What happens when Skaftafell National Park has a volcano explode under a glacier? This is just one of the questions answered on an active and exciting visit to skaftafell national park. A walk through this undeveloped land will awaken appreciation of the beauty and variety of untouched nature. Only by these experiences can one truly understand raw elements and power. Soaking tired feet in a natural hot springs and clambering over the cold icy slopes of the huge glacier in the same day makes one value the earth's bounty and being able to experience it.

Unusual experiences await visitors in Iceland's second largest national park. Skaftafell national park has warm summer weather and sunny days, a rarity in this cool and unforgiving climate. Strapping crampons on and exploring the cracks and crevices of a huge glacier is just one of the excursions awaiting delighted visitors. This land was formed by the fire of volcanic eruptions, glaciers and rivers. When the volcano Oraefajokull erupts under the ice cap, the ice cap melts causing glacier floods and damaging surrounding areas. This is an active volcano with the last eruption in 1996. Newly formed ice bergs astound visitors with their sizes and abundance on riverboat trips. Guided bicycle tours crossing rivers, marshland, glaciers and high mountain ridges rivaling the Alps allow time to explore the tallest birch forest in Iceland, relax tired feet in warm water provided by nature, and dive into a frigid clear pool of Iceland spring water. Arctic foxes and many unusual species of birds like puffins, razorbills and skuas entertained visitors in the marshes and sea cliffs while seals frolic in the water.

The wonders of nature's playground, skaftafell national park, never stop. Each excursion brings new delights of discovery and awareness of the world we live in. A single visit is not enough to explore this huge frontier of 4807 km² of diversified environments and eco-structures.