Vatnajökulsþjóðgarður management approves motor vehicle trial in Vonarskarð for five years

The management of Vatnajökulsþjóðgarður has decided to allow motor vehicle traffic through Vonarskarð for the next five years as part of a trial initiative. The decision was reached during an extraordinary board meeting, with access granted from September 1, 2025. Discussions surrounding vehicle access in the area have been ongoing for some time.

The board’s meeting minutes indicate that this trial is aimed at resolving the long-standing disputes over traffic in Vonarskarð. The management emphasizes its dual responsibility to both protect nature and provide access to the land.

A board member representing environmental groups proposed postponing the decision until the next board meeting scheduled for December 9; however, this suggestion was rejected by six votes to one. The same member voiced opposition to the trial access, raising concerns about safety issues that have recently come to light within the park.

He highlighted a serious incident within Vatnajökulsþjóðgarður that has drawn attention to general safety for visitors. His statement expressed worry that a lack of comprehensive assessments of potential risks associated with the vehicle trial was a significant oversight. He pointed out deficiencies in communication coverage, the presence of active volcanoes, and weather hazards in the area, as well as a previous fatal accident involving motor vehicles.

Moreover, he criticized the decision-making process, which occurred just before an election campaign, noting that the agenda for the meeting was only distributed five days in advance. In a formal statement, he reiterated his opposition to permitting vehicle access without a thorough safety evaluation.