Support
Camper Champ
National Parks in Iceland - Campervan Guide
Which are the best national parks to visit in Iceland?
Iceland is a land of otherworldly beauty, where rugged mountains rise to meet expansive glaciers and cascading waterfalls. Among this wild and untamed landscape are several national parks, each offering its own unique beauty and attractions.
Vatnajökull National Park: Located in the country's southeast, this is the largest national park in Iceland. This park, named after the largest glacier in Europe, is a true wonderland of ice and snow. Its sprawling 14,000 square kilometres are home to a multitude of glaciers, as well as awe-inspiring waterfalls such as the Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss.
Snæfellsjökull National Park: Located on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula in the west of the country, this park is named after the "Sleeping Giant" volcano that sits at its heart. The park is known for its dramatic coastal scenery, towering cliffs and secluded coves, and its rugged mountains and hidden caves.
Þingvellir National Park: This park, located in the southwest of the country, is steeped in history and mythology. It is the site of the first Icelandic parliament, established in 930 AD, and is also home to the rift valley formed by the separation of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.
Hornstrandir Nature Reserve: This remote and wild nature reserve is a true paradise for nature lovers in the far northwest of the country. It is home to a wealth of wildlife, including seals, arctic foxes, and countless seabirds, as well as some of the country's most rugged and beautiful scenery.
How much does campervan entry cost at a national park in Iceland? Are any permits required?
Iceland’s three national parks: Þingvellir, Vatnajökull and Snæfellsjökull, are free to enter.
At Þingvellir National Park and Skaftafell Nature Reserve (located inside Vatnajökull National Park), however, you may need to pay a parking fee to leave your camper in the official car parks. At Þingvellir, parking/service fees apply at certain areas and are commonly around 1,000–1,200 ISK depending on vehicle size. At Skaftafell, the regional parking fee is 1,040 ISK for passenger cars with 5 or fewer seats and 1,350 ISK for 6–9 seats (valid until midnight on the date paid).
You don’t typically need a special permit just to visit the parks, but camping requires paying the campsite fee, and some activities (such as certain commercial activities) may have separate rules.
