Canonical URL: https://www.iceland.org/national-parks Content updated: 2026-09-10 This is the Markdown representation of the page. Interactive tools and forms are available on the [HTML page](). Source-check and review dates retain the meanings stated in the article. --- National Parks & Reserves # National Parks & Nature Reserves of Iceland Iceland's national parks and protected areas: UNESCO heritage sites, glacier parks, coastal reserves, and highland valleys. Updated September 10, 2026 · [Published by Iceland.org]() · [Writing & review]() Tip Respect marked trails Icelandic nature is fragile; stick to paths and leave no trace. ## Quick Answer Iceland has three national parks: Þingvellir, Vatnajökull, and Snæfellsjökull, plus reserves like Þórsmörk. Access, seasons, and what each area protects. South IcelandUNESCO Heritage ### Þingvellir National Park Site of the world's oldest parliament (930 AD). Walk between tectonic plates. Golden Circle stop. Best for History + tectonic rift geology [View details]() South IcelandGlacier park ### Vatnajökull National Park Covers Vatnajökull glacier, Skaftafell, Jökulsárgljúfur canyon, and glacier lagoons. Best for Glacier and volcanic landscapes [View details]() West IcelandGlacier volcano ### Snæfellsjökull National Park Glacier-capped volcano on Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Coastal routes at Djúpalónssandur and Dritvík. Best for Jules Verne + coastal trails [View details]() North IcelandNational park area ### Jökulsárgljúfur Canyon Now part of Vatnajökull NP. Home to Dettifoss, Ásbyrgi canyon, and Hljóðaklettar echo rocks. Best for Waterfalls + canyon geology [View details]() HighlandsHighland reserve ### Þórsmörk Nature Reserve Thor's Valley. Fimmvörðuháls and Laugavegur trail endpoint. Choose a base and confirm an operated transfer or suitable approach. Best for Hiking between glaciers [View details]() West IcelandCoastal reserve ### Breiðafjörður Protected Area Large bay with thousands of islands. Puffins, white-tailed eagles, seals. Boat tours from Stykkishólmur. Best for Birdlife + island exploration [View details]() EastfjordsCoastal destination ### Hvalnes Coast Mountain backdrop, black sand beach, and a lighthouse. Check the weather before walking the exposed shore. Best for Lighthouse and mountain views [View details]() ## Separate the park from the day’s destination Vatnajökull National Park includes Skaftafell in the south and Jökulsárgljúfur in the north. They are different visits with different roads and trail conditions. At the northern end, Gljúfrastofa is the visitor centre in Ásbyrgi, not a second stop elsewhere in the canyon. The three parks also have separate payment systems. Read [Þingvellir’s parking rules](), [Snæfellsjökull’s service-fee guidance]() and the [Vatnajökull regional-fee rules](). A daily payment can cover specified car parks within one scheme; it is not an Iceland-wide pass. ## Choose a current route inside the park As checked on September 10, 2026, Austurbrekkur in Skaftafell is closed for work until September 30. At west-side Dettifoss, Fosshvamm is permanently closed following rockfall and cracking. The [park’s notices]() explain the affected routes. These are local restrictions, not closure of the whole national park. Breiðafjörður is protected under its own legislation. Its [island-visit guide]() covers ferry stops and seasonal services; a coastal reserve visit requires different planning from a marked walking route at Þingvellir. Planning help ## National Park FAQs Quick answers with safety notes where it matters. **Do Iceland's national parks charge entrance fees?** Check each park’s parking or regional service fee as well as any camping charge. Þingvellir, Snæfellsjökull and the Skaftafell/Jökulsárlón areas have different payment arrangements. Paying at one national park does not cover another. **Which national park should I visit first?** Þingvellir National Park on the Golden Circle is the most accessible from Reykjavík and combines UNESCO World Heritage history with rift-valley geology. For glaciers and waterfalls, go to Vatnajökull National Park (Skaftafell area). **Can I camp in Iceland's national parks?** Yes, but only at designated campsites within the parks. Wild camping in national parks is prohibited to protect fragile ecosystems. Campsites in Þingvellir, Skaftafell, and Ásbyrgi have facilities including toilets, showers, and cooking shelters. **When is the best time to visit Iceland's national parks?** June through August offers the best weather and longest trails. Þingvellir is accessible year-round. For Þórsmörk and Fjallabak, check the particular approach and transport operator rather than treating a calendar season as confirmation of access. **What are the rules for visiting Icelandic nature reserves?** Stay on marked trails, do not pick plants or disturb wildlife, carry out all rubbish, do not build cairns, and camp only in designated areas. Iceland's moss and vegetation can take decades to recover from damage. ## Explore parks by region Use the region pages to plan your route around these protected areas. [South Iceland]()[West Iceland]()[North Iceland]()[East Iceland]() Country reference: [Iceland statistics]().