Iceland’s majestic landscapes make it a stellar destination for hikers. The vast area protected as Vatnajökull National Park is no exception and its varied terrain makes it a rewarding area to explore on foot.
Many of its best trails are easily accessible from Hotel Jökulsárlón, meaning you’ll have somewhere that’s both stylish and comfortable to return to at the end of an exhilarating day.
Let’s take a look at some of the hiking trails around Vatnajökull National Park that anyone with a keen interest in adventure travel should not miss.
Svartifoss waterfall
- The area of Vatnajökull known as Skaftafell was a protected area in its own right before being absorbed into the wider national park.
- The highlight of this area is undoubtedly Svartifoss waterfall, reached via a scenic hiking trail that’s manageable for most travellers.
- From the car park, the trail climbs steadily but isn’t too steep to be challenging; allow about an hour and a half for the round trip.
- Eye on the prize, you’ll pass three smaller falls: Þjófafoss (Thieves’ Falls), Hundafoss (Dogs’ Falls) and Magnúsarfoss (The Falls of Magnús).
- This 20 metre high waterfall gets its water from Svínafellsjökull glacier, but it’s the geology that makes this a truly memorable hike.
- Svartifoss is flanked by towering basalt columns, created when lava from a long-past eruption cooled into their distinctive hexagonal shape.
Skaftafell glacier trail
- Referred to in Icelandic as Jökulslóð, walking the Skaftafell glacier trail is a good way to appreciate what happens to the landscape as a glacier retreats.
- Part paved and part gravel, as you hike you’ll be treated to a close up look at the glacier itself.
- Along the length of the 4.1 kilometre long route, numbered markers help you interpret the landforms that you are seeing.
- For instance, you’ll notice:
- Dikes formed when magma is pushed into the bedrock.
- Older terminal moraines and trimlines where the ice scrapes at the valley sides.
- Kames, which are irregularly shaped mounds of glacial sediment that accumulate when a glacier retreats.
- Kettle holes which form when parts of the glacier melt to create a hollow that later fills with water.
- Dikes formed when magma is pushed into the bedrock.
Fjallsárlón
- This short but challenging trail promises breathtaking views of Fjallsárlón and its surroundings.
- This glittering glacial lagoon is strewn with icebergs that have calved off an outlet glacier of Vatnajökull called Fjallsjökull.
- Smaller and more intimate than neighbouring Jökulsárlón, it receives a relatively small number of visitors and even fewer that are prepared to hike this trail.
- One of the highlights is an overlook which affords views of Hrútárjökull, Ærfjall, Fjallsjökull and Breiðamerkurfjall.
- It’s only a kilometre and a half long, but allow around 45 minutes to complete it because of the steep stretches.
- Extend this hike to 15 kilometres and take in more of the glacial lagoon scenery as you follow the whole Breiðármörk trail.
- Spanning sand, rocky terrain and moraines, it’s uneven in places but most hikers will be able to finish it in around five hours.
Eystri-Fellsfjara and Jökulsárlón
- If you’re looking for an easy hike that’s family-friendly, these two short trails near Jökulsárlón will fit the bill.
- Eystri-Fellsfjara leads to the irresistibly pretty Diamond Beach, where chunks of ice that have been washed ashore by Atlantic breakers litter the shore.
- They originally came from Breiðamerkurjökull and you can retrace their steps by walking under the bridge and alongside the lagoon itself.
- For a beautiful view of Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, follow a marked trail to Helguhóll from where you can see the lagoon as well as Breiðamerkursandur.
- Heading down from the ridge the trail leads to a scenic cove and on to some moraines, at which point there’s a good view over the glacier.
- If the weather’s fine you might also be able to see the peaks of Mávabyggðir and the sub-glacial volcano Esjufjöll through the ice.
Múlagljúfur
- Múlagljúfur Canyon along with Hangandifoss and Múlafoss waterfalls are listed amidst the most scenic attractions of Iceland that are sure to leave you awestruck but lack of complete information and access has restricted people from visiting there. But this place is worth a visit.
- GPS: 63.98958, -16.4588
- Hidden location in south Iceland.
- Easy to Moderate 30–40 minute hike to the viewing place.
- Best to visit during summer.
Up onto the glacier
- Guided tours are possible for those wishing to hike on ice.
- Parts of Vatnajökull are easily accessible and suitable for short excursions, though often the activity will begin with a ride in a super jeep as these high clearance, all-terrain vehicles can get up onto the glacier in a way regular vehicles never could.
- Because of the presence of moulins and crevasses, this is not a hiking activity you can do on your own.
- Local tour operators hire qualified and experienced guides who know the area well and stay abreast of any changes to the glacier’s surface – this is a dynamic environment that’s impacted by factors such as weather, gravity and so on.
- They’ll prioritise your safety so you can concentrate on admiring the icy expanse in which you’re immersed.
Tips for hiking Iceland’s trails around Hotel Jökulsárlón
No matter which route you decide to hike, good preparation can make it much more enjoyable and in some cases, far safer. Here are some tips that will help you get the most out of your time in the outdoors.
- Be realistic about your capabilities
Not everyone can scamper up steep trails like they were a mountain goat. Think carefully before embarking on a hike to make sure it is within your capabilities. It’s good to challenge yourself but not at the expense of the rest of your trip. Pace yourself and opt for a hike that you can complete without mishap. - Dress appropriately
Iceland’s weather can change abruptly so anyone considering a longer hike where they’ll be outside for a few hours or more needs to factor in that conditions can change during the hike. Make sure you dress accordingly, with layers that can be removed if required and carried in a day pack. - Make sure you choose the right boots
Steep and slippery inclines demand respect – this is not the kind of place you can set off in inappropriate footwear. Make sure you have adequate ankle support and also a good grip; crampons can help give you extra traction on the ice. If you have signed up for a guided glacier hike, these will be provided – along with a helmet. - Communicate your plans
This is especially important on longer hikes if you are tackling them independently and particularly if you are travelling solo. Let someone at the hotel know your general plans and the time you expect to return. That way if an accident were to happen, someone will be aware that you are likely to be in a certain area and if necessary, send help.
Whether you’re hoping to do one of Iceland’s excellent nature hikes or will set out in search of its striking terrain, the hiking trails around Vatnajökull National Park present a wealth of possibilities.
Hotel Jökulsárlón is well-situated for guests to take advantage of the scenic landscapes in south east Iceland making it the ideal base for your outdoor adventure.
