Do you plan to visit Jökulsárlón or Skaftafell this summer?

Part of the area around Skaftafell was formally declared a national park in 1967, and since 2008 has been part of Vatnajökull National Park. Natural beauty, favourable weather conditions, and a selection of hiking trails make Skaftafell an ideal destination for those who like to enjoy outdoor activities in Icelandic nature.

The spectacle of retreating glaciers, lagoons and icebergs draws tourists from far and wide. It should come as no surprise that the glacial lagoons of Jökulsárlón and Fjallsárlón are among the most popular tourist destinations in the country. The coastline from Kvíármýrarkambur to Höfn offers a unique proximity to Vatnajökull. The glacially shaped terrain and the beach create conditions for diverse animal life, research and tourism

Skaftafell and Jökulsárlón are unique natural gems and among the most visited tourist destinations in Iceland. In both areas, area fees are collected from vehicles arriving there. Services that visitors get access to by paying an area fee consist of ranger surveillance, toilet facilities (cleaning, operation, maintenance of equipment and septic tank disposal), garbage collection and general care of the area. The collected fee also goes towards improvement of facilities and access, maintenance of paths, markings, maintenance of parking lots, snow removal and anti-skid protection.

The zone fee is charged when a vehicle enters a parking lot and the amount depends on the size of the vehicle. Is it done on the basis that there is a correlation between the possible number of passengers and the size of the vehicle concerned, which reflects a share in the service on which the charge as a whole is based.