Reykjavík Grapevine - 02.07.2008, Page 30

30 | REYKJAVÍK GRAPEVINE | ISSUE 08—2008
DESTINATION
On June 7, after years of preparations, Vatnajökull
National Park was formally founded. The park is
Europe’s largest national park and includes some
of Iceland’s most stunning natural treasures such
as the Vatnajökull glacier, Skaftafell National Park,
Jökulsárgljúfur National Park and the surrounding
area. Today the park covers around 12% of the
country but the government hopes to increase
its size to 15,000 km2 in the next couple of years,
which will make the park cover 15% of Iceland’s
surface. If that becomes a reality, Europe’s most
powerful waterfall Dettifoss, the enormous Eldgjá
canyon and Lake Langisjór will also belong to the
National Park.
In her opening speech, Minister for the En-
vironment, Þórunn Sveinbjarnardóttir, said that
Vatnajökull National Park is the largest nature
protection project in Iceland’s history and that
with its foundation a large step has been taken in
nature conservation. She furthermore stated that
the area is so distinct that with its preservation the
Vatnajökull National Park could meet the strict
requirements of becoming an UNESCO World
Heritage Site in the future. At the same time, the
area is expected to attract a growing number of
visitors, which will help develop the region and
create new job opportunities in the tourism indus-
try. According to the Iceland Tourist Board, four
new visitor centres are planned to open by 2012,
to accommodate an estimated number of 30,000
to 42,000 additional visitors in coming years.
The extensive area is a unique natural phe-
nomenon. Majestic mountains, stunning water-
falls and the continuous interplay between fire
and ice creates a striking contrast in the land-
scape, with geothermal sites, ice caps, glacial
rivers, active volcanoes, lava expanses, sandy
wastelands and green valleys. Adventurous travel-
lers will find plenty of activities within the Park’s
boundaries, from ice climbing or snowmobiling
on Europe’s largest icecap Vatnajökull, to river
rafting down Jökulsá á Fjöllum. More relaxed ex-
cursions include sailing among ice-sculptures on
Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon, as well as the numer-
ous scenic walking trails that lead through caves
and canyons. Opportunities to explore the wilder-
ness are limitless.

Europe’s Largest
National Park
By Steinunn jakoBSdÓttir
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