Skaftafell Visitor Centre

Skaftafell Visitor Centre is an information and education centre where visitors can find answers to their questions about the Skaftafell area, along with information about hiking trails, accommodation and nearby recreational options. 

Skaftafell Visitor Centre has an exhibition room where the story of fire and ice is told; the way in which volcanoes and glaciers have struggled to form the surrounding region and the effects of eruptions and glacial outburst floods on daily lives of people. Items from the fateful expedition of British students in 1952 are on display along with a film about the Skeidará glacial outburst floods (jökulhlaup) in 1996.

Opening hours for Skaftafell Visitor Centre in 2011:

* Closed on December 24th/25th and January 1st/2nd.
** Open during Easter (April 5th to April 9th) from 9-18.

There is a spacious camp site in Skaftafell, with a special area for caravans and campers. Bookings are not needed for the camp site but groups of cars and caravans are asked to inform about their arrival in advance. The camp site is open during the summer time. Camping or overnight stays in caravans or campers, outside of the camp site, is prohibited without special permission from the Park Manager.

There are no roads in the National Park except for the tracks leading up to the farms. Parking space is available near the camp site, and trails through the park start at the visitor centre.

Park Wardens operate in the Park, assisted by Park Rangers during the summer months. Visitors are encouraged to seek information and advice from Park staff. Hiking trips led by rangers give visitors the opportunity to get to know the magnificent Skaftafell area and find out about the history and natural phenomena of the area, in the company of a well-informed guide. The hikes follow a variety of routes, and everyone should be able to find a suitable outing.

Contact information:

Vatnajökull National Park
Skaftafell
785 Öraefi
ICELAND

Tel: +354 4708300
Fax: +354 4708309
skaftafell@vjp.is