National Parks in Iceland: Thingvellir, Vatnajokull, & Snaefellsjokull

Quick Overview of Iceland's National Parks

The three national parks are spread across different regions of Iceland, which means visiting all three requires either multi-day self-drive tours or longer vacation packages.

Thingvellir National Park

• Region: Southwest Iceland

• Distance from Reykjavik: 30 miles (49 kilometers)

• Size: 89 square miles (230 square kilometers)

• Best for: History, geology, snorkeling/diving

• Signature experience: Snorkeling in Silfra Fissure

• UNESCO status: Yes (2004)

• Year established: 1928/1930

• Entrance fee: Free (parking fees at some sites)

• Best season: Year-round

• Crowds: High (Golden Circle stop)

Vatnajokull National Park

• Region: Southeast / Northeast

• Distance from Reykjavik: 202 miles (325 kilometers)

• Size: 5,460 square miles (14,141 square kilometers)

• Best for: Glaciers, ice caves, hiking

• Signature experience: Ice cave tour in Vatnajokull Glacier

• UNESCO status: Yes (2019)

• Year established: 2008

• Entrance fee: Free (parking fees at some sites)

• Best season: Year-round (ice caves: November to March)

• Crowds: Moderate to high (South Coast)

Snaefellsjokull National Park

• Region: West Iceland

• Distance from Reykjavik: 118 miles (190 kilometers)

• Size: 66 square miles (170 square kilometers)

• Best for: Coastal scenery, lava caves, volcano

• Signature experience: Exploring Vatnshellir Lava Cave

• UNESCO status: No

• Year established: 2001

• Entrance fee: Free (parking fees at some sites)

• Best season: Year-round (summer for hiking)

• Crowds: Moderate

Thingvellir National Park

Thingvellir National Park is located in Blaskogabyggd municipality, 30 miles (49 kilometers) from Reykjavik, roughly 40 minutes by car. It makes up one of the three stops on the Golden Circle route, alongside Gullfoss Waterfall and the Haukadalur, home to the geysers. You can explore all three on Golden Circle tours from Reykjavik, or drive them yourself at your own pace.

The poem below (translated to English), Mt. Skjaldbreidur, was written by Jónas Hallgrímsson (1807-1845), a great poet of the romantic tradition, to whom Icelandic Language Day is dedicated.

Eastward, stony steeps are leaping
stalwartly from Raven Gorge;
westward, walls of rock are keeping
watch above our nation’s forge.
Grímur Goatshoe, sage and clever,
grasped the promise of this place:
Almanna Gorge, on guard forever,
girds the councils of my race.

The poem describes the volcano Mount Skjaldbreidur (Broadshield) and the expansive dried lava fields that formed at the base of Thingvallavatn. These landscapes were created after an eruption over 9,000 years ago, and Thingvallavatn remains the largest of the natural lakes in Iceland.

Thingvallavatn is a 32-square-mile (84-square-kilometer) body of water protected under the Environment Agency of Iceland. It rests just to the side of Thingvellir, Iceland's oldest national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2004.

Those traveling from the capital will set their eyes on the lake before seeing the park itself. Despite its cold temperature, over 150 different species of plant life and 50 types of invertebrates have been discovered along its shorelines. You can stay nearby by booking accommodation in the Golden Circle area.

Attractions and Things To Do at Thingvellir National Park

Thingvellir offers a mix of history, geology, and outdoor experiences, with plenty to explore at your own pace or on guided tours.

• Walk to Oxararfoss Waterfall – Follow an easy path to see the Oxara River drop over Almannagja into a clear pool below. It’s one of the most photographed spots in the park, especially in winter when the falls freeze into sculpted ice.

• Stroll Along Almannagja Gorge – Walk between the shifting tectonic plates while passing key historical sites like the Logberg Law Rock, where laws were once recited, and Drekkingarhylur, a place tied to Iceland’s judicial past.

