Skaftafell and Vatnajökull National Park

Skaftafell is a nature reserve within Vatnajökull National Park — Europe’s largest national park, named for the vast ice cap that covers much of Iceland’s southeast — and one of the best places in the country to actually get out and hike near a glacier.

What makes it different from a drive-by glacier view

Unlike glacier views you catch from the Ring Road, Skaftafell has a proper network of marked hiking trails leading toward outlet glaciers and waterfalls, including the short, popular walk to Svartifoss — a waterfall framed by dark, organ-pipe basalt columns.

Glacier hiking and ice climbing

Guided glacier walks on outlet glaciers like Falljökull or Svínafellsjökull start from near Skaftafell, kitted out with crampons and ice axes provided by the tour — this isn’t something to attempt without a guide, since crevasses can be hidden under snow.

How much time to give it

A few hours covers the short trails and Svartifoss; a half or full day allows for a guided glacier walk on top. It sits naturally along the South Coast route toward Jökulsárlón, making it an easy addition to a multi-day itinerary.

If Jökulsárlón is the glacier you look at, Skaftafell is the glacier you actually walk on.