Vatnajökull Glacier Self-Drive Guide: Explore Iceland’s Largest Ice Cap by Rental Car

Magnús Jóhann Björnsson
07 Jul. 2025

Iceland’s landscapes are dramatic by nature with raging waterfalls, volcanic deserts and steaming geothermal fields. But nothing rivals the sheer scale and majesty of Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier by volume and a crown jewel of Icelandic wilderness. Spanning more than 8,000 km², it’s so vast that it cloaks active volcanoes, forms glacier lagoons, carves ice caves, and sends meltwater to the sea through thunderous outlet glaciers.

Travelers often see Vatnajökull from afar, just glinting in the distance on a bus tour. But to truly experience its power, you’ll want to explore its many access points at your own pace. That’s where a self-drive journey becomes the ideal choice.

With a rental car from Blue Car Rental, you’re not just passing by. You’re hiking the glacier’s ridges, navigating the gravel roads that wrap around its southern edge, pausing for panoramic shots of its icy tongues, and stopping at remote cafés and waterfalls that tour buses miss entirely.

This complete guide to visiting Vatnajökull by rental car includes:

• What to see and do around Vatnajökull
  
  
• Driving routes and road conditions
  
  
• Seasonal travel tips
  
  
• Multi-day itinerary suggestions
  
  
• Essential gear and glacier safety
  
  
• Key advantages of self-driving with Blue Car Rental
  
  
• Embedded links to expert travel guides across Iceland’s South Coast
  
  

Whether you're planning a short two-day excursion or building it into a Ring Road itinerary, Vatnajökull will be a highlight of your Icelandic adventure.

What is Vatnajökull? A living glacier in motion

Vatnajökull isn’t just a frozen block of ice, it’s alive with movement, color, and sound. The name means “Water Glacier,” and it lives up to its name: every summer, enormous amounts of meltwater surge from its base, feeding rivers and carving deep canyons into the volcanic bedrock. Beneath its surface are active volcanoes such as Bárðarbunga and Grímsvötn, which occasionally erupt beneath the ice, forming glacier floods known as jökulhlaup.

The glacier also feeds over 30 outlet glaciers, including Svínafellsjökull, Skeiðarárjökull, Hoffellsjökull, and Breiðamerkurjökull. The last of which calves directly into the stunning Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon.

Vatnajökull has been protected since 2008 under the massive Vatnajökull National Park, now a UNESCO World Heritage site. This makes it not only an ecological treasure but a globally significant natural wonder.

Driving to Vatnajökull: Routes and road conditions

From Keflavík Airport or Reykjavík

The most direct way to reach Vatnajökull is via Iceland’s Ring Road (Route 1). From Keflavík International Airport, it’s roughly:

• 330 km to Skaftafell Visitor Centre (4.5 to 5 hours)
  
  
• 370 km to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon (5.5 to 6 hours)
  
  

If you’ve just landed at KEF, you can pick up your rental from Blue Car Rental’s airport office and hit the road immediately. We even offer online check-in and key-box pickup to save time at arrival.

For step-by-step instructions, check out our guide to driving from Keflavík to Skaftafell.

Tip: Start your journey early and break it up with scenic stops at Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, and Reynisfjara Beach.

Main regions to explore around Vatnajökull

Driving around Vatnajökull is like exploring an open-air museum of geology, ice, and natural beauty. While the glacier itself is massive, most travelers focus on its accessible southern and southeastern regions, where dramatic outlets, lagoons, and hiking routes await.

Here are the top regions to explore, each with its own character, activities, and scenery:

1. Skaftafell: The glacier gateway

Once a standalone national park, Skaftafell is now a central hub within Vatnajökull National Park. Nestled at the foot of the glacier, it’s home to an excellent visitor centre, well-marked hiking trails, and multiple glacier tongues you can approach on foot.

Top Highlights:

• Svartifoss Waterfall: A moderate 1.8 km hike leads to this stunning waterfall framed by black basalt columns. It’s one of Iceland’s most photographed cascades.
  
