Skaftafell Nature Reserve is an enchanting icy wilderness covering 4,807 km² of Iceland’s largest park, Vatnajokull National Park. Once known as Skaftafell National Park, the nature preserve sits between the small southern towns of Kirkjubaejarklaustur and Hof.
Shortly after Iceland was settled, the Skaftafell Nature Reserve area was mostly used for farming. However, traditional farming ended in the area after 2 major volcanic eruptions. By 1967, Skaftafell became a national park. It then merged with Vatnajokull National Park in 2008. Adventurers now flock to Skaftafell to view exquisite natural highlights like Falljökull Glacier, Svartifoss Waterfall, and the Morsárdalur Valley. From incredible hiking trails to crystal-blue ice caves, Skaftafell Nature Reserve is the perfect place for glacier exploration.