Vatnajökull is located in the southeast corner of Iceland. Covering 7,700 km² it is the largest glacier in the world outside the polar regions. It is the third-largest glacier in Europe, following the Severny Glacier on Novaya Zemlya in Russia and Austfonna in Svalbard. The average thickness of Vatnajökull is about 400 meters, with its thickest areas reaching up to one kilometre. The glacier lies entirely within Vatnajökull National Park, and many of Iceland’s most beautiful locations are found in its vicinity. Covering nearly eight percent of Iceland, Vatnajökull is home to three massive volcanoes: Bárdarbunga, which is currently showing some activity; Öræfajökull, the country’s highest and largest mountain; and Grímsvötn, Iceland’s most active volcanic system, located in the centre of the glacier.
About thirty outlet glaciers extend from Vatnajökull, and some of Iceland’s most powerful rivers originate from it, including Jökulsá á Fjöllum, Jökulsá á Brú/Dal, Jökulsá á Breidamerkursandi, Jökulsá í Lóni, Lagarfljót, Skjálfandafljót, Thjórsá, Kolgríma, Núpsvötn, Skeidará, and Skaftá. Vatnajökull and its surroundings are truly unique—here are a few glimpses of its breathtaking beauty.
Vatnajökull, 27/01/2025 – RX1R II, A7R IV – FE 1.4/24mm GM, FE 1.2/50mm GM, FE 2.8/100mm GM, 2.0/35mm Z
Images & text: Páll Stefánsson
