Tours and Tickets to Experience Vatnajokull National Park

Home to the largest glacier in Europe, Vatnajökull National Park warrants spending a full day. That said, if you are short on time, a few hours is enough to hike around Skaftafell Visitor Center. The waterfall of Svartifoss is an easy hike from the center.

Yes, you can drive through Vatnajökull National Park, but you should know the rules about which roads you can and cannot drive on. A 4-wheel-drive vehicle isn't necessary if you're just driving from Reykjavik to the visitor center. However, you will need one if you're venturing deeper into the park.

You can reach some areas in Vatnajökull National Park by public transportation. But, the best way to explore is either to rent a vehicle and travel independently, or to book a guided tour. Tours typically include activities such as glacier hiking or exploring the crystal ice cave.

If you want to explore as much as possible and aren’t short on time, consider booking a multi-day tour such as this popular 2-Day Blue Ice Cave, Glacier Lagoon and South Coast Tour or this 3-Day Golden Circle, Ice Cave, Glacier Lagoon & Waterfalls Tour.

Summer is a good time to visit Vatnajökull National Park as it has the best weather and hiking trail conditions. Summer days are long—expect up to 21 hours of daylight—allowing you to stay outside longer. Late August is best if you want the benefits of summer with fewer people.

If you want to explore the ice caves, try to visit in the fall or winter when the ice is sure to be frozen. Some of the caves are closed during the summer months for safety reasons. And if your goal is to see the Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, visit Vatnajokull National Park sometime between late September and March when the skies tend to be dark and clear.

While Vatnajökull National Park can get busy with visitors in the height of summer, there are always ways to get away from the crowds and enjoy some peaceful time in nature by exploring beyond the ever-popular Svartifoss and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, which are the park's biggest attractions.

Visitors to Vatnajökull National Park should dress in comfortable, warm layers and be prepared for Iceland's weather to change unexpectedly—bring a waterproof jacket and pants in case of rain. Comfortable footwear, preferably worn-in hiking boots, is also essential. In summer, bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, too.