The adjective "epic" is overused, but to describe Iceland it is accurate. From its many glaciers and active volcanoes to its alluring thermal lagoons, this Nordic island has captivated adventurers from around the globe.
Some of the most epic places in Iceland are found in its spectacular national parks. Each of the three in the country has its own unique charm, from glacier-capped mountains and lava-covered landscapes to the setting for the world's first Parliament. Indeed, "epic" is the exact word.
SNÑEFELLS JÖKULL NATIONAL PARK
The best park to observe wildlife and admire landscapes that seem from another world
With wide landscapes of ancient magma, vertiginous cliffs with colonies of birds, glacier-capped mountains, and trails along black-sand beaches, Snæfellsjökull National Park covers almost the entire spectrum of Icelandic landscapes. A glacier and a volcano give the reserve its name, situated on the Snæfellsnes peninsula, on the west coast of Iceland.
Dormant under a layer of ice, this stratovolcano is more than 700,000 years old and inspired Jules Verne's novel Journey to the Center of the Earth (1868). It is here where the protagonists of the story find the entrance to descend into the underground world. Expert hikers who undertake the quest to reach the summit (1,446m) will be rewarded with stunning views of the land and sea surrounding the volcano… although there is no entrance to the center of the Earth, too bad.
Not to be forgotten are the Vatnshellir caves. These 8,000-year-old lava tubes can only be explored with a guide and offer a unique opportunity to learn about Iceland's geological features underground.
Walking along any of the coastal paths reveals rocky coves, moss-covered lava fields, abundant seabirds, vertiginous cliffs, and a glaciated volcano, all of which add to the beauty of Snæfellsjökull National Park.
How to visit Snæfell glacier National Park
The park can be easily reached by car from Reykjavik on a day trip, although spending more time is highly recommended.Admission is free, but camping and overnight stays are prohibited. If you want to camp, there are nearby campsites in other places near Snæfellsnes.
ÞINGVELLIR NATIONAL PARK
Best for its historical importance and spectacular geological formations
It makes sense in the sense that the place chosen to establish the world's first Parliament is also the place where two tectonic plates meet. The colonization of Iceland began in the s. X, and when the population began to grow, the heads of the tribes needed a place to meet, settle their differences and establish the laws. Þingvellir was not chosen for its tectonic importance, but for its location in the center of the island. And so the world's first Parliament, the Alþingi (pronounced ál-zin-kii), was born.
The site lies on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, an area where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates move 2 cm apart each year. If Iceland did not register under its surface a continuous volcanic activity that gives it new lava, it would end up cracking.
Iceland's first parliamentarians might not have been aware of Þingvellir 's geological significance, but they had good taste in choosing where to meet: the area is characterized by steep cliffs, a waterfall, and picturesque trails steeped in history.
Visitors to the park often end up walking through the Almannagjá, the narrow valley that marks the limit of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. It is a path surrounded by majestic rock faces and dewy grass, and one of the unforgettable locations of Game of Thrones.
As for the activities that can be practiced in the park, snorkeling and scuba diving in the crystal clear waters of the Silfra fissure are almost obligatory for the most curious. And if you prefer to step on solid ground, no less spectacular is to undertake a hiking route.
Covered in snow or illuminated by the midnight sun, Þingvellir's beauty does not fade throughout the year.
How to visit Þingvellir National Park
Located in the southern part of Iceland, this park is one of the three main stops on the Golden Circle route. There are two ways to get there: by car or on a guided circuit. Unfortunately, there is no public transportation. Fortunately, the park is close to the bustling capital, Reykjavik. It takes about 45 min to get there from the city. Admission is free, but you have to pay 750 ISK (about €5) per day for parking. Camping is allowed in a couple of areas, but you have to get a permit from the information center on arrival.
VATNAJOKULL NATIONAL PARK
The best park to see glacier formations and walk
With an area of 14,141 km2 (14% of the country), the Vatnajökull National Park is the second largest in Europe. All this expanse of land is open to exploration, from volcanoes (there are no less than 10 within the park) to canyons carved by glacial floods and thundering waterfalls.
The park's incomparable landscapes and proximity to wildlife are worth the 4-hour drive (at least) from Reykjavik. Staying overnight leaves additional time to admire all this splendid nature and live unforgettable adventures.
If there is one natural attraction that one cannot miss when visiting Vatnajökull National Park, it is the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. The melting of the nearby Breiðamerkurjökull, the glacial tongue of Vatnajökull, creates impressive icebergs that float in the lagoon. In their slow drift through the lagoon towards the sea, some are stranded on the shore, on the other side of the road. When walking along the black sand, you can see fragments of icebergs scattered around the so-called Diamond Beach.
The lagoon and the beach are two of the favorite places for many who visit Iceland, and when visiting these places you understand why. In Vatnajökull National Park you can explore majestic ice caves, walk on a glacier, hike scenic trails, and be spellbound by panoramic views like no other in the world.
How to visit Vatnajökull National Park
The best way to get there is by car because it is opposite Reykjavik, but at the other end of the country. If the trip is made by the ring road, the number of viewpoints that dot the road is astonishing. Admission is free, but you have to pay 600 ISK (approx. €4) per day for parking. The park's campsites are open year-round, but visitors must register before camping and pay the next morning.
