Plan your visit
Practical information for park visitors
Vatnajökull National Park offers a unique opportunity to experience the interplay between the forces of glaciers and volcanic activities.
The National Park stretches around the Vatnajökull ice cap, with visitor centres in South-East Iceland (Skaftafell), East Iceland (Skriðuklaustur) and North-East Iceland (Jökulsárgljúfur).
Vatnajökull National Park operates campsites in Skaftafell and Jökulsárgljúfur.
For the most part, the park lies in highland areas. If you are heading into the Icelandic highlands, you must be properly prepared, as the weather, river flow and driving or walking conditions may change very suddenly. Important safety equipment, such as communication and navigation devices, is essential in places with little traffic. If help is needed, phone Iceland's emergency number, 112, where your message will be passed on to suitable parties.
The Icelandic Associaton for Search and Rescue provides nessacery and important information for travelling in Iceland. Check their website at safetravel.is
It must also be emphasized that off-road driving is prohibited in Iceland. What may seem like an innocent de-tour can leave a lasting scar in the landscape, something that Icelanders have learned the hard way through their own actions. The National Park authorities strongly recommend that visitors seek further information about driving in the park prior to their visit, for instance here.
