Iceland Glacier Experience: Vatnajökull National Park

If you ever wanted to step inside a land of ice and fire, Vatnajökull National Park in Iceland is the place to go. The park is home to Europe’s largest glacier, Vatnajökull — a shimmering sheet of ice that covers nearly 8% of the country. Imagine a frozen blanket so big it hides mountains, volcanoes, and valleys beneath it.

Beneath that icy armor, volcanoes are still alive. When one heats up, the ice can melt so quickly that it triggers sudden floods called jökulhlaups — powerful glacial outbursts that reshape the land. Over thousands of years, these events have carved deep valleys and created the rugged scenery around the glacier. Icelanders often describe Vatnajökull as a “living glacier” because it’s always shifting and changing.

At the surface, families can join guides to hike across the glacier or explore glowing blue ice caves that look like frozen cathedrals. In summer, the trails near Skaftafell lead to waterfalls like Svartifoss, tumbling down black basalt cliffs. And just a short drive away, at Jökulsárlón Lagoon, icebergs drift out to sea while seals rest on the floating ice.

Did you know?

The name Vatnajökull means “Glacier of Lakes.” Hidden beneath the ice are subglacial lakes like Grímsvötn and Skaftárkatlar that scientists study with radar to learn how glaciers move.

Before you leave, stop by the visitor centers in Skaftafell or Höfn to learn how glaciers and volcanoes work together to shape Iceland’s ever-changing landscape.

Traveler Tip

If you visit in winter, bring waterproof boots and join a guided ice-cave tour — it’s the safest and most magical way to see the glacier’s hidden world.

Nearby Adventures

• Thingvellir National Park – Where continents meet

• Reykjavik – Iceland’s colorful capital

• Golden Circle Route – Hot springs, geysers, and waterfalls