South East Iceland is home to some of the country’s most unforgettable landscapes and experiences, from glacier lagoons and black sand beaches to towering waterfalls and volcanic valleys.
This guide explores the best of the region, with a particular focus on the Vatnajökull National Park, which is the heart of South East Iceland. It’s here where many of its most iconic sights can be found, including vast glaciers, ice caves, dramatic hiking routes, and the famous Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach.
Vatnajökull Glacier & Vatnajökull National Park in South East Iceland
Spanning vast areas of South East Iceland, Vatnajökull National Park is a landscape that showcases much of what makes Iceland so magical. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the park is home to Europe’s largest glacier, with a volcanic world hidden beneath the ice and a series of dramatic views in every direction.
In the Vatnajökull National Park, Iceland is at its most powerful and endlessly rewarding. Icebergs drift across picture perfect lagoons, waterfalls thunder and sparkle in the sun, while seabirds and seals scatter across black sand beaches. As luxury travel experts, here’s our expert guide on how to explore Vatnajökull National Park to make the most of this awe-inspiring landscape.
Reaching Vatnajökull National Park
Exploring Iceland’s Vatnajökull National Park depends entirely on which corner of the ice cap calls to you. From Reykjavík in the southwest of the country, it is about 200 miles to Skaftafell, one of the more accessible regions of the park.
Whilst this is a long drive, at least five hours, the time truly flies by. You’ll be exploring the wonder of the South Coast, an area lined with beaches, mossy lava fields and tumbling waterfalls. The journey is worth savouring!
However, given the distance, we always recommend a multi-day tour, with at least one night in the region; though the more, the better. Beginning in the capital, you move to South East Iceland to explore the lagoons and valleys of more wild landscapes, staying in any of the excellent accommodations. Contact Hidden Iceland, and we can handle the details, meaning you can just appreciate the sights.
What To See at Vatnajökull National Park
Vatnajökull National Park
Whilst many correctly insist that the glacier is not the only attraction here, it is renowned for a reason. Vatnajökull or “Glacier of Lakes” is the largest ice cap in Iceland, and takes up nearly a tenth of the island’s landmass. The Vatnajökull glacier ice cap is home to dozens of named alpine glaciers that flow down to the shoreline, where the majority of tourists will spend their time. Having these ice flows pour out in many directions onto the volcanic shores gives rise to incredible views and many adventurous hiking options.
An awe-inspiring area, the glacier pairs the immense amount of ice with active volcanoes beneath, showcasing an ever-changing landscape at constant contrast.
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
To the southeast of the glacier lies Jökulsárlón, a glacier lagoon that showcases serenity at a spectacular scale. Take a boat across the icy water and explore the icebergs close up on your own private tour, guided by local experts, who can take you to sights you can’t reach on foot. The result is a ride into untouched land, an eye-opening adventure into barely believable landscapes. The icebergs are deceptively big, with the largest ones reaching the size of multi-story buildings, and that’s just what’s on the surface of the water.
For those looking for longer walks, the shoreline has multiple viewpoints stretching for miles, as you wander towards the end point, the shimmering Diamond Beach.
Diamond Beach
From Jökulsárlón lagoon, once the icebergs are small enough to escape through the river mouth, they drift out toward the Atlantic. But en route, the waves lap up many of the glacial fragments onto the black volcanic sands, creating a diamond effect that sparkles in the sun. It’s a sight to behold, the jet-black volcanic sand is wonderfully unique even before the ice scatters across the plain. These mini icebergs rest on the shores for just a few hours before either melting entirely, or being pulled back out to sea with the tide. Each stop at the Diamond Beach is truly unique, even within just a few hours of each other.
A favourite of the wildlife, you’ll often find seals lazing along the sands, providing perfect opportunities for unforgettable photos.
Falljökull Glacier
Flowing out from the national park is an outlet glacier of deep crevasses and wild formations, raw and ever-changing as the seasons go. Whilst the space is spectacular just to see, a hiking trip across the ridges is a journey unlike any other, as the space shifts and changes underneath your feet. While there are many other outlet glaciers in the area, more than 40 named in the south-east alone, this is the only one that is still accessible on foot, though we do typically take a super jeep to skip the long hike to the glacier edge. This glacier is particularly great for longer, more secluded hikes, as well as ice climbing tours for the true adventurers.
Things to do in South East Iceland & Vatnajökull
Hike to the edges of dramatic glaciers like Skaftafellsjökull
Iceland hosts some of the most scenic hiking opportunities you’ll find anywhere in the world, none more so than in the South East. And whilst we’ve already outlined the majesty of Falljökull glacier, which is ideal for strapping on crampons and heading up into the mountains, it’s the tip of the iceberg when it comes to glaciers across the south coast. Whilst you can’t easily hike on Skaftafellsjökull, it still offers remarkably serene spots with views of the front of the glacier from up close.
Visited more so in winter, Breiðamerkurjökull, is another outlet glacier, hidden behind the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, that feeds Diamond Beach and Jökulsárlón. To get here, you either need to take a very long hike along the glacier shores, or preferably by super jeep. This glacier is rife with ice caves in winter and is often where Hidden Iceland take guests.
Spot seals and unique seabirds
Across glacier lagoons, you can spot seals lazing on icebergs, whilst arctic foxes roam the edges of the park. The individuals you’ll find vary across the seasons, in the summer, you’ll see birds flying above you, whilst in the winter they migrate, leaving the seals with the ice caves behind them.
