Mýrdalsjökull
Large South Iceland ice cap covering the active Katla volcanic system.
About
About Mýrdalsjökull
Large South Iceland ice cap covering the active Katla volcanic system.
Experience a major South Iceland glacier landscape and learn how ice and volcanism interact around Katla.
Tours Near Mýrdalsjökull
DT 322 Private Superjeep South Coast & Eyjafjallajökull Volcano Sights
Superjeep · 8 hours
South Coast Waterfalls, Glacier & Black Sand Beach Tour
BusTravel Iceland · 10 hours
South Coast Small Group Tour: Waterfalls, Glacier & Black Sand Beach
BusTravel Iceland · 10 hours
South Coast Waterfalls, Black Beach and Glacier Adventure | Small Group Day Tour
Nicetravel · 11 hours
Photos
Gallery
Background
History & Background
Mýrdalsjökull and Katla have shaped the surrounding landscape through repeated volcanic eruptions, glacial erosion and jökulhlaup floods. Modern monitoring tracks seismic, geothermal and hydrological changes beneath and around the ice cap.
Mýrdalsjökull is one of Iceland's major ice caps and covers the Katla volcanic system north of Vík. The glacier feeds several outlet glaciers and glacial rivers and is an important part of the South Coast landscape. Katla is an active volcano monitored continuously by Icelandic authorities, but it is not accurate to claim that an eruption is 'predicted imminently.' Glacier travel should only be undertaken with suitable equipment and experienced or guided access.
Folklore
Story & Folklore
Mýrdalsjökull combines two of Iceland's defining forces: a large glacier and an active volcanic system beneath the ice. Its outlet glaciers, rivers and broad sandur landscapes show the long-term interaction of ice, meltwater and volcanism.
Did You Know?
Katla volcano is overdue for eruption
Culture
Stories & Legends
Icelandic sagas and folklore from this area
Explore
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Location
Location
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