• Snorkel or Dive in Silfra Fissure – Float between continents in crystal-clear glacial water with visibility up to 328 feet (100 meters). The water is cold but stable year-round, making this a rare and accessible diving experience.

• Join a Ranger-Led Walking Tour – Get deeper context on the park’s history and geology with free guided walks in summer, led by knowledgeable park rangers.

• Visit Filming Locations in Iceland – Spot familiar scenes from Game of Thrones, where Thingvellir’s rugged terrain was used to represent parts of the Vale and beyond.

• Camp at Thingvellir - There are designated campsites at Thingvellir. Advance reservations are not needed. Just pay at the service center on arrival (or online after hours). See the full guide to camping in Iceland for what to know before you go.

Best Tours in Thingvellir National Park

Thingvellir is one of the easiest national parks to visit, and it’s included in many popular Thingvellir tours, especially along the Golden Circle. These tours combine history, geology, and nearby highlights into a single, well-paced day.

• Golden Circle Tour with Kerid Crater & Fridheimar Farm – A well-rounded route that pairs Thingvellir with volcanic landscapes and a greenhouse visit for a unique local food experience.

• Small-Group Golden Circle Minibus Tour from Reykjavik with Bruarfoss Waterfall – A more intimate experience with fewer crowds, including a stop at the striking blue Bruarfoss waterfall.

• Golden Circle Tour with the Secret Lagoon – Combines Thingvellir with a relaxing soak in one of Iceland’s oldest natural pools, adding a slower, more laid-back finish to the day.

 Wildlife & Nature at Thingvellir National Park

While Thingvellir is primarily known for its geological and historical significance, the park supports a quiet but rich natural environment. Lake Thingvallavatn is home to four unique varieties of Arctic char, found nowhere else on Earth, shaped by thousands of years of isolation in the lake. Brown trout are also common, making the lake a popular (and regulated) fishing spot.

The park's lava fields and moss-covered gorges support Arctic foxes, mink, and a variety of birdlife. In summer, you will hear ptarmigan, golden plovers, and various waterfowl around the lake's shores. The park's native vegetation includes over 150 plant species in and around the lake alone.

History & Geology of Thingvellir National Park

Thingvellir became a national park in 1928 to protect its historic remains. It officially opened in 1930. The park was named a protected national site for all Icelanders and placed under the care of the parliament. It could never be sold or used as security for a loan.

Thingvellir is best known as the original meeting place of the Althingi, Iceland’s National Assembly. It was founded in 930 AD and is often called one of the world’s oldest parliaments.

Early settlers gathered here in temporary camps below the North American tectonic plate. The Lawspeaker, the highest official at the assembly, stood by the rock wall and used it to help carry his voice across the crowd.

At that time, writing materials were rare. Because of this, the Lawspeaker (lögsögumaður) had to remember the laws and recite them from memory.

The Law Council, or Lögrétta, was at the center of the assembly. It was made up of Iceland’s chieftains, who voted on legal issues, local disputes, and questions about daily life.

People often traveled for weeks to reach Thingvellir, either on horseback or on foot. When they arrived, they set up camps among the cracks and lava fields. It was also a time to share news and stories from across Iceland.

Thingvellir is also where Icelanders chose to adopt Christianity in 1000 AD, marking a major turning point in the country’s history.

Today, visitors can walk through the same areas used by early settlers. The cracks, cliffs, and open spaces make the park feel closely connected to Iceland’s past. In summer, visitors can also join a free guided walking tour with a ranger in Thingvellir, which runs daily from June to August.

By the 1800s, the Althingi at Thingvellir had lost much of its power. It had become a small law court under Danish rule, far from the days when Icelanders gathered there to shape their own future.

In the 1800s, Iceland’s push for independence began to grow. After many challenges, Icelanders gathered at Thingvellir on June 17, 1944. There, Gísli Sveinsson declared Iceland’s constitution in effect. The Althingi later moved to Reykjavik, but Thingvellir remains a key symbol of Iceland’s history.

Thingvellir is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its unique geology. It is one of the few places in the world where you can see the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates above ground.

