If you want to customize your vacation plans why not try the Pickyourtrail website. You can choose your itinerary yourself by customising your Iceland trip, or simply select Iceland packages from Pickyourtrail.

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