Skaftafell, National park in southeast Iceland
Skaftafell is a national park in southeast Iceland where glacial tongues descend into forested valleys and waterfalls drop over dark basalt formations. The terrain includes lava fields, birch woodlands, and mountain slopes reaching toward the edge of Vatnajökull.
Farms operated in this area until the year 1362, when a volcanic eruption forced people to abandon the land. Settlement returned in the 17th century as families gradually adapted to living between glaciers and the coast.
The region once served as a gathering point for farmers traveling between settlements, and many trails still follow the old routes they used across valleys and rivers. Visitors today can see stone walls and grazing fields that recall how people lived alongside glaciers and volcanic landscapes.
The main walking routes remain open throughout the year, though weather can shift quickly and warm clothing is always advisable. Visitors should check conditions at the information center, especially during winter or in strong winds.
On clear days visitors can see both the highest peaks in Iceland and the ocean from the same spot, a rare combination on the island. The birch forests here are among the largest of their kind in the country and provide shade in an otherwise open landscape.
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