Reykjanes peninsula and Vatnajökull glacier receive international recognition

Reykjanes and Vatnajökull glacier are on the International Geological Union's (IUGS) list of 100 geological heritage sites on the planet.

This was presented at an international geological conference that was held recently in Busan, South Korea, and the Natural History Institute reports on its website.

The aim of publishing a list of geological monuments is to draw attention to the importance of geological monuments for education and knowledge, and to promote the preservation of significant archaeological sites.

Must have a high international scientific value

This is the second time that the IUGS has compiled a list of important geological sites. It is planned that there will be three IUGS lists, and the third one will be published in 2026. To be on the IUGS list of geological monuments, geological sites must have a high international scientific value.

The Natural History Institute designated the Reykjanes volcano on the IUGS list of geological monuments as an internationally important geological site due to its connection to the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.

The International Association of Landscaping Engineers designated Vatnajökull as an internationally important geological site due to the interaction between glaciers and volcanic activity.

Glacier runs and sands are a rare phenomenon in the world, and at Vatnajökull glacier you can find examples of them that are among the best.

Vatnajökull glacier is a national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.