Protected areas in Iceland
Iceland is home to around 130 protected areas, including three national parks. These areas encompass a remarkable variety of landscapes, from glaciers to vast wilderness areas, including Vatnajökull National Park and Snæfellsjökull National Park.
Protected areas offer unique opportunities to connect with nature, find peace and enjoy the changing beauty of the seasons. By protecting these areas, we help preserve Iceland's natural heritage for present and future generations, while ensuring that nature itself is given the protection it deserves.
Rules and accessibility vary between protected areas depending on their characteristics and conservation objectives.
Enjoying Icelandic Nature Responsibly
Where can I camp? What counts as off-road driving? Where can I fly a drone? Is everything prohibited?
There are, of course, rules for visiting and enjoying Iceland’s protected areas. These rules are there to help protect these special places for generations to come and that is something we all play a part in.
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Skaftárstofa Visitor Centre in Vatnajökull National Park
Hellissandur National Park Centre
Skaftafellsstofa Visitor Centre in Vatnajökull National Park
Visitor Centre at Malarrif
Snæfellsstofa Visitor Centre in Vatnajökull National Park
Gljúfrastofa in Vatnajökull National Park
Gígur Visitor Centre
Hornstrandir Visitor Centre
Nature Conservation Agency of Iceland
The Nature Conservation Agency of Iceland began operations on 1 January 2025, taking over responsibilities for nature conservation, wildlife management and hunting management from the Environment Agency of Iceland, as well as the operations of Vatnajökull National Park.
The Agency is responsible for administration, monitoring and other activities relating to nature conservation and sustainable development, protected areas, the protection of wild birds and mammals, and hunting management.