Iceland is home to Europe’s largest glacier, Vatnajökull, covering 3,000 square miles and 8% of the country. This massive glacier hides seven active volcanoes, caldera lakes, and bubbling geothermal areas beneath its icy surface.
Vatnajökull National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcases incredible landscapes shaped by fire and ice. Visitors can explore Skaftafellsjökull, a part of Vatnajökull, near the Skaftafell Visitor Center. Winter is the best time to visit, as the glacier glows bright blue and stretches to lower elevations.
Nearby is Jökulsárlón, a stunning glacial lagoon filled with icebergs. A short walk from there leads to Diamond Beach, where shimmering ice chunks rest on black sand, creating an unforgettable sight.
For a full Icelandic adventure, travel along the famous Ring Road to explore Vatnajökull, Jökulsárlón, and Diamond Beach all in one journey.