Vatnajokull National Park Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience Vatnajokull National Park. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• 6-Day Around Iceland Small-Group Tour From Reykjavik With Accomm

• 3-Day Ice Cave, South Coast, Golden Circle, and Northern Lights

• 8-Day Small Group Tour Around Iceland From Reykjavik

• 2-Day Blue Ice Cave, Glacier Lagoon and South Coast - Small Group

• Skaftafell Glacier Hike 3-Hour Small Group Tour

Like other national parks in Iceland, Vatnajokull National Park is free to visit, although vehicle fees apply for Skaftafell and Jokulsarlon. Many travelers opt to visit on a multi-day tour of Iceland: a 2-day South Coast tour starts at around US$670, with 6-day Iceland trips starting at around US$2,400.

Yes, Vatnajokull National Park is well worth visiting: It's a destination that puts the "ice" into Iceland. Its landscape of ice and fire includes around 40 glaciers that house spectacular ice caves in winter, as well as Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon with its bobbing bergs. For a close-up experience—unless you have your own ice gear and all-weather 4WD—most travelers find a guided tour is the way to go.

Per one customer who booked the 2-Day Blue Ice Cave, Glacier Lagoon, and South Coast - Small Group, "I had an unforgettable two-day trip to the Blue Cave, ice lagoons, and Iceland's beautiful coast. The ice caves and waterfalls were absolutely stunning—an experience I'll treasure forever. As a solo traveler, I couldn't have asked for a better guide than Filip. He was friendly, knowledgeable, and made the trip so much fun with perfectly chosen music to match the vibe. Most importantly, Filip prioritized everyone's safety and well-being, which was truly reassuring. I highly recommend this tour to anyone looking to explore Iceland's natural beauty with a fantastic guide like Filip."

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.

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.

There are tons of incredible natural sights outside of Reykjavik. According to travelers, these are some of the top natural attractions within driving distance of the city:

• Blue Lagoon

• Thingvellir National Park

• Gullfoss

• Skógafoss

• Seljalandsfoss

View Viator's guide to all the best attractions in and around Reykjavik.