Skaftafell

Skaftafell is one of Iceland's most stunning natural wonders. Located in the southeastern part of the country within Vatnajökull National Park, it offers breathtaking views of glaciers, mountains, and unique landscapes shaped by centuries of volcanic activity and glacial movements.

The area used to be a farm settlement until repeated floods and volcanic eruptions made it uninhabitable. It was declared a national park in 1967 before becoming part of the larger Vatnajökull National Park in 2008. What makes Skaftafell special is the contrast between its lush vegetation and the imposing ice cap nearby - it's often called a green oasis in a land of ice.

The area offers spectacular views of Iceland's highest peak, Hvannadalshnjúkur, which stands at 2,110 meters tall. Visitors can also explore the famous Svartifoss waterfall with its distinct black basalt columns, a natural feature that has inspired Icelandic architecture including Hallgrímskirkja church in Reykjavík.

The climate here is milder than you might expect for Iceland, which explains the surprising vegetation. Thanks to the surrounding mountains that block the harshest weather, Skaftafell enjoys what locals call a 'microclimate' that allows birch forests and various plant species to thrive despite being so close to Europe's largest glacier.