  
• Glacier Walks: From the Skaftafell parking lot, you can join daily guided glacier hikes on Svínafellsjökull or Falljökull.
  
  
• Campground and café: Great for overnight stays or quick meals between hikes.
  
  

Blue Car Rental’s blog on top Icelandic waterfalls accessible by rental car includes more details about visiting Svartifoss.

Self-drive tip: If you plan to camp or stay nearby, book accommodation early. Skaftafell gets busy in summer.

2. Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon: Iceland’s iceberg lake

Just 50 km east of Skaftafell, Jökulsárlón is one of Iceland’s most iconic destinations. Towering icebergs float serenely on a deep-blue lagoon before drifting through a narrow channel into the sea.

This is where Breiðamerkurjökull glacier meets the ocean and the spectacle is otherworldly.

Don’t Miss:

• Zodiac boat tours weaving between icebergs in summer.
  
  
• Stunning photography at sunrise or golden hour.
  
  
• Seal sightings on the ice or in the lagoon.
  
  
• Short walk across the road to Diamond Beach, where ice shards glitter on black sand.
  
  

For practical travel tips, check out our full car rental guide to Diamond Beach.

3. Katla ice caves: Winter’s greatest show

Visiting one of Vatnajökull’s seasonal ice caves is a once-in-a-lifetime experience—and with a rental car, you can get to the departure points early and on time

• Katla Ice Cave: Open year-round and closer to Vík, it forms beneath the Mýrdalsjökull glacier.
  
  

All ice caves require a guided tour, often departing from Jökulsárlón, Skaftafell, or Vík. Read the full breakdown in our self-drive guide to Iceland’s stunning ice caves.

4. Hoffellsjökull and Fjallsárlón: The quiet corners

Looking to avoid the crowds? The eastern side of Vatnajökull is dotted with less-visited glacier tongues where you can enjoy views in peace.

Two highlights:

• Fjallsárlón: A smaller iceberg lagoon just west of Jökulsárlón, offering up-close views of the glacier face. No big crowds, and a great café nearby.
  
  
• Hoffellsjökull: Accessed via a gravel spur off Route 1 near Höfn, this glacier tongue is perfect for peaceful picnics, scenic photography, and quiet reflection.
  
  

For glacier variety and detour suggestions, don’t miss our blog on exploring beautiful glaciers with a rental car.

5. Kverkfjöll and the Highlands (Advanced Travel)

For experienced drivers and adventurous travelers, the northeastern edge of Vatnajökull opens up to rugged Highland routes. Kverkfjöll, one of the most powerful geothermal areas beneath a glacier, lies deep in the interior and can only be accessed in summer via F-roads.

Important: These roads require a 4x4 vehicle and careful planning. Before heading into Highland territory, check road.is, SafeTravel.is, and Blue Car Rental’s blog on whether you need a 4x4 in Iceland.

Seasonal travel tips: When to visit Vatnajökull

The experience of driving to and exploring Vatnajökull changes dramatically with the seasons. From midnight sun in July to shimmering ice caves in January, every month has something unique to offer—but the weather, road conditions, and access points differ widely.

Here’s how to plan your self-drive trip based on the time of year:

Summer (June – August): Peak access and midnight sun

Pros:

• All major roads (including gravel spurs) are open and maintained.
  
  
• Campsites and services in Skaftafell and Jökulsárlón operate at full capacity.
  
  
• Midnight sun provides extended daylight—up to 20+ hours—perfect for photographers and road-trippers who want to avoid crowds.
  
  
• Guided glacier hikes run daily with excellent visibility and trail access.
  
  

Things to know:

• Ice caves are not accessible in summer—their structure is too unstable.
  
  
• Crowds increase in July and August, especially at Jökulsárlón and Svartifoss.
  
  
• Book accommodation, tours, and car rentals well in advance.
  
  

Tip: Arrive at hotspots like Diamond Beach or Svartifoss early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid peak-hour tour buses.

Shoulder seasons (May & September–October): Quieter roads, crisp colors

Pros:

• Fewer tourists and more availability in accommodations.
  
