The 3 National Parks of Iceland you have to see live

The national parks of Iceland captivate with their unique beauty and breathtaking natural spectacles. The highlight of the island is definitely its picturesque nature. In total, Iceland has 3 major national parks: Thingvellir, Snaefellsjokull and Vatnajokull National Park, which also includes Jokulsargljufur in the north and Skaftafell in the south. National parks in Iceland are, due to their unique natural and landscape features, native flora and Fauna and the important cultural and historical heritage ,protected areas. In this article we will introduce you to the 3 national parks of the country and tell you what you should not miss during your trip to Iceland.

Thingvellir National Park

Probably the best known national park in Iceland is the Thingvellir National Park. Located in the southwest about 40 km east of the capital Reykjavík, this park impresses with impressive waterfalls and beautiful lakes and was not for nothing the filming location of the Game of Thrones series. Due to its unique nature, history and cultural significance, the national park has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2004. Together with the waterfall Gullfoss and the geysers of Haukadalur, Thingvellir is one of the most famous sights in Iceland and is part of the so-called Golden Circle Route.

The park is located in the middle of a rift valley, where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet in the Almanngjá Gorge. Beneath the calm and crystal clear waters of Lake Thingvellir is the Silfra Fault. This was formed by the continental drift of the North American and Eurasian plates. It is one of the most famous snorkeling and diving sites in the world, as you can dive right between the two tectonic plates.

Must Sees Thingvellir National Park

• Öxarárfoss Waterfall: This breathtaking waterfall should definitely be on your itinerary. It is located in the Almannagjá Gorge, so you can hardly miss it.
• Almannagjá: In this gorge the Eurasian and North American continental plates meet.
• Silfra Fissure: Here you can dive between two continental plates in clear turquoise water.
• Thingvellir Church: The traditional wooden church in Thingvellir is open from mid-May to early September.
• Thingvellir lake: The Þingvallavatn - the Thingvellir lake - is beautiful to look at and a popular fishing place

Vatnajökull National Park

The interaction of rivers, glacial ice and volcanic activity created this beautiful national park. It is named after the Vatnajökull glacier, which it completely encloses. In 2008 the already existing national parks at Skaftafell in the southwest and at Jökulsárgljúfur in the north were united to Vatnajökull. In addition to Vatnajökull , the largest glacier in Europe, the national park is home to some of Iceland's most impressive natural wonders. Imposing waterfalls, huge glacial rivers, breathtaking canyons and beautiful glacial lagoons make Vatnajökull the most diverse national park in Iceland. In 2019, Vatnajökull National Park was added to the World Heritage List.

Must Sees Vatnajökull National Park

• Vatnajökull Glacier: the largest glacier in Europe, covering about 8% of Iceland with an area of about 8,100 km². In winter, be sure to take a guided ice cave tour or glacier hike.
• Fjadrargljufur Canyon: Formed by ice age, volcanic eruptions and water, this canyon offers a breathtaking sight.
• Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon: Glacier rim lake filled with large ice blocks, which has already been the location for James Bond films.
• Diamond beach: beautiful beach with ice blocks on the sand that resemble sparkling diamonds.
• Skaftafell area: picturesque landscapes with many hiking opportunities. Here you will also find Svartifoss waterfall, a beautiful waterfall that cascades over cliffs of black basalt columns.

Snæfellsjökull National Park

Snæfellsjökull is the only Icelandic national park that extends to the sea. In the middle of the area lies the imposing Snæfellsjökull glacier. The landscapes of Snæfellsjökull National Park are very diverse. Around the mighty volcano in the centre are extensive lava fields such as the Neshraun and the Búðahraun. The lava fields are mostly covered with moss and contain occasional hollows where vegetation can thrive sheltered from the wind. The Snæfellsjökull glacier towers majestically over the area, rising above a series of smaller peaks. On the coast, rocky bays alternate with black sand beaches and steep sea cliffs, which are populated by seabirds during the breeding season. In addition, the national park offers an interesting flora and fauna.

Must Sees Snæfellsjökull National Park

• Djúpalón Beach: This black sand beach is perfect for a hike along the rock formations, two brackish pools and the rock arch Gatklettur.
• Snæfellsjökull: The 1446 m high stratovolcano at the western end of the peninsula is a true wonder of nature.
• Saxhöll Crater: The volcanic crater Saxhöll is directly at the roadside and was already responsible for some eruptions in the area. There is a climb nearby that offers a great view of the huge Neshraun lava flows.
• Malarrif: Admire the lighthouse of Malarrif, situated at the cliffs, it offers a great picture

You want to experience the picturesque national parks of Iceland live?

We hope this article has given you a good overview of Iceland's beautiful national parks. If you want to explore these beautiful landscapes of Iceland and also learn more about this great country, then check out our unique Icelandic Journey an. Our local experts will give you an authentic and unfiltered insight into the country and dive deep into the fascinating culture.