General information

The Lakagígar craters were formed in one of the largest mixed eruptions in recorded history (lava for the most part but also substantial amounts of volcanic ash).

Extending south from the ice cap and rising to a height of 2115 m, Öræfajökull is Iceland's highest mountain.

Since early times, Stafafell has been one of the largest estates in the area. For many years its church was the principal place of worship in the region.

The Skaftafell National Park was established on 15 September 1967. At the time, the park covered an area of 500 km2.

Snæfell is the highest freestanding mountain in Iceland, reaching 1833 m above sea level.

The Kverkfjöll mountain range, Iceland's third highest mountain group, is a cluster of peaks formed by a large central volcano on the northern edge of the ice cap.

Kringilsárrani is an important grazing ground for reindeer. It contains extraordinary evidence of glacier advances and retreats left by Iceland's most powerful outlet glacier.

The River Jökulsá á Fjöllum emerges from beneath the ice cap and flows out to sea in Öxarfjördur Bay. At the edge of the highlands, the land drops and the river plunges over a series of powerful waterfalls into a deep canyon.

Askja is a caldera (sunken crater) at the centre of a volcanic system with many fissures and a prominent crater row.

Ásbyrgi is one of the wonders of nature, with cliff faces rising up to 100 m at the inner end of a horseshoe-shaped canyon.

Dettifoss is reputed to be the most powerful waterfall in Europe. The falls are 45 m high and 100 m wide.