VATNAJÖKULL National Park (vatna - water, jökull -glacier) in Southeast Iceland was formed in 2008 when the government combined Vatnajökull ice cap with two previously established parks Skaftafell and Jökulsárgljúfur and is Europe’s second largest park. Magnificent glaciers, rugged volcanic mountains, and vast tundra create a dynamic landscape of fire and ice. Its boundaries encompass roughly 14,141 sq km, or about 14% of the countries land mass. Iceland’s highest elevation (2,110m) sits on the pyramid-shaped peak of Hvannadalshnjúkur mountain, submerged in ice at the heart of the park. The Southeastern edge of the park abuts the Atlantic coast near the Norwegian Sea. One who travels across the park will encounter numerous sub-glacial valleys, spectacular canyons, highland plateaus of rock and ice, along with volcanoes Askja, Snæfell and Kverkfjöll. Hyaloclastite foothills surrounding the area are believed to been created by sub-glacier eruptions following the ice age. Alpine vegetation in the area includes glacier buttercup, alpine whitlow grass, and large patches of mosses which provides a mosaic of vibrant color against the dark unvegetated foreground. While the park is not known for its wildlife, scores of sea birds and seals occupy the area, and reindeer can be viewed inland. 5
Polar and temperate climate zones mix creating unpredictable weather where temperatures can vary from 20 degrees (C) during summer to below minus 10 degrees (C) in winter, and in the high regions average annual precipitation is approximately 4,000-5,000mm. European Heritage Days, commence annually within the park in Skaftafell. Tourists, scientists, and film makers regularly inhabit the park. Many international films have shot scenes in the park including 1985 James Bond: “A view to Kill”. Protection of the park falls under the Nature Conservation Act of Iceland and other nature reserve policies. Scientific research on tectonic, oceanic, glacial, and biotic systems within the park is supported. Ice glaciers in Vatnajökull gain the most attraction from visitors. Additionally, boat tours, ice cave exploration, and scenic drives allow all to experience the wonders of Iceland’s largest park. Many of the park’s enormous glaciers reach depth of around one kilometer in thickness, yet the ice has been melting in recent decades. While there has been no recent volcanic activity, unique underwater thermal vents host single celled organisms that
are believed to have survived the last ice age. Some scientists concur that volcanic eruptions are past due and expect violent displays of activity to occur in the next half-century. Over 30 “outlet” glaciers reside in the park boundaries which contribute to stunning glacier river systems. In one magnificent glacier carved canyon of the park, Jökulsárgljúfur, lies Europe’s most powerful waterfall named Dettifoss. Further North, the horseshoe-shaped canyon Ásbyrgi is believed to have formed when Óðinn’s eight-legged horse, Sleipnir, stepped his foot down from the heavens. Near Snæfell, wetlands host reindeer and many bird species. On the South side of the park, steep mountain ridges steer outlet glaciers upon the lowlands where embedded rivers carry sand to form coastal deserts. A glacial lagoon, one of the parks most visited landmarks, sits at the base of glacier Breiðamerkurjökull where large icebergs float slowly into the Atlantic and hosts some of the best seal watching in the country. According to recent studies, Vatnajökull glaciers are slowly melting around three meters of ice per year. Do not hesitate, please visit this National Heritage Site before its glaciers melt.
