Skaftafell

Skaftafell is a protected area within the Vatnajökull National Park and its rugged scenery epitomises the untamed beauty of Iceland. Miles and miles of hiking trails pass by glaciers, rivers and tumbling waterfalls, making this spot an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. There is also the opportunity to join a guided glacier hike and explore natural ice caves at Skaftafell.

The name Skaftafell comes from a major farm that once existed in the area. It used to be a small settlement, but the catastrophic eruption of Öræfajökull in 1362 wiped out the entire community and the devastated area became known as Öræfi (the wasteland) ever since.

Skaftafell’s landscape has been formed by thousands of years of volcanic activity and shifting glaciers, creating scenery that looks like it belongs in a fantasy realm. It was this beguiling scenery that led the Icelandic government to grant Skaftafell national park status in 1967, protecting nearly 5000 square kilometres of land. In 2008, the Skaftafell national park was incorporated with the larger Vatnajökull national park, making it the largest protected area in Iceland.