Tourism fees to increase for service providers in Vatnajökull National Park as contracts expire

Tourism fees for service providers in Vatnajökull National Park will increase this autumn as contracts are renewed. A new agreement will not be established with Ice Pic Journeys while a police investigation into an incident at Breiðamerkurjökull is ongoing.

Twenty-seven contracts related to glacier hikes and ice cave tours will expire, requiring new agreements by October 1. Contracts, which have lasted one year, will now be valid for three years. The fee for each contract will double from 50,000 ISK to 100,000 ISK. In addition, a new charge of 100 ISK per visitor will be introduced, escalating to 200 ISK during the contract period. These funds will be allocated for enhanced monitoring and maintenance.

Serious violations of contract rules are noted, particularly regarding group sizes, which are determined to be a major concern. Examples of significant breaches include tour guides leading groups without the required equipment or exceeding the guest limit, often underestimating conditions.

Due to the ongoing police investigation, Ice Pic Journeys’ contract will not be renewed. One of the company’s owners has been removed from the board of the Mountain Guides Association and dismissed from their guiding role.

“It is unlikely that this contract will be valid from October 1, but we will allow the police to conduct their investigation and get to the bottom of this matter,” said the park ranger.

The National Park is committed to maintaining safety and compliance among tour operators and ensuring an exceptional experience for visitors.