Southeast Iceland Travel Guide: Best Stops, Tours & Hidden Gems

Southeast Iceland is home to Europe’s largest glacier, covering an impressive 13% of Iceland. It’s a must-see destination when you visit Iceland! While experiencing the glacier is definitely a highlight, there’s so much more to explore in this area. Below, I’ve outlined everything you need to do in this incredible area!

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Where to Stay in Southeast Iceland

There aren’t really large towns in Southeast Iceland, making it a bit challenging to find accommodations nearby. Before reaching the park, you’ll come across the small town of Kirkjubæjarklaustur, where you’ll find a few restaurants, cafes, grocery stores, and gas stations. There are hotels available here, but it’s about an hour’s drive from the park.

Another nearby town is Höfn, located about an hour from Jökulsárlón, just past the glacier. Be sure to stock up on groceries beforehand, as there are limited dining and shopping options in the vicinity.

A few accommodation options:

• Home in Jökulsárlón Region– located 20 minutes from the Jökulsárlón Glacier. It sleeps 3 guests and has a full kitchen in the apartment.
• Skyrhusid HI Hostel– this hostel has shared or private rooms for 2-4 people and is located 15 minutes from the Jökulsárlón Glacier
• Hotel Smyrlabjörg– located around halfway between Jökulsárlón Glacier and Hofn. This hotel sleeps 2-4 guests and includes breakfast.

Hikes in Southeast Iceland

Below are a few hikes to check out in the area. How many you tackle depends on how long you’re staying and how much energy you have left after each one. Be sure to bring plenty of water, wear sturdy hiking boots, and check the weather forecast before heading out. Happy hiking!

Hundafoss

The trail to Hundafoss starts at the Skaftafell visitor center parking lot. This hike is part of the route to see the famous Svartifoss waterfall. If you only visit Hundafoss and turn back, the round trip is about 1.2 miles. The trail is well-marked and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. It’s a relatively easy hike, making it perfect for families or those with limited time. Don’t forget to bring your camera – the waterfall is incredibly photogenic!

Svartifoss

If you continue on this trail, you’ll reach Svartifoss, a popular 80-foot waterfall surrounded by striking basalt columns. The trail is rated moderate but can be slippery in the winter, so take caution. The total distance to Skaftafell waterfall and back is around 2 miles, typically taking 1.5 to 2 hours to complete.

Along the way, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the park scenery. This hike offers excellent photo opportunities, especially at the waterfall, which is a prime example of Iceland’s natural beauty. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes and dress in layers, as the weather can change quickly.

Múlagljúfur Canyon

This trail is roughly 4 miles round trip and rated moderately challenging. As you hike up, you’ll be rewarded with beautiful views of the glacier. To reach the trailhead, follow your GPS off the main road onto a well-maintained gravel road. You’ll be on this road for about 10 minutes before arriving at the trailhead. The parking lot has space for around 20-30 cars, so I recommend arriving early in the summer to secure a spot.

The trail is mostly uphill, so be sure to pace yourself to avoid running out of energy early on. Some sections of the trail are narrow and steep, adding to the challenge. You’ll also need to cross a small river, but there are rocks to step on, so you shouldn’t get wet. After about 1.5 miles, you’ll reach a beautiful viewing area overlooking the canyon and waterfall, which is a popular stopping point for many hikers.

This area is stunning, so you don’t have to continue if you’re content with the views. However, if you’re up for an adventure, continue uphill for more breathtaking views of the canyon and glacier. The remaining portion of the trail is entirely uphill and can be very steep in some areas, so take your time and enjoy the journey.

For more details on this trail, check out this article.

Sights to See in Vatnajokull National Park

By balancing your visit with these beautiful, less challenging spots, you can fully appreciate the diverse and stunning landscapes of Vatnajökull National Park without overexerting yourself.

Jökulsárlón Lagoon

This lagoon is very large and famous for the icebergs that break off the glacier and drift into its waters. These icebergs vary in size, with some being incredibly large. The lagoon is also home to around 200 seals; if you’re lucky, you might spot them lounging on an iceberg or swimming in the water.

There are several types of boat tours available on this lagoon. You can choose from kayaking, zodiac boats (smaller), or amphibian boats (larger and more stable). Each option offers a unique perspective and experience, allowing you to get up close to the magnificent icebergs and possibly see some of the local wildlife.

Next to the parking area you’ll find bathrooms, a small cafe and gift shop and a few food trucks. We grabbed crepes one of the food trucks and they were delicious! I definitely recommend trying them when you are here.

Diamond Beach 

Across from Jökulsárlón is the stunning Diamond Beach! As the icebergs melt and make their way out to the ocean, some of them wash up onto the shore at Diamond Beach, creating a dazzling display. The “diamonds” vary in size, and their number changes daily, making each visit unique. You can easily reach Diamond Beach by walking under the bridge after visiting Jökulsárlón, or you can park at the Diamond Beach parking lot across the road.

The beach is a photographer’s paradise, with the sparkling ice contrasting beautifully against the black sand. Whether you’re there to capture the perfect photo or simply to enjoy the view, Diamond Beach is a must-see when visiting the area.

Útsýni yfir jökul

This area features another glacier lagoon, smaller than Jökulsárlón but equally impressive. Because the lagoon is smaller, you can get a closer view of the glacier, making it a great spot for photography and sightseeing.

In addition to the stunning views, the lagoon offers boat tours and kayak options, allowing you to explore the icy waters up close. The tranquil setting and fewer crowds compared to Jökulsárlón make it a peaceful stop on your journey.

South East Iceland

Whether you’re hiking through Skaftafell, exploring diamond beach, or marveling at the breathtaking Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, there’s something here for every nature lover. Plan your visit to Vatnajökull National Park to explore Europe’s largest glacier and make some unforgettable memories!