Iceland protects vast wilderness
29th April 2008
From 7 June, Europe’s largest national park, in the east of Iceland, is set to get even bigger.
The government is creating Vatnajökull National Park, which will extend for a massive 13,000 square kilometres.
The existing Skaftafell – currently Europe’s largest - and Jökulsárgljúfur national parks will be incorporated into the new boundaries.
It means that 13% of Iceland will be protected parkland.
Among the park’s highlights are Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier, and Dettifoss, the continent’s most powerful waterfall.
The diverse landscape includes calderas, mountains, lakes, hot springs and lava fields.
The Icelandic government is investing ISK1,150 million (around £8million) in a network of five new visitor centres and rangers’ facilities over the next four years.
Is Iceland setting an example for the rest of the world in how to protect wilderness areas? Have you visited this part of the country? Share your thoughts and experiences on Wanderlust's community website goWander.com