Vatnajökull is the largest and most voluminous ice cap in Iceland. With an area of 7,900 km2, Vatnajökull is the second largest ice cap in Europe by volume (about 3,000 km³).
The Vatnajökull Region stretches over a large area on the southeast coast of Iceland, from the majestic mountain Lómagnúpur in the west over to the captivating landscape of Hvalnes in east. Travellers in the Vatnajökull Region have the privilege of visiting Europe’s largest glacier, Vatnajökull (map), along with numerous nearby attractions.
A journey around the captivating Vatnajökull Region, that rests between glaciers and black beaches of the Atlantic ocean, won´t be a disappointment to anyone.
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On 7 June 2008, it became a part of the Vatnajökull National Park, and includes the former Skaftafell and Jökulsárgljúfur National Parks. Skaftafell is the name of the hill that runs along one of the glacier fingers and between the mountains. There is a visitor center (open till 16:00) and campsite (open mid-May) with full amenities and disability access.
There are well established hiking paths up the hill where you can access viewpoints that look across the glaciers, several stunning waterfalls, and a mixture of fauna and bird life.
One of the highlights of the trek is Svartifoss (Black Falls, map), with stunningly beautiful black basalt columns around the falls.
+ The Vatnajökull region (visitvatnajokull.is) | Vatnajökull National Park (visiticeland.com)
Under the ice cap, as under many of the glaciers of Iceland, there are several volcanoes.
There is a large campsite which opens late May to 1st September and gets very busy during the summer months. No tents for hire.
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*Route 1, or the Ring Road is a main road that runs around Iceland and connects all the inhabited parts of the island, with the interior of the island being uninhabited. This paved road is 1,332 km (828 mi) long with one lane in each direction, except near larger towns and cities and in the Hvalfjörður Tunnel where it has more lanes.
BUS > Scheduled trips between Icelandic towns are operated by Strætó bs. Tours to attractions are provided by scheduled buses from various companies Reykjavík Excursions • Trex • Sterna Travel • BusTravel Iceland • SBA-NORÐURLEIÐ
RAIL > –
AIRPORTS > Keflavík International Airport is the largest airport and the main aviation hub for international passenger transport. It serves several international and domestic airline companies. An airport transfer bus service (called the FlyBus) runs between the airport and Reykjavík BSÍ Bus terminal.
WATERWAYS > Smyril Line sail once or twice a week from Hirtshals (map) in Denmark, via Torshavn in the Faeroe Islands.