Traditional land use, such as bird hunting, reindeer hunting and fishing in rivers and lakes, is permitted to rights holders in the areas specified in the regulation on Vatnajökull National Park no. 608/2008 with subsequent amendment in regulation no. 755/2009, Annex III, cf. Article 26 of the regulation, as long as the provisions of the Act on Protection, Preservation and Hunting of Wild Birds and Wild Mammals no. 64/1994 and other laws that deal with the utilization.

Fishing in rivers and lakes, as well as bird and reindeer hunting, is only permitted to the public in the same areas, i.e. those covered by Annex III, cf. Article 26 of the regulation on Vatnajökull National Park, unless special restrictions are placed on it in the respective areas

It must be ensured that hunting and fishing is sustainable, for example through licensing or other means, as appropriate. The state of hunting and hunting stocks must be assessed and development monitored so that sustainable exploitation can be ensured. It must also be ensured, in cooperation with the right holders as appropriate, that land use does not cause damage.

Veiðimenn eru minntir á mikilvægi góðrar umgengni við veiðar. Þær skal stunda í hófi og af virðingu fyrir veiðibráð, umhverfinu og öðrum gestum þjóðgarðsins.

Hunters are reminded of the importance of good manners when hunting. They must be done in moderation and with respect for the pray, the environment and other visitors to the national park.

All hunting, other than mink hunting, is prohibited in the following areas: 

In Jökulsárgljúfr, according to demarcation in regulation.

In Skaftafelli, according to demarcation in regulation.

Fox hunting is permitted according to general rules in that regard, as they must be conducted according to the Wildlife Act no. 64/1994 and the hunting regulations of the respective municipalities, with approved hunting methods. Fox den processing must be done in consultation with the respective national park manger, but there is an obligation to report caught wild foxes

However, fox hunting is not allowed in the following areas: 

The mink is defined an invasive species in Icelandic nature. The aim is to eradicate the mink in Iceland. Mink hunting must be carried out according to the hunting regulations of the respective municipalities, with approved hunting methods and in consultation with the respective national park manager. A record of hunted animals must be kept and returned to the national park manager.

Fishing in rivers and lakes according to the general rules for that are only allowed in areas where traditional land use is permitted.

Livestock grazing is only allowed in areas where traditional land use is allowed and it must be sustainable. Assessment of pasture land shall be targeted according to regulation on quality-controlled sheep production no. 10/2008. If it turns out that grazing is unsustainable and causes the decline of vegetation, the national park management can request that grazing should be stopped or restricted in the relevant area.

Egg-taking is only permitted to the right holders of areas where traditional land use is permitted, cf. regulation on Vatnajökull National Park. Egg-taking is not permitted in the eastern area of Vatnajökull National Park and on Breiðamerkursandur.

The National Park will establish and present clear rules on hunting, berry, herb, egg, lichen and mushroom picking after consultation with stakeholders, rights holders and landowners in the area. Note that some herbs that grow in Icelandic nature are rare and protected and it is not permitted to harm them.

Berries, mushroom, lichen, herbs and eggs

Hunting, fishing & other land use

Information for hunters

Generally about hunting and fishing

Fox hunting

Mink hunting

Fishing in rivers and lakes

Livestock grazing

Berries, mushroom, lichen, herbs and eggs

Egg-taking