Iceland is a land adorned with breathtaking natural wonders. From dazzling glaciers and turquoise lagoons to black-sand beaches and lush moss-covered lava fields, the treasures awaiting discovery on a luxury trip to Iceland are boundless. However, with its iconic national parks and over 130 protected areas, the task of choosing where to explore may feel daunting.
At Hidden Iceland, our travel experts are prepared to lead you through this enchanting landscape. Their extensive knowledge of the country ensures that you will find the perfect destinations tailored to your travel preferences. Whether you dream of traversing glaciers, exploring ice caves, or hiking along coastal cliffs, we’ve compiled a guide to Iceland’s national parks and protected areas, showcasing the country’s raw, unspoiled beauty.
How Many National Parks Are There in Iceland?
While one might expect a country rich in natural splendor to have countless national parks, Iceland boasts only three. Each of these parks possesses its own unique charm, ready to captivate anyone fortunate enough to witness their stunning vistas and remarkable landscapes. Yet, this is merely the beginning of the enchanting experiences that Iceland has to offer.
Beyond the national parks lies a wealth of other natural wonders, including more than 130 nature reserves and areas of breathtaking beauty. Emerald-hued canyons, volcanic hills, cascading waterfalls, and hidden hot springs await you if you know where to look.
Let’s delve into Iceland’s national parks.
Vatnajökull National Park
Covering an impressive 14% of Iceland’s landmass, Vatnajökull National Park is the country’s largest national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s renowned for being home to Europe’s largest glacier, which lends the park its name. With a stunning diversity of landscapes—including mountain ridges, glacier lakes, ice caves, and volcanoes—it truly embodies the land of fire and ice.
Adventure abounds here, with options ranging from boat trips across the spectacular Jökulsárlón Glacier lagoon to explorations of intricate ice caves and majestic waterfalls. A visit to this breathtaking region is essential for anyone seeking adventure in Iceland.
You can experience Vatnajökull’s awe-inspiring vistas on many of our private luxury tours that traverse the South Coast or encompass the entire Ring Road. For an unforgettable adventure, consider our Iceland Must-See 6-Day Private Tour, featuring glacier hikes, lagoon boat rides, and breathtaking stops throughout the national park and the south coast.
Thingvellir National Park
Located just 45 minutes from Reykjavík in the southwest, Thingvellir National Park stands as another UNESCO World Heritage Site where stunning nature and rich history converge. Nestled in a rift valley between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, this park offers a fascinating glimpse into geological wonders and breathtaking scenery. A stroll through the imposing Almannagjá gorge highlights the divide between the two plates as they drift apart.
The park provides ample opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, and exploring Lake Þingvallavatn, Iceland’s largest lake. For those seeking an unusual aquatic adventure, diving beneath the crystal-clear waters of the Silfra fissure allows you to swim between two continental plates—an experience that is nothing short of extraordinary.
Thingvellir is featured on all of our private Golden Circle tours, as well as many of our longer multi-day excursions. An example is our Family-Friendly Five-Day Private Tour, where you can immerse yourself in the park’s natural wonders.
Snæfellsjökull National Park
Home to the iconic glacier-capped Snæfellsjökull volcano, Snæfellsjökull National Park is a landscape of magic. Surrounding the volcano are windswept lava fields, dramatic black-pebbled beaches, and steep cliffs plunging into the Atlantic Ocean.
As you wander this enchanting national park, you will encounter towering basalt cliffs at Lóndrangar and the stunning Djúpalónssandur beach, where glistening black lava pebbles carpet the shore. The rich folklore associated with this park only adds to its allure, making it a must-visit for those in search of otherworldly experiences.
Explore the spellbinding nature of Snæfellsjökull National Park on several of our bespoke tours, including the dedicated Snæfellsnes Peninsula Tour.
Iceland’s Nature Reserves and Protected Areas
Beyond these three remarkable national parks lies a treasure trove of additional natural wonders that deserve mention on your luxury trip to Iceland. Whether you’re a passionate hiker, birdwatcher, or nature lover, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Látrabjarg
Standing over 440 meters high and stretching 14 km long, Látrabjarg is Iceland’s largest sea cliff and the westernmost point of Europe. It serves as a sanctuary for seabirds, particularly puffins, who nest along the grassy edges, allowing for spectacular close encounters and unforgettable photo opportunities.
