South IcelandUNESCO Heritage
Þingvellir National Park
Site of the world's oldest parliament (930 AD). Walk between tectonic plates. Golden Circle stop.
Best for
History + tectonic rift geology
National Parks & Reserves
National Parks & Nature Reserves of Iceland
Iceland's national parks and protected areas: UNESCO heritage sites, glacier parks, coastal reserves, and highland valleys.
Tip
Respect marked trails
Icelandic nature is fragile; stick to paths and leave no trace.
Quick Answer
Iceland has three national parks: Þingvellir, Vatnajökull, and Snæfellsjökull, plus reserves like Þórsmörk. Access, seasons, and what each area protects.
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South IcelandGlacier park
Vatnajökull National Park
Covers Vatnajökull glacier, Skaftafell, Jökulsárgljúfur canyon, and glacier lagoons.
Best for
Glacier and volcanic landscapes
West IcelandGlacier volcano
Snæfellsjökull National Park
Glacier-capped volcano on Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Coastal routes at Djúpalónssandur and Dritvík.
Best for
Jules Verne + coastal trails
North IcelandNational park area
Jökulsárgljúfur Canyon
Now part of Vatnajökull NP. Home to Dettifoss, Ásbyrgi canyon, and Hljóðaklettar echo rocks.
Best for
Waterfalls + canyon geology
HighlandsHighland reserve
Þórsmörk Nature Reserve
Thor's Valley. Fimmvörðuháls and Laugavegur trail endpoint. Choose a base and confirm an operated transfer or suitable approach.
Best for
Hiking between glaciers
West IcelandCoastal reserve
Breiðafjörður Protected Area
Large bay with thousands of islands. Puffins, white-tailed eagles, seals. Boat tours from Stykkishólmur.
Best for
Birdlife + island exploration
EastfjordsCoastal destination
Hvalnes Coast
Mountain backdrop, black sand beach, and a lighthouse. Check the weather before walking the exposed shore.
Best for
Lighthouse and mountain views
Separate the park from the day’s destination
Vatnajökull National Park includes Skaftafell in the south and Jökulsárgljúfur in the north. They are different visits with different roads and trail conditions. At the northern end, Gljúfrastofa is the visitor centre in Ásbyrgi, not a second stop elsewhere in the canyon.
The three parks also have separate payment systems. Read Þingvellir’s parking rules, Snæfellsjökull’s service-fee guidance and the Vatnajökull regional-fee rules. A daily payment can cover specified car parks within one scheme; it is not an Iceland-wide pass.
Choose a current route inside the park
As checked on September 10, 2026, Austurbrekkur in Skaftafell is closed for work until September 30. At west-side Dettifoss, Fosshvamm is permanently closed following rockfall and cracking. The park’s notices explain the affected routes. These are local restrictions, not closure of the whole national park.
Breiðafjörður is protected under its own legislation. Its island-visit guide covers ferry stops and seasonal services; a coastal reserve visit requires different planning from a marked walking route at Þingvellir.
Planning help
National Park FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
Do Iceland's national parks charge entrance fees?
Check each park’s parking or regional service fee as well as any camping charge. Þingvellir, Snæfellsjökull and the Skaftafell/Jökulsárlón areas have different payment arrangements. Paying at one national park does not cover another.
Which national park should I visit first?
Þingvellir National Park on the Golden Circle is the most accessible from Reykjavík and combines UNESCO World Heritage history with rift-valley geology. For glaciers and waterfalls, go to Vatnajökull National Park (Skaftafell area).
Can I camp in Iceland's national parks?
Yes, but only at designated campsites within the parks. Wild camping in national parks is prohibited to protect fragile ecosystems. Campsites in Þingvellir, Skaftafell, and Ásbyrgi have facilities including toilets, showers, and cooking shelters.
When is the best time to visit Iceland's national parks?
June through August offers the best weather and longest trails. Þingvellir is accessible year-round. For Þórsmörk and Fjallabak, check the particular approach and transport operator rather than treating a calendar season as confirmation of access.
What are the rules for visiting Icelandic nature reserves?
Stay on marked trails, do not pick plants or disturb wildlife, carry out all rubbish, do not build cairns, and camp only in designated areas. Iceland's moss and vegetation can take decades to recover from damage.
Explore parks by region
Use the region pages to plan your route around these protected areas.
Country reference: Iceland statistics.