Between the plates is a wide rift valley with old lava fields, deep cracks, strange rock shapes, and soft Icelandic moss. This area is part of the North Atlantic Rift system.

The most striking feature is Almannagja Gorge. It stretches for 4.8 miles (7.7 kilometers) and marks the edge of the North American tectonic plate. On the other side, Hrafnagja marks the edge of the Eurasian plate and runs for 7 miles (11 kilometers).

At Thingvellir, the two plates are slowly pulling apart. They move about 0.8 inches (2 centimeters) each year, though the movement often happens in sudden shifts. One major event in 1789 caused the valley to sink and widen.

Vatnajokull National Park

This is by far the largest national park in Iceland, and the second largest in Europe, covering approximately 5,460 square miles (14,141 square kilometers), which amounts to nearly 14% of Iceland's total landmass. The park contains the whole of Vatnajokull Glacier, the largest ice cap in Europe outside the Arctic.

Vatnajokull National Park is home to many of the fantastical locations that top most must-see lists: Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, Diamond Beach, Skaftafell Nature Reserve, Dettifoss Waterfall, and Asbyrgi Canyon. Other spots include Jokulsargljufur, Odadahraun, Snaefell Wilderness Area, Lakagigar (Laki Craters), and Nyidalur.

When the park was founded in 2008, it integrated two former national parks: Skaftafell (established 1967) to the south and Jokulsargljufur (established 1973) in the north. Subsequent expansions brought it to its current size. In 2019, the park was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in recognition of its extraordinary geological record and the interplay of fire and ice. To stay near the park, book accommodation in South Iceland.

Attractions and Things To Do at Vatnajokull National Park

Vatnajokull National Park offers some of Iceland’s most varied landscapes, stretching from vast glaciers in the south to deep canyons and volcanic terrain in the north. The scale alone is impressive, and the range of experiences makes it one of the most dynamic places to explore in the country.

• Explore Ice Caves – Step inside naturally formed ice caves that appear each winter as the glacier shifts. These caves glow in deep blue tones, created by compressed ice filtering the light, and are typically accessible from November to March with a guide.

• Visit Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon – Watch icebergs break off Breidamerkurjokull Glacier and drift across a calm lagoon toward the ocean. Seals are often seen swimming on the floating ice, adding life to the scene.

• Walk Along Diamond Beach – Cross the road from the lagoon to see chunks of glacial ice scattered across black sand. The contrast between clear ice and dark volcanic beach is especially striking in soft light.

• Discover Dettifoss Waterfall – Stand near Europe’s most powerful waterfall by volume and feel the force of glacial water crashing into the canyon below.

• Explore Asbyrgi Canyon – Wander through this horseshoe-shaped canyon, steeped in Norse legend and known for its quiet forest paths and towering cliffs.

• Hike in Skaftafell Nature Reserve – Follow well-marked trails through a greener part of the park, leading to Svartifoss Waterfall, framed by dark basalt columns.

• See Askja Caldera and Laki Craters – Venture into remote highland areas to explore volcanic landscapes shaped by powerful eruptions, including one of the largest in recorded history.

• Visit Morsarfoss Waterfall - See Iceland's tallest waterfall, It's one of the newest members of the attractions in the park, as it only appeared in 2007, when the surrounding glacier, Morsarjokull, had melted enough to reveal it. It is, however, extremely hard to reach it.

Best Tours in Vatnajokull National Park

Vatnajokull offers some of Iceland’s most unforgettable experiences, and joining guided glacier tours is the best way to safely explore its glaciers, ice caves, and lagoon. Many South Coast tours include the Vatnajokull Glacier, combining iconic sights with expert guidance.

• The Crystal Blue Ice Cave Tour in Vatnajokull Glacier – Step inside a naturally formed ice cave with glowing blue walls, one of the park’s most unique winter experiences.

• The Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon Boat Tour – Cruise among floating icebergs and get close to the glacier front, with a chance to spot seals along the way.

