What to see and do at the Vatnajökull Glacier, Iceland

Vatnajökull Glacier in Iceland is the Largest Glacier in Europe

The Vatnajökull glacier (kull) is located in the southeast of Iceland and it covers around 8% of the country’s landmass (3,100 square miles). This glacier is part of the Vatnajökull National Park, which is renowned for its stunning landscapes.

On 8/23/2024, starting in the early morning, we cruised from West to East along the Southern and Eastern coast of Iceland. From the ship, we were able to view the Vatnajökull glacier and it’s outlet glacier which  emptied into the sea.

The Vatnajökull glacier has a large number of outlet glaciers, including Svínafellsjökull and Jökulsárlón. The glacier's ice cap sits atop several volcanoes, and its melting contributes to many of the region’s rivers. Due to its vast size and the volcanic activity beneath it, Vatnajökull is a dynamic and ever-changing environment. The glacier's ice caves and ice tunnels are popular attractions, though they can be quite hazardous, so guided tours are recommended.

The glacier also plays a significant role in Icelandic folklore and has been featured in various films and TV shows, including “Die Another Day” and “Game of Thrones.” The surrounding landscapes, with their dramatic ice formations and volcanic features, make Vatnajökull a must-see for visitors interested in Iceland's natural beauty.

Viator offers numerous tours in the Vatnajokull area. Click here for details. vi.me/6amVS

The Vatnajökull glacier 

The Breidhamerkurjokull outlet glacier

View of the glaciers from the ship.

Kviarjokull and Fjallsjokull outlet glaciers

The Heinaabergsjokull and Flaajokull outlet glaciers