Skaftafell

Skaftafell is the hub of the south-east on any Iceland route: the national park visitor centre, the campsite, the trailheads for Svartifoss and the glacier viewpoints, and the meeting point for guided glacier walks all share one car park just off the Ring Road. It is also, importantly, the first toilets and the first warm building after the long Skeiðarársandur crossing from Kirkjubæjarklaustur.

How long: the Svartifoss loop is about two hours at a walking pace; the flat walk to the Skaftafellsjökull viewpoint is under an hour; a guided glacier walk is three hours or more including kit. Many Ring Road plans give Skaftafell a half day and sleep at the campsite or at Höfn.

The practical line, from the park's pricelist and area page, checked today: the regional fee is 1,110 ISK for a car up to five seats and 1,440 for six to nine, paid by plate recognition via Parka or the machines, valid until midnight; a 50 per cent discount applies if another fee area of the park was paid the same day. Camping is 2,800 ISK per adult (free for children with an adult), electricity 1,500 ISK per 24 hours. "Flush toilets are available in the area." Fuel is not sold in the park; the nearest station is at Freysnes a few minutes east (operator not confirmed today) and the next town is Höfn.

Safety, in the park's words: "Outside of the summer months, conditions can change rapidly", so "inform yourself before visiting". The glacier tongues are not for unguided walking; safetravel.is says never go on a glacier "without experience or the proper equipment".