Explore ever-changing ice caves
Your options for ice cave exploration are plentiful in Iceland, but some of the most famous are found at Vatnajökull National Park. Only accessible in the winter for safety reasons, as the warmer weather melts the ice. These explorations give a chance to delve into the environmental magic only Iceland can offer. No two seasons results with the same formations, as the caves are constantly developing around you.
The ice caves in this area can be accessed either by super jeep, followed by a moderate walk to the edge of the glacier. Then, depending on the location of the ice cave that year, a short glacier walk is needed to get to the entrance. For the more hidden ice caves, you can recruit a local helicopter company to combine a scenic flight with a stop off on the ice, with your very own ice cave, all to yourself.
Ice climbing up steep walls
An ice climbing tour pairs adventure and sightseeing in one exceptional activity. From seeing the world from the largest ice cap in Europe to travelling to areas unreachable by foot, ice climbing provides perspective of an ever-changing environment. The physical challenge of climbing pairs with the immersive scenery to create a one-of-a-kind experience.
You don’t have to be an Olympian to take part in an adventurous ice climbing tour with Hidden Iceland, as long as you have full mobility of both arms and legs. The ice climbing can be designed on your experience level that can be no prior experience and a first-time climb, to more demanding climbs if you are an experienced climber. Your private guide will amend the trip, and find suitable locations on the glacier, to enhance your personal desire and ability.
Helicopter tours over the national park
The beauty of Iceland’s Vatnajökull glacier spreads as far as the eye can see, which makes it perfect to explore from above. The distant mountain ridges, the black sand plains and the frozen surface seem to go on forever beneath your feet as you see the attractions of Iceland from above. Getting up on to the very top of the ice cap on a clear day is truly breathtaking, but many guests like to combine their helicopter trip with the discovery of a distant ice cave too.
When is the best time to visit?
Summer: Hiking in the never-ending slight
From May through to August, the long summer days transform the park, providing the opportunity to explore everything under the Midnight Sun. Golden light stretches well into the night, illuminating the ice, the lava fields and the black sand plains.
Wildlife is more active at this time, as seabirds flock to the coast. It’s ideal for those wanting to explore on foot and see as much as possible.
Winter: Ice Caves & Northern Lights
The colder months of October through March turn Iceland into an almost ethereal world of wonder. Nothing exemplifies this more than the ice caves, as natural tunnels form within frozen glaciers, making it possible for our experts to guide you through these wonders.
The nights are long, and the weather is cold, but the result is deeply atmospheric and on clear nights. The Northern Lights become visible at this time of year, elevating the experience to something magical.
Fall & spring: Quieter crowds
The shoulder seasons are quieter, and fewer visitors lead to a more tranquil experience. In late Spring, hiking routes become viable as the weather clears, and in early fall, the Northern Lights can still make an appearance.
You’ll see the park in its transitional states, as the wildlife wanders, the rivers grow or the snow recedes. If you’re a traveller seeking space and quiet exploration, this may be the best time for you to visit.
Where to stay near Vatnajökull Glacier in South East Iceland?
There are many hotels we recommend in the region, but here are two of our favourites.
Hótel Jökulsarlón
Mountain views from your window and on-site hot tubs mean the Hótel Jökulsarlon is ideal. From the breakfast options in the morning to the hot springs right outside, every part of your day can be designed for luxury. The view of the Vatnajökull ice cap, the top of the Hvannadalshnúkur, Iceland’s highest mountain/ volcano and the nearby glacier lagoon is one of the most incredible panoramic views you’ll get across the entire country.
Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon
Located by Skaftafell, Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon is a four-star hotel that’s a new, novel, and exciting addition to the Iceland hotel scene. The modern minimalistic design is striking, the surroundings are spectacular, and the amenities are plentiful. There’s also an exceptional restaurant on site, where Nordic cuisine is prepared with locally sourced ingredients.
FAQs
Was Vatnajökull National Park on TV or in movies?
It was! The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, Interstellar, Batman Begins, Die Another Day and Game of Thrones were all filmed here. The dramatic ice formations appear to be otherworldly, and were put to use representing distant planets and fantastical landscapes.
What are the best transport options to get around Vatnajökull National Park?
Vatnajökull National Park is colossal, and transport depends entirely on what you wish to see. Many travellers choose self-driving tours to give themselves flexibility. However, distances are vast and Iceland’s weather is unpredictable, and many experiences such as ice climbing and glacier hiking require special access. A guided multi-day journey provides safety, local expertise and carefully selected accommodation through the region.
What should I pack before visiting Vatnajökull National Park?
What you need to bring varies based on the season, but preparation is essential to deal with Iceland’s climate. We have a more comprehensive list of what to pack here, but the essentials typically include:
- Waterproof outer layers
- Sturdy hiking boots
- Hats and gloves (in winter)
- Sunglasses (glacial glare can be intense)
If you’re joining a glacier hike or ice cave tour, the technical equipment you’ll need is provided by Hidden Iceland, but you should wrap up warm for the day.
Ready to see the best of Vatnajökull Glacier and South East Iceland?
Hidden Iceland creates the itinerary for your ideal getaway, shaped by you, your interests at your pace, ensuring your visit is a once-in-a-lifetime marvel. Get in touch today by calling us at +354-770-5733 or by emailing info@hiddeniceland.is, and we’ll begin planning your adventure.
