Difference between revisions of "Vatnajökull National Park"

Revision as of 14:42, 17 September 2024

Iceland Dettifoss 1972 - Dettifoss, Europe's most powerful waterfall

Vatnajökull National Park in Iceland is the largest national park in Europe. The park was founded on 7 June 2008 and includes the former Skaftafell and Jökulsárgljúfur National Parks. Containing 12,000 km² the park covers about 12% of the surface of Iceland. The park is home to Iceland's highest mountain (Hvannadalshnúkur), largest glacier (Vatnajökull), and Europe's most powerful waterfall (Dettifoss).

Vatnajökull National Park Halal Travel Guide

The park lies on the west side of Vatnajökull - Europe's largest glacier. Skaftafell is the name of the hill that runs along one of the glacier fingers and between the mountains. There is a visitor center (open til 16:00) and campsite (open mid-May) with full amenities and disability access.

History

Skaftafell is mentioned early in the Saga of Burnt Njal (a popular Icelandic Saga). It is home to some of the best fertile land in the nation and so has a long history of farming. Unfortunately, it also has a history of severe flooding, when volcanoes under the Vatnjökul glacier cause mass melting and flooding of the low lands. As a consequence, farmers abandoned their lush lowland farms and moved to higher ground.

How is the Landscape of Vatnajökull National Park

Lowland, rivers, black sand, a very big glacier, some picturesque mountains, hills, waterfalls, quicksand, quiet brooks - what more could you ask for?

The Skaftafell is the hill where farmers settled to avoid the floods from the giant glacier. There are well established hiking paths up the hill where you can access viewpoints that look across the glaciers, several stunning waterfalls, and a mixture of fauna and bird life. The high point of the hill is around 600m and takes around two hours to reach the highest point. One of the highlights of the trek is Svartifoss (Black Falls), with stunningly beautiful black basalt columns around the falls. There is a road that goes to quite near the top allowing disabled access to the stunning views.

Breidamerkurjoekull - Breidamerkurjökull

Flora and fauna

How is the Climate in Vatnajökull National Park

The Eastern side of Iceland is the leeward side getting less precipitation than the Western side. Consequentially, this sea-level area is part of the low desert in Iceland and the high desert being represented by the area East of Mývatn.

Travel as a Muslim to Vatnajökull National Park

Skaftafell information center is open everyday all year round, from at least 10:00-16:00 (longer in summer). Free toilets, expensive shop, expensive Internet (including Wi-Fi), about 1000 kr/hour.

The staff may not always be aware of the current state of the tracks and paths, despite what they say.

Free parking.

Fees and permits

Free entrance to the park.

How to get around in Vatnajökull National Park

GPS: 64.55|-16.50|zoom=6}}

Hiking only

What to see in Vatnajökull National Park

Dettifoss. Europe's largest waterfall}}

Ásbyrgi GPS 66.014444,-16.503333. A very unusual, and very large, cliff formation 60km east of Húsavík, said to be the hoofmark of Odin's horse. Within Vatnajökull National Park.

Jökulsárgljúfur GPS 65.8747, -16.4532. Further inland, along the glacial river that once shaped Ásbyrgi are the canyons through which the mighty river still flows. Among the sights in the area is Dettifoss and the most powerful waterfall in Iceland. Previously a national park of their own, Jökulsárgljúfur are today a part of the Vatnajökull National Park.
Ice caves and tunnels

What to Do

January-March, find a guide to ski Hvannadalshnúkur.
Hike up the hill and see all the waterfalls and great views.

Glacier Guides - GPS: - Offers tours, ice walks and ice climbing around Skaftafell

Bergmenn Mountain Guides - Iceland's only certified mountain guides, offering guided ascents within Vatnajokull National Park.
Adventure tours on Vatnajokull - Vatnajokull.com - - Organized skidoo tours, snowmobile, superjeep safari, ice-climbing, trekking and sailing between the icebergs in Jökulsárlón.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Vatnajökull National Park

Icelandic Mountain Guides | Skaftafell%20Day%20Tours ☎ +354 587 9999 Have offered easy glacier tours and ice climbing from Skaftafell since 1994 as well as guided hikes to Hvannadalshnúkur, Iceland's highest peak.

Halal Restaurants in Vatnajökull National Park

There is a small road side service station around 5km East of the park, opposite the Skaftafell Hotel. The food is good and reasonably priced, but the choice is limited. There is also a mini supermarket within the service station, where you can buy many things from tea to soap at high prices.

Fosshotel Nupar has a restaurant open for lunch and dinner. À-la-carte dishes and group menu are offered. There is also a café.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Vatnajökull National Park

Vatnajökull National Park - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Vatnajökull National Park, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Vatnajökull National Park. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Vatnajökull National Park and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Vatnajökull National Park. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Vatnajökull National Park. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inVatnajökull National Park: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Vatnajökull National Park.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Vatnajökull National Park: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Vatnajökull National Park, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Vatnajökull National Park.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Vatnajökull National Park, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Vatnajökull National Park, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Vatnajökull National Park and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Vatnajökull National Park, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Vatnajökull National Park, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Vatnajökull National Park without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Vatnajökull National Park is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Vatnajökull National Park.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Vatnajökull National Park is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Vatnajökull National Park, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Vatnajökull National Park Media: info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

Lodging

Hostel Hvoll - The closest hostel, located about 40 kilometers to the west, on the Ring Road. Add another 4 kilometers on a bad gravel road. Reasonably cheap, but really isolated (and no Internet at all!)
Fosshotel Nupar - Freysnesi, 785 Oraefum GPS: 63.9210, -17.7327 ☎ +354 562-4000 Hotel offers rooms with private facilities: single, double and superior with views of the glacier and Hvannadalshnjukur. Restaurant open for lunch and dinner. Wi-Fi internet access in all the building.
Fosshotel Vatnajökull - Lindarbakki, 781 Hofn GPS: 64.3600, -15.2526 ☎ +354 478 2555 - From €239 Hotel with panoramic view of the glacier Vatnajokull. MNRooms with private facilities, internet access in the lobby, bar, TV lounge. Open May - September.

Huts

Several huts are in the area. All of the huts have cooking facilities and an bathroom. Some huts have showers. Camping facilities are available nearby.

Dreki - GPS: 65.042, -16.5953 7,500 kr a night per person - Hut run by the Akureyri touring association.
Dyngjufell - GPS: 65.12498, -16.92071 5,000 kr a night per person - Hut run by the Akureyri touring association.
Botni - GPS: 65.2696, -17.0683 5,000 kr - Hut run by the Akureyri touring association.
Bræðrafell - GPS: 65.18806, -16.53827 4,000 kr - Hut run by the Akureyri touring association.
Þorsteinsskáli - GPS: 65.19283, -16.22286 6,500 kr - Hut run by the Akureyri touring association.
Heilagsdalur - GPS: 65.45529, -16.79136 3,000 kr - Hut run by the Icelandic touring association.

Camping Places

There is a large campsite which opens late May to 1 September and gets very busy during the summer months. No tents for hire.

Stay Safe

Stick to the paths and don't venture onto the glacier without a guide - danger of death.

Note that there are few gas stations in the area. One is located a few kilometers east from the Skaftafell National Park entrance, on the Ring Road #1.

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 * Ice caves and tunnels
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 *January-March, find a guide to ski Hvannadalshnúkur.