Getting There -- Skaftafell National Park is along the Ring Road, 327km (203 miles) east of Reykjavík. In summer two buses per day connect Reykjavík and Skaftafell via the Ring Road, stopping at the park. The direct route is handled by Þingvallaleið (tel. 511-2600; www.bustravel.is); Reykjavík to Skaftafell takes 6 hours, and the route continues to Höfn. The route with sightseeing stops is handled by Reykjavík Excursions (tel. 562-1011; www.re.is) and takes almost 9 hours, ending at Skaftafell. From mid-June to early September, Reykjavík Excursions also connects Reykjavík and Skaftafell daily through the interior Landmannalaugar/Fjallabak route, which is more bumpy, expensive, scenic, and time-consuming. From mid-September through May, three weekly Þingvallaleið buses connect Reykjavík and Höfn, stopping at the Freysnes gas station opposite Hótel Skaftafell, 5km (3 miles) east of the park entrance.

Visitor Information -- The Skaftafell visitor center (tel. 478-1627; www.ust.is) is well marked from the Ring Road. Basic trail maps are available there for 150kr ($2.40/£1.20), and can also be printed from the website. The center is open daily from 9am to 7pm June 16 to August; daily from 9am to 6pm June 1 to 15 and September; and daily from 10am to 3pm October to April.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.