Vatnajokull National Park
With an area of 12,000 sq km, this is Europe’s largest national park, encompassing some of Iceland’s most outstanding and diverse areas of natural beauty as well as the island’s largest ice cap. About a dozen glaciers spill down from its icy domed plateau to a vast flood plain formed by volcanic debris from successive sub-glacial eruptions.
The glacier snouts of Svinafellsjokull and Flaajokull can be approached with care by road but to walk on the ice you’ll need proper equipment, for safety reasons. Road 1 winds along the base of Vatnajokull; in our view one of the most scenic drives in Iceland. Allow plenty of time as you’ll want to stop time and again for yet another photo opportunity!