Hornafjörður

Mynd: Óðinn Eymundsson

A unique scenery

The Vatnajokull Region is in the Southeast of Iceland and stretches along the south side of Vatnajokull, the largest glacier in the world outside the Arctics. In this area that covers over 200 km of the Ring Road.

Vatnajökull is Europe's largest glacier and has always had a great impact on the landscape of this region, as well as the lives of its inhabitants. Until bridges were built in the early 1970s, the bursting glacier rivers made Southeast Iceland the most isolated area in the country. Despite this, Icelanders have survived here, against all odds, since the Viking Ingólfur Arnarson first made landfall here in 874 A.D.

Today, you are invited to join these hearty inhabitants in Vatnajökull, about one-hour by plane from Reykjavík or just a morning's drive.  You'll be greeted by the breathtaking Vatnajökull glacier and its numerous glacier outlets, which are very close and visible, as well as black sand beaches and some of the highest mountains in Iceland, including Hvannadalshnúkur, the highest peak in Iceland. You'll also receive a warm and sincere welcome from the people who have called this region home for over 1,200 years.

The Vatnajokull Region is a cluster of companies in tourism, food production and culture. These dozens of companies work together to provide service and help tourists experience what the area has to offer. They work together under the banner of the Vatnajokull Region and pride themselves in their cooperation and hospitality. 

The inhabitants of the Vatnajokull Region do not only live in proximity of the Vatnajökull glacier but also to the sea. The Icelandic langoustine is a speciality of the area and the town Höfn is known as the lobster capital of the North. There is a great variety of locally produced food that can be ordered of menus at  restaurants in the region. In addition to the variety in local food, the clean and unspoiled nature is a hallmark of the Vatnajökull Region.