• 2-Day South Coast Winter Tour to Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon & Crystal Blue Ice Cave – A multi-day trip covering waterfalls, black sand beaches, and glacier highlights, with a guided ice cave experience included.

Wildlife at Vatnajokull National Park

Vatnajokull National Park supports around 2,000 reindeer that roam freely in summer and move to the southeastern valley areas in winter. Arctic foxes are present throughout the park, as are seals along the coast near Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon.

Birdlife is particularly rich in the northern section: the Ruddy Shelduck nests near the Snaefellsoraefi area, and a diverse range of wading birds, seabirds, and ducks can be spotted along the river systems and coast.

History & Geology of Vatnajokull National Park

Vatnajokull is thought to have started forming about 2,500 years ago. Because the area had high ground and a mild climate, Skaftafell became a good place for farming and sheep grazing. It was also used as a meeting place for þings, or assemblies. Local farmers also traveled to the coast to hunt seals, collect bird eggs, and gather useful items from shipwrecks.

Life in Skaftafell changed after the powerful Oraefajokull eruption in 1362. Huge glacial floods swept through the area, destroying farms and settlements. After this disaster, the region became known as Oraefi, meaning “wasteland.” People later returned and built new farms, but the cooler climate made farming harder, and Skaftafell never became as important as it had been before.

Later glacial floods from the 1783 Grimsvotn eruptions made farming in the area even harder. Still, farming in Skaftafell continued until 1988. Today, Skaftafell is known as a protected area.

Vatnajokull is Europe’s largest glacier outside the Arctic. Its ice is hundreds of meters thick and covers a huge area. Under the ice are valleys, mountains, plateaus, and volcanoes, including Grimsvotn and Bardarbunga. On the southern side is Hvannadalshnukur, Iceland’s highest mountain at 6,923 feet (2,110 meters).

Its outlet glaciers spread out in many directions, with Breidamerkurjokull being one of the most famous. This glacier ends at Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, one of the best places to see the size and beauty of Vatnajokull.

Aside from the stunning views and potential for cave exploration, Vatnajokull National Park contains some of the country’s most exciting and memorable attractions, including the country's largest glacier, tallest mountaintop, and highest waterfall!

Canyons, lagoons, mountainscapes, and fertile valleys all lie in wait for those ready to discover the park’s many memorable highlights. With so much to see and do, the park feels like a natural playground for travelers.

Snaefellsjokull National Park

Snaefellsjokull National Park was established in June 2001 to protect the region's heritage, natural diversity, and fascinating cultural sites. Covering approximately 66 square miles (170 square kilometers) of the tip of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, the park is wonderfully varied.

Rocky coves, lava plateaus, towering bird cliffs, and a glacier-capped volcano all contribute to its reputation as 'Iceland in miniature.' It's a place that showcases the best natural features of the entire country in one compact area.

Reaching Snaefellsjokull National Park from Reykjavik requires a 120-mile (190-kilometer) journey (approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes drive) across some truly mesmerizing terrain.

As you approach, the park's main focal point, Snaefellsjokull Volcano, grows larger on the horizon until it dominates the entire landscape. There are many Snaefellsnes tours available that take in the park and the wider peninsula in a single day or over multiple days.

Attractions and Things To Do at Snaefellsjokull National Park

Snaefellsjokull National Park offers a compact mix of caves, coastal cliffs, and volcanic landscapes, making it easy to experience a wide range of Icelandic nature in one area. It also includes many of the top things to do in the Snaefellsnes Peninsula.

• Explore Songhellir Cave – Visit the “Cave of Song,” known for its natural echoes and historic carvings left by early travelers.

• Descend into Vatnshellir Lava Tube – Join a guided tour into this 8,000-year-old cave, where spiral stairs lead to chambers shaped by ancient magma flows.

• Walk into Raudfeldsgja Gorge – Enter a narrow mountain rift that leads to a hidden waterfall, with terrain becoming more challenging deeper inside.

