Breiðamerkurjökull

Background

History & Background

Breiðamerkurjökull holds a fascinating and somewhat dramatic history, closely tied to the land and its inhabitants. Its name, translating to 'Glacier of Wide Woodland,' suggests a landscape very different from the one we see today, hinting at a time when woodlands might have flourished in the area now dominated by ice. For centuries, this powerful outlet glacier from Vatnajökull was known for its aggressive advances. It famously encroached upon and eventually engulfed a thriving settlement east of Öræfi, with the last farmstead, Breiðamörk, disappearing under the ice in 1702. This historical event underscores the formidable and relentless power of the glacier. However, the 20th and 21st centuries have seen a significant reversal. Around the year 1900, the snout of Breiðamerkurjökull was less than 300 meters from the sea. Since then, global climate change has led to a substantial retreat of Iceland's glaciers. Breiðamerkurjökull is a prime example of this phenomenon, with its current edge now approximately 5 kilometers from the coast. This retreat has given birth to the magnificent Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon, a major tourist attraction where icebergs calve from the glacier's face and drift towards the sea, creating an ever-changing spectacle. The lagoon and the glacier thus serve as a stark, beautiful reminder of the planet's evolving environment.

Breiðamerkurjökull, one of the largest and most spectacular outlet glaciers of the mighty Vatnajökull ice cap, is a must-see for any visitor to Iceland's southeast. Its name, 'Glacier of Wide Woodland,' hints at a past when forests might have thrived where ice now dominates. The visual impact is immediate and profound: a colossal expanse of ice, its surface sculpted into dramatic ridges and crevasses, descends from snow-capped peaks towards a vast, serene lagoon. This is Jökulsárlón, the famous glacial lagoon, which Breiðamerkurjökull continuously feeds with an endless procession of icebergs. These 'artworks,' as they are often described, drift slowly across the lagoon, showcasing an incredible spectrum of blues, whites, and even volcanic ash streaks. The retreat of Breiðamerkurjökull is a striking example of climate change in action. Historically, this glacier was so expansive it encroached upon human settlements, famously engulfing the prosperous community of Breiðamörk in 1702. At the turn of the 20th century, its snout was barely 300 meters from the ocean. Today, it has receded approximately 5 kilometers inland, leaving behind the stunning Jökulsárlón. While admiring the lagoon and its icebergs is the primary draw, for the adventurous, guided tours onto the glacier itself are available, requiring specialized equipment and expert guidance. This ever-evolving landscape offers unparalleled photographic opportunities and a profound connection to Iceland's powerful natural forces.