EnjoyIceland.is - Skaftafell - National Park

Search destination

Mailing list

Your E-mail address:

Add me to the mailing list

Skaftafell - National Park - East Iceland

By road number 1 between Vík and Höfn,

Region: East

GPS: N64°00.965 W16°57.961

About: (Description)
Skaftafell National Park, westernmost estate in Öræfi built high on the southern slopes of Skaftafellsheiði moor because of the destructive forces of Skeiðará. Extensive birch woods, rich vegetation (Saxifraga cotyledon, Campanula rotundifolia etc. etc.), gullies, canyons, waterfalls, glaciers and valleys. Extensive and varied view from the view-dial at Sjónsker. In 1967 the land of Skaftafell was purchased by the state and made into a National Park because of the great variety of natural beauty. On the sands at the foot of the slope there is a tourist centre. A visitor centre with a special Nature Conservation Agency exhibition rooms are located in the sandy area at the foot of the slope of Skaftafell Mountain, where information about the features and history of the area is available for tourists.

Icelandic mountain guides operate glacier tours from their base camp at the campsite in Skaftafell National Park. Most popular are short trips walking on glacier 2 1/2 hours and 5 hours, that explore the peculiar landscape on the glacier tongues. The guides educate on the nature of the glaciers, as well as the geological history and human settlement in the region. More sporty oriented are climbing tours and the ascension of Iceland´s highest peak Hvannadalshnjúkur 2112 m above sea level. Glacier equipment is provided for all tours.

How to get there:
Take road no. 1 from Vík direction Höfn. About 140 km east from Vík take exit to road no. 998 to Skaftafell.

source Iceland Road Atlas

View item in Advanced Player