  
• Autumn (September–October) often features northern lights and beautiful golden light on the glacier.
  
  
• Spring meltwater brings added power to waterfalls and fast-moving rivers.
  
  

Things to know:

• Some gravel side roads may close early or reopen late depending on snowfall.
  
  
• Ice caves typically begin opening in November—check conditions with tour providers before arrival.
  
  
• Days are shorter, especially in October, so plan your driving route conservatively.
  
  

Winter (November – March): Ice caves and northern lights

Pros:

• Crystal Ice Cave season is in full swing—best viewed in deep winter.
  
  
• Vatnajökull’s landscape transforms into a surreal, snow-covered wilderness.
  
  
• Clear skies offer excellent chances of northern lights—especially near Höfn, where light pollution is minimal.
  
  

Things to know:

• Snow and ice can impact driving conditions on the South Coast. Always check road.is and SafeTravel.is before setting off.
  
  
• Some attractions (like Svartifoss) may be harder to access without proper boots or spikes.
  
  
• Use a 4x4 rental vehicle and drive slowly. Blue Car Rental’s fleet is winter-ready and includes roadside assistance packages for peace of mind.
  
  

Planning your first winter visit? Our blog on how to prepare for an Iceland driving trip has essential info on tires, safety kits, and navigation tools.

What to pack: Year-round essentials

No matter the season, Icelandic weather is famously unpredictable. Here’s what you’ll want in your vehicle or backpack:

• Waterproof hiking boots
  
  
• Windproof jacket and thermal base layers
  
  
• Touchscreen-friendly gloves
  
  
• Microspikes (winter)
  
  
• Power bank and USB car charger
  
  
• Offline maps or navigation apps
  
  
• Headlamp or flashlight
  
  
• Snacks and a full water bottle
  
  

Need a full breakdown? See our What to Wear in Iceland with a Rental Car guide for a season-by-season checklist.

Itinerary ideas: Self-drive routes to Vatnajökull

Whether you have two days or a full five-day getaway, Vatnajökull can be woven into your Iceland itinerary with incredible reward. Below are three popular options—with highlights, drive times, and lodging recommendations—to help you make the most of your time behind the wheel.

2-Day Vatnajökull adventure: The quick getaway

Perfect for: Travelers short on time, or adding a glacier stop to a longer trip.

Day 1: Reykjavík → Skaftafell

• Depart Reykjavík early morning via Route 1
  
  
• Stop at Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss
  
  
• Walk the black sand at Reynisfjara and enjoy lunch in Vík
  
  
• Arrive in Skaftafell by late afternoon
  
  
• Optional sunset hike to Svartifoss
  
  

Overnight: Hotel Skaftafell or local guesthouses (reserve early!)

Day 2: Jökulsárlón & Diamond Beach

• Sunrise at Jökulsárlón
  
  
• Visit Diamond Beach across the road
  
  
• Option: Book a Zodiac boat tour (summer) or ice cave tour (winter)
  
  
• Return west in the afternoon with coffee stop in Vík
  
  
• Arrive back in Reykjavík or stay overnight along the coast
  
  

Need help planning the route? See our first-time visitor itinerary for extra guidance.

3-Day Itinerary: Add depth and detours

Day 1: KEF → Vík

• Collect car at KEF (Blue Car Rental key-box delivery available!)
  
  
• Visit Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, and Dyrhólaey for puffin viewing (May–Aug)
  
  
• Spend the night in Vík
  
  

Day 2: Jökulsárlón + Diamond Beach

• Visit Jökulsárlón + Diamond Beach in the morning
  
  
• Continue to Fjallsárlón or Hoffellsjökull for quiet glacier views
  
  
• Return to Skaftafell for evening hike or ranger program
  
  

Day 3: Glacier Hike + Drive Back

• Book a half-day glacier walk at Skaftafell
  
  
• Return to Reykjavík with flexible stops
  
  
• Optional detour: Turf houses at Keldur or geothermal areas in Hveragerði
  
  

5-Day glacier & south coast immersion

Ideal for: Travelers combining Vatnajökull with waterfalls, beaches, and cultural stops.