• Visit Djupalonssandur Beach – See black pebbles, scattered shipwreck remains, and historic lifting stones once used by fishermen to test strength.

• Explore Arnarstapi and Hellnar – Walk along coastal cliffs with striking rock formations and views that shift with the changing sea conditions.

• See Mount Kirkjufell and Kirkjufellsfoss – Stop near this iconic mountain and its nearby waterfall, one of the most photographed scenes in Iceland.

• Spot Seals at Ytri-Tunga Beach – Watch a resident seal colony along this unique golden-sand beach, most active in summer.

• Look for Orcas near Grundarfjordur – Head offshore for one of the best chances to see killer whales in Icelandic waters.

Best Tours in Snaefellsjokull National Park

Snaefellsjokull is best explored through guided experiences that cover both the national park and the wider peninsula. These Snaefellsjokull tours combine coastal scenery, lava caves, and wildlife encounters into a well-paced trip.

• Small Group Tour of Snaefellsnes Peninsula with Transfer from Reykjavik – A full-day tour covering key highlights like coastal cliffs, lava fields, and the glacier-capped volcano.

• The Vatnshellir Cave Tour – Descend into an 8,000-year-old lava tube with a guide, exploring colorful chambers formed by ancient volcanic activity.

• Whale Watching Tour from Olafsvik in Snæfellsnes Peninsula – Head out to sea for a chance to spot orcas and other marine life along the peninsula’s rich coastline.

Wildlife & Birdlife at Snaefellsjokull National Park

Snaefellsjokull National Park's coastline is its wildlife stronghold. The park is home to large colonies of Arctic tern, which is in fact the symbol of Snaefellsbaer municipality, as well as fulmars, guillemots, kittiwakes, razorbills, and shags. Saxholsbjarg and Thufubjarg are among the best cliffs for birdwatching. Common and grey seals can be spotted along the coast, particularly at Ytri-Tunga.

The Budahraun Lava Field is known for rare plant and moss species. Out of Iceland's 16 species of fern, 11 grow within the park's boundaries, a result of the humidity created when seawater saturates the lava's foundations. The area also supports approximately 130 plant species overall.

History & Geology of Snaefellsjokull National Park

Snaefellsjokull is an ice-capped volcano at the western end of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. It is more than 700,000 years old. The volcano’s actual name is Snaefell, but people often call it Snaefellsjokull to avoid confusion with other mountains named Snaefell.

On a clear day, Snaefellsjokull can be seen from 75 miles (120 kilometers) away across Faxafloi Bay. It is impressive from a distance, but even more powerful up close, where visitors can better see its size and how much it shapes the surrounding land.

The peninsula has been inhabited for around 1,100 years, as shown by old sites like Forni-Saxholl, Berutoftir, and Irskubudir. The volcano last erupted about 1,800 years ago. Its lava flows helped form the caves, craters, and rugged landscapes that visitors can explore today.

In the 12th and 13th centuries, fishing helped the area grow. People settled near the glacier where they had good access to the sea. Dritvik became the region’s largest fishing harbor, with up to 60 boats and 400 people. Fishing later declined in the 19th century as fishing methods changed across Iceland.

North of Dritvik, a church was built at Ingjaldsholl in the 1200s. A newer church stands there today, but the site still points to the area’s long history.

Snaefellsjokull has also inspired artists, writers, and musicians for many years. It appears in old Icelandic stories, including Bárðar saga Snæfellsáss.

Bárðar saga Snæfellsáss dates back to the early 1300s. Its first part tells the story of Bárður Snæfellsáss, a half-human, half-troll figure who settled on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula with his family.

After several tragic events, Bárður left his home and went to live on the glacier. Over time, local people began to see him as a guardian spirit of the region.

Snaefellsnes also appears in other old Icelandic stories, including Laxdæla saga from the 1200s. The glacier later became famous through Jules Verne’s 1864 novel, Journey to the Center of the Earth, where Snaefellsjokull is the entrance to an underground world.