You might also spot northern gannets, guillemots, and razorbills among this breathtaking coastal landscape. A visit to Látrabjarg is one of the highlights of the ruggedly remote Westfjords, and you can experience it as part of our many Westfjord Tours that promise coastal adventures.
Lake Mývatn & Skútustaðagígar
Created by a volcanic eruption more than 2,000 years ago, Lake Mývatn is a marvel of raw natural beauty. This northern gem boasts lush wetlands, steaming geothermal fields, bubbling mud pots, and ancient pseudocraters at Skútustaðagígar. It’s also acclaimed as one of Iceland’s premier birdwatching locations, home to a wealth of diverse species.
After exploring the surreal craters and lava formations at Dimmuborgir and the sulfur vents at Hverir, indulge in a long, luxurious soak at the nearby Mývatn Nature Baths. With a similar ambiance to the famed Blue Lagoon, these baths provide a more tranquil escape.
You can experience Lake Mývatn and its surrounding Dimmuborgir lava fields on our Private Grand Circle Ring Road Tour, perfect for immersing yourself in Iceland’s diverse scenery.
Rauðhólar
A short distance from Reykjavík, the striking red hills of Rauðhólar give visitors a glimpse into Iceland’s volcanic past. Formed when lava flowed over wetlands, these hills embody deep red hues and fascinating formations.
An ideal spot for horseback riding, such as on our Sólhestar Horseback Riding Tour from Reykjavík, Rauðhólar invites you to traverse its vibrant landscape while embracing Iceland’s rugged beauty just beyond city limits. Alternatively, venture underground to witness the shimmering red lava rocks within various lava tunnels.
Hornstrandir
Accessible only by boat or challenging multi-day treks, the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve in the remote Westfjords is Iceland’s wild frontier. Renowned for its dramatic landscapes and as a prime spot for observing Arctic foxes, Hornstrandir offers an exhilarating sense of isolation.
With no roads and no distractions, it’s the perfect playground for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. Its soaring cliffs and endless hiking routes provide a truly immersive experience in nature, making it an essential stop on our Wild Westfjords Four-Day Tour.
Dyrhólaey
For those in search of breathtaking views, Dyrhólaey is a dramatic coastal viewpoint more than 120 meters high. Overlooking Reynisfjara’s iconic black-sand beach, it’s renowned for its sweeping sea arch and the puffins that nest on its cliffs.
Visitors flock here in the summer to catch a glimpse of these charming birds. The panoramic vistas from the cliffs, revealing breathtaking landscapes in all directions, are simply mesmerizing.
You can explore this stunning scenery as part of our Iceland 6-Day Summer Private Tour, designed to capture the essence of the South Coast.
Fjaðrárgljúfur
This serpentine canyon, 100 meters deep and carved by glacial meltwaters over eons, is one of Iceland’s most photogenic sites. Located in South Iceland, its moss-covered walls and winding paths along the Fjaðrá river create a fairy-tale setting best explored on foot.
Embark on an adventure hike to the various viewpoints that offer glimpses of the cascading Mögáfoss Waterfall and the lush surroundings, each contributing to the site’s magical atmosphere.
Visitors can experience the enchanting Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon as part of our Essential South Iceland 3-Day Private Tour, when conditions are perfect for exploration.
Ingólfshöfði
This southeastern nature reserve is a birdwatcher’s paradise, showcasing thousands of nesting puffins. The remote cape of Ingólfshöfði is only accessible at low tide via a guided tractor tour, where you’ll traverse 6 km of Icelandic countryside adorned by lush greenery and a black-sand lagoon.
Once there, immerse yourself in breathtaking coastal views and the abundant birdlife, including the largest colony of great skuas in all of Iceland. Hiking around the cape allows you to appreciate the vibrant ecosystem before returning by tractor.
You can experience Ingólfshöfði as part of our UNESCO World Heritage Sites 4-Day Private Tour, a delightful addition for families and bird enthusiasts alike.
Whether you’re seeking a thrilling day trip or an immersive multi-day adventure, each of these stunning locations can be seamlessly incorporated into a tailor-made luxury tour of Iceland.
If you’re ready to curate your unforgettable journey exploring Iceland’s national parks and nature reserves, feel free to reach out to us at +354-770-5733 or via email at info@hiddeniceland.is. Start crafting your once-in-a-lifetime trip today.
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