Day 1: KEF to Hvolsvöllur

• Take it slow and enjoy stops in the Golden Circle or along the Ring Road
  
  
• Stay near Hvolsvöllur or Flúðir (great for hot springs)
  
  

Day 2: South Coast Drive

• Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Reynisfjara, and Dyrhólaey
  
  
• Sunset near Vík
  
  

Day 3: Skaftafell + Svartifoss

• Arrive early to hike to Svartifoss and glacier viewpoints
  
  
• Visit visitor centre, book hike, or relax in the café
  
  

Day 4: Jökulsárlón + Diamond Beach

• Full day exploring lagoons and quiet glacier tongues
  
  
• Explore Höfn for dinner and local langoustine
  
  

Day 5: Return West

• Morning return via the Ring Road or head north toward Egilsstaðir to continue the Ring Road loop
  
  

Why choose Blue Car Rental for your Vatnajökull road trip?

With a journey as remote, unpredictable, and exhilarating as a trip to Vatnajökull, having a dependable rental car—and a team that truly understands Iceland—is everything. Blue Car Rental is built around exactly that: offering drivers the confidence, convenience, and support they need to explore Iceland at their own pace.

Here’s what sets Blue Car Rental apart when driving to the glacier region:

1. Convenient pickup at KEF Airport (No Delays)

Arriving at Keflavík International Airport? Your car will be waiting for you. Skip long lines and enjoy:

• Online check-in: Fill out paperwork before you arrive
  
  
• Key-box delivery for after-hours pickups
  
  
• Fast, friendly service near the arrivals hall
  
  

Whether you're landing at midnight or dawn, your Iceland road trip can begin immediately.

2. Fleet built for glacier roads

From reliable 2WD vehicles to rugged 4×4 SUVs, our fleet is designed for Iceland’s changing conditions. Planning a winter trip or exploring gravel spurs around Vatnajökull? Choose from:

• AWD/4×4 options for traction on icy or gravel routes
  
  
• Automatic transmissions for ease on mountain roads
  
  
• Spacious trunk space for hiking boots, camera gear, and layered clothing
  
  

Need help choosing? Our blog on whether you need a 4×4 rental will guide you.

3. Insurance that covers what matters

Over 85% of customers opt for our Premium Insurance Package—and it’s easy to see why.

Our liability waiver covers all vehicle damage types and brings the damage excess down to zero. No surprises. No hidden fees. No stressful paperwork at drop-off.

For maximum protection, add our Roadside Assistance Waiver, which eliminates the cost of any on-the-road help—whether it’s a flat tire, stuck vehicle, or battery jump.

See the full list of Blue Car Rental’s insurance options here.

4. Zero worries policy

We believe that the only thing you should be thinking about in Iceland is the view ahead. That’s why we’ve designed our Zero Worries rental policy to include:

• Unlimited mileage
  
  
• No hidden fees
  
  
• Transparent fuel policies
  
  
• Local VAT included in all prices
  
  

You’ll know exactly what you’re paying, before and after your trip.

5. Local expertise + 24/7 support

Our team lives here. We know the glacier roads, the best stops, and when to pivot based on weather forecasts. And if you need anything during your journey, we’re only a phone call away as 24/7 support is standard with every rental.

Driving to Vatnajökull isn’t just a journey across Iceland, it’s a journey into the heart of ice, fire, and time itself. From iceberg-filled lagoons to volcanic trails beneath ancient glaciers, every stop is an invitation to experience the land’s raw and shifting power.

With a reliable rental car from Blue Car Rental, you have the freedom to explore Vatnajökull on your terms, whether that means hiking into frozen valleys, catching first light on Diamond Beach, or following gravel roads to glacier tongues most visitors never reach.

You set the pace. You choose the stops. We take care of the rest.

Start your Vatnajökull adventure today with Blue Car Rental and let Iceland's greatest glacier shape your journey.