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Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, Iceland

Frystur risarnir Íslands

Iceland's
Glaciers

Iceland has 269 named glaciers covering 11% of the country. From Europe's largest ice cap to crystal ice caves — Iceland's glaciers are among the most incredible natural wonders on Earth.

269

Named glaciers

11%

Land covered

8,100 km²

Vatnajökull area

4 seasons

Year-round access

Iceland sits on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet, creating intense volcanic activity beneath many glaciers. This unique combination of fire and ice makes Icelandic glaciers unlike anywhere else on Earth. The largest glacier, Vatnajökull, is bigger than all other European glaciers combined. Other major glaciers include Langjökull, Snæfellsjökull and Hofsjökull.

The largest glacier, Vatnajökull, is bigger than all other European glaciers combined. Other major glaciers include Langjökull, Snæfellsjökull and Hofsjökull.

Glacier experiences range from easy 30-minute walks to glacier snouts, to full-day ice climbing routes and winter ice cave expeditions. The famous blue ice caves beneath Vatnajökull are among the most popular winter experiences in all of Iceland.

Planning Tip: Glacier conditions change daily. Always hike with a certified guide — never walk on a glacier without crampons and ice axes. Ice caves are only safe to visit November–March when temperatures are consistently below freezing.

Iceland's Glaciers

Helstu jöklar á Íslandi

Frá hinum kraftmikla Vatnajökli til jökultunga sem þú getur ekið beint að — uppgötvaðu forna ís Íslands.

south-iceland

Vatnajökull

Iceland's largest ice cap, covering much of Southeast Iceland and several active volcanic systems.

Verið vitni að stórbrotinni fegurð Vatnajökuls, stærsta jökuls Íslands, þar sem víðfeðmar flatir af skærum bláum ís mæta hráum krafti virkra eldfjalla. Risastórt, sprungufyllt yfirborð hans, eins og sést á myndinni, er í andstöðu við dökkar, hrjúfar fjallgarðana og skapar ógleymanlegt landslag elds og íss.

Visitor Tips: Access via glacier hikes from Skaftafell or Jökulsárlón. Ice cave tours available in winter (November–March). Guided glacier walks depart daily from Skaftafell visitor centre. Book ice cave tours well in advance.
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Southeast Iceland

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Iceland's Most Iconic Ice Lagoon

Jökulsárlón is Iceland's most famous glacier lagoon — a dazzling lake filled with floating icebergs that calved from Breiðamerkurjökull glacier. The lagoon has grown dramatically in recent decades due to glacial retreat. Boat tours take visitors between the floating ice, some reaching 30 metres high. The icebergs eventually drift out to sea and wash up on the nearby Diamond Beach. The lagoon has appeared in multiple James Bond films and countless nature documentaries.

Visitor Tips: Boat tours run spring to autumn. Free to walk around the lagoon shore. Walk 500m to Diamond Beach to see ice on black sand. Visit at dawn for magical light and fewer crowds. Allow 2–3 hours.
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west-iceland

Langjökull

Explore Langjökull, Iceland's second-largest glacier, with its unique man-made ice tunnels and vast snowy landscapes.

Stígðu inn í hjarta Langjökuls, hins stórfenglega 'langa jökuls' Íslands, í gegnum einstök manngerð ísgöng hans, yfirnáttúrulega upplifun djúpt inni í jökulhettunni. Ferðastu um útskorin blá ísherbergi, líkt og sjást á myndinni, eða skoðaðu víðáttumikið yfirborð hans á snjósleða og verða vitni að landslagi sem mótað hefur verið af árþúsundum íss og elds.

Visitor Tips: Ice tunnel tours depart from Gullfoss — book well in advance. Tours run year-round. Snowmobile tours on the glacier surface also available. Monster truck tours from Húsafell village are a popular option.
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snaefellsnes

Snæfellsjökull

Glacier-capped stratovolcano in national park

Snæfellsjökull is a magnificent glacier located in West Iceland. This ancient ice mass is part of Iceland's iconic glacial landscape. Visitors can explore the glacier on guided tours, witnessing the stunning blue ice formations, crevasses and the dramatic interplay of ice and volcanic rock.

Visitor Tips: Glacier hiking and summit tours available in summer. Drive to the end of Route 574 for closest access. The glacier has retreated significantly — some tours may not reach the summit. Combine with the full Snæfellsnes Peninsula circular drive.
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south-iceland

Skaftafellsjökull

Witness the grandeur of Skaftafellsjökull, a retreating glacier framed by rugged mountains and new life.

Upplifðu stórfengleika Skaftafellsjökuls, skriðjökuls sem gengur niður úr Vatnajökli og er umkringdur fornum fjöllum. Stutt ganga leiðir þig að hrífandi jökulsporðinum, þar sem jökullónið glitrar af ísjökum og nýkomið land blómstrar með lifandi birki og annarri harðgerri gróður, sem sýnir seiglu náttúrunnar gegn bakgrunni jökulsins sem er á undanhaldi.

Visitor Tips: Free to walk to the glacier edge (no guide needed for the viewing point). Guided glacier hikes depart daily — book at the visitor centre. Allow 1–2 hours for the easy self-guided walk. Combine with the Svartifoss waterfall trail (1.5km from visitor centre).
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south-iceland

Sólheimajökull

Accessible outlet glacier of Mýrdalsjökull with a marked visitor approach from Road 221.

Sólheimajökull is an outlet glacier flowing from Mýrdalsjökull on Iceland's South Coast. Its terminus has changed rapidly in recent decades, making a fixed 'glacier edge' map pin unsuitable.

Visitor Tips: Guided glacier hikes depart daily from the parking area. Minimum age 10 years. Crampons and ice axes provided by tour companies. Year-round access. Ice cave tours available in winter. Allow 2–3 hours for the glacier hike.
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Which Glacier Experience Is Right for You?

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