east-iceland · Iceland
Brúarjökull — Iceland's Most Accessible Highland Glacier
About Brúarjökull — Iceland's Most Accessible Highland Glacier
Brúarjökull is one of Iceland's most accessible highland glaciers, an outlet glacier of Vatnajökull that famously surged forward 8 km in just 2 years (1963–1964). It offers guided glacier walks and is reached via the F910 highland road.
History & Background
This site in the Highlands is part of Iceland's glacial landscape that has shaped the island for millennia. During the last Ice Age (ending around 10,000 years ago), Iceland was almost entirely covered by glaciers. As the climate warmed, glaciers retreated but never fully disappeared — today they still cover about 11% of Iceland's surface. Vatnajökull, Europe's largest glacier, and other ice caps have profoundly influenced Iceland's geography, carving fjords, valleys, and depositing moraines. Historical records document significant glacial advances during the Little Ice Age (1300-1900), when glaciers destroyed farmland and forced communities to relocate. Climate change has accelerated glacial retreat in recent decades, making these frozen landscapes particularly precious.
Did You Know?
- ✔Vatnajökull outlet glacier
- ✔Highland location
- ✔4WD access (F910)
- ✔Seasonal ice caves
- ✔Crevassed surface
Tours Near Brúarjökull — Iceland's Most Accessible Highland Glacier
Best-rated Iceland experiences — book with free cancellation
Why Visit
Highland glacier adventure — Vatnajökull outlet with crevasses and ice caves, 4WD access, dramatic volcanic setting.
Did You Know?
Brúarjökull occasionally releases jökulhlaups — massive glacial floods bursting from beneath the ice.
The Outlaw's Refuge
Iceland's vast, uninhabited highlands have been associated with outlaws since the saga age. The most famous highland outlaw was Fjalla-Eyvindur (Mountain Eyvindur), who lived as a fugitive in the highlands for over 20 years in the 18th century with his wife Halla. They survived the extreme conditions by living in caves, hunting, and occasionally raiding lowland farms. Their story has become legendary, representing the human capacity to endure against impossible odds. Ruins attributed to their shelters can still be found in the highlands, and their tale has inspired countless Icelandic books, poems, and songs about freedom, love, and survival in the wild heart of Iceland.
Hidden Gems Nearby
Glacier Sounds
Stop and listen — glaciers make haunting sounds as ice shifts and meltwater flows beneath the surface.
The creaking, groaning, and rushing sounds remind you that glaciers are living, moving rivers of ice.
Ice Colors
Look carefully at the ice — you'll see shades of white, blue, and even black from volcanic ash layers.
The blue color comes from compressed ice that absorbs red light, and ash layers mark historical eruptions.
Glacier Edge Ecology
The area where the glacier meets rock supports a unique micro-ecosystem of hardy organisms.
Pioneer plants and insects colonizing newly exposed land offer a real-time view of ecological succession.
Practical Information
Best Time
Summer (June-August) for glacier walks; winter for ice caves
Duration
2-5 hours with a guided tour
Access
Guided tours required for glacier hiking. No solo glacier walking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I walk on the glacier by myself?▾
No, you should never walk on a glacier without proper equipment and a certified guide. Glaciers have hidden crevasses that are extremely dangerous.
What should I wear for a glacier hike?▾
Wear warm, layered clothing, waterproof jacket and pants, and sturdy hiking boots. Tour operators provide crampons and ice axes.
Are ice caves available year-round?▾
Natural ice caves are typically only accessible from November to March. Conditions vary each year.