How big is Vatnajökull glacier?

Vatnajökull covers approximately 7,700 km² and is up to 1,000 meters thick, the largest glacier in Europe by volume. It covers roughly 8% of Iceland's total land area.

Can you visit Vatnajökull glacier?

Yes, you can visit Vatnajökull through its many outlet glaciers. Popular access points include Skaftafell, Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, and various glacier hiking tours on outlets like Svínafellsjökull and Falljökull.

When can you visit ice caves in Vatnajökull?

Natural ice caves in Vatnajökull are typically accessible from November through March when temperatures are cold enough to keep the caves stable. Tours are weather-dependent and can be cancelled for safety.

What is Vatnajökull National Park?

Vatnajökull National Park was established in 2008 and covers the entire glacier plus surrounding areas, totaling about 14,141 km². It is Europe's second-largest national park and includes diverse landscapes from glaciers to volcanic deserts.

Are there active volcanoes under Vatnajökull?

Yes, several active volcanic systems lie beneath Vatnajökull, including Grímsvötn (Iceland's most frequently erupting volcano), Bárðarbunga, and Öræfajökull. Eruptions can cause devastating glacial floods called jökulhlaups.

Vatnajökull: Europe's Largest Glacier

Europe's largest glacier by volume, covering 7,700 km² of southeast Iceland with ice up to 1,000 meters thick. Active volcanoes lie beneath it, and a national park surrounds the whole cap.

Last reviewed March 3, 2026By the Iceland.org travel deskEditorial policy

Region

Southeast Iceland

Multiple access points along the Ring Road from Skaftafell to Höfn.

Vatnajökull glacier in Iceland, Europe's largest ice cap covering volcanic peaks

Vatnajökull dominates southeast Iceland. Some of the country's most active volcanoes lie beneath the ice cap, and its outlet glaciers flow down toward the coast, where one of them feeds Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. The national park around it protects one of the largest wilderness areas left in Europe.

Sources and last reviewed

Last reviewed: 2026-03-03

Glacier conditions change rapidly. Never walk on a glacier without a certified guide and proper equipment. Crevasses can be hidden under snow and are extremely dangerous.

Pages are reviewed for practical usefulness, source quality, and volatile claims before publication.

Official sources to check

Best for

Ice caves + glacier lagoons

Ice caves accessible Nov–Mar; Jökulsárlón year-round.

Access

Multiple entry points

Skaftafell, Jökulsárlón, and Höfn along Route 1.

Pro tip

Book guided tours early

Ice cave tours sell out weeks in advance during winter.

What to Expect at Vatnajökull

A vast ice cap with over 30 named outlet glaciers
Blue ice caves accessible in winter months
Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon with floating icebergs
Active volcanoes including Grímsvötn and Bárðarbunga beneath the ice
Guided glacier hikes on multiple outlet glaciers year-round
Europe's second-largest national park surrounding the ice cap

Nearby Attractions

Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and Diamond Beach
Skaftafell wilderness area and Svartifoss waterfall
Höfn fishing town with langoustine restaurants
Svínafellsjökull glacier hiking (Interstellar filming location)
Fjallsárlón glacier lagoon (quieter alternative to Jökulsárlón)
Vestrahorn mountain at Stokksnes peninsula near Höfn

How to Get to Vatnajökull

Skaftafell visitor center is about 330 km from Reykjavik via Route 1
Jökulsárlón is approximately 375 km from Reykjavik
Höfn is the nearest town in the east, about 460 km from Reykjavik
Multiple tour operators run day trips from Skaftafell and Jökulsárlón
Winter driving requires caution; check road.is before departing

Best Time to Visit Vatnajökull

November–March for natural ice cave tours
June–August for glacier hiking in longer daylight
Jökulsárlón is worth seeing year-round but busiest in summer
Spring and autumn are quieter, with low-angle light
Always check weather and book glacier activities in advance

Planning help

Vatnajokull (Vatnajökull) Glacier FAQs

Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.

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