Since then, Snaefellsjokull has continued to inspire writers, including Halldór Laxness in Under the Glacier and Ludvík Souček in the Blind Birds trilogy.

How Iceland’s National Parks Are Run

Each of Iceland's three national parks have their own governing body. Thingvellir is overseen by the Thingvellir Commission, Vatnajokull National Park is administered by its own park authority (Vatnajokulsthjogar), and Snaefellsjokull National Park is operated under Iceland's nature conservation authorities. Rangers in each park focus on protection, sustainable access, and visitor services.

There are also more than 130 other protected areas across Iceland. These include nature reserves, protected landscapes, and special conservation areas. Since January 1, 2025, these areas have been managed by Iceland’s new environmental agencies, including the Nature Conservation Agency of Iceland. The national parks remain the country’s most protected and formally recognized natural areas.

Both Thingvellir (since 2004) and Vatnajokull (since 2019) hold UNESCO World Heritage Site status, a recognition of their outstanding universal value to geology, history, and the natural world.

Park Rules and Good Conduct

Iceland's landscapes are fragile. A patch of moss that looks like it could handle a footstep can take decades to recover once damaged. The rules across all three national parks are consistent with Iceland's wider approach to nature conservation:

• Stay on marked paths and obey any closures. Fragile moss and lava fields take decades to heal.

• No off-road driving anywhere in Iceland. It is illegal and causes irreversible damage.

• Camp only in designated campsites. Special rules apply to backcountry tenting; ask rangers locally.

• Pack out all litter and leave what you find. Do not carve names into rocks or stack stones.

• Drones may require permits in national parks. Always respect no-fly zones and people's privacy.

• Check road and weather conditions at Safetravel.is and road.is before any visit, especially in shoulder seasons.

All three parks welcome volunteers and seasonal staff who help maintain trails and protect sensitive areas during the summer. If you see something being damaged, report it to park rangers.

Best Time to Visit Iceland's National Parks

Iceland's national parks are open year-round, but the conditions and available activities change significantly with the seasons. The best time to visit depends on what you want to do.

• Summer (June to August) - Best for hiking, wildflowers, birdwatching, and midnight sun photography. All trails and visitor centers are open. Thingvellir and the Snaefellsnes coast are at their most accessible. Expect more crowds at popular sites.

• Autumn (September to October) - Fewer crowds, dramatic autumn colors in Thingvellir (birch trees and moss turn golden), good conditions for northern lights hunting, and the early ice cave season begins in late October. A strong all-around season.

• Winter (November to March) - Peak season for ice cave tours in Vatnajokull (November to March). Northern lights are visible on clear nights from all parks. Snorkeling in Silfra runs year-round. Expect shorter daylight hours, snow-covered landscapes, and some trail closures at higher elevations.

• Spring (April to May) - Milder weather, longer days, and returning birdlife. Fewer tourists than in summer, but most facilities are open. Spring snowmelt creates spectacular waterfalls. One of the best value seasons for visiting.

Which National Park in Iceland Should You Visit?

The right national park in Iceland depends on what you want to experience. If you’re short on time or staying near Reykjavik, Thingvellir is the easiest to reach and offers a strong mix of history and geology in one visit. It’s also a key stop along the Golden Circle.

For dramatic landscapes and once-in-a-lifetime experiences, Vatnajokull stands out. This is where you’ll find glaciers, ice caves, powerful waterfalls, and vast wilderness. It’s best suited for travelers with more time or those following the South Coast or Ring Road.

If you’re looking for variety without long distances, Snaefellsjokull is a great choice. Often called “Iceland in miniature,” it combines lava fields, coastal cliffs, caves, and a glacier-capped volcano in a compact area.

If possible, visiting more than one park gives you a better sense of Iceland’s diversity. Each offers a different perspective, and together, they show why the country feels like one vast natural reserve.

Did you enjoy our article about national parks in Iceland? Which was your favorite national park, and what attractions did you visit? Make sure to leave your comments and queries in the comments box below.