Glaciers in Iceland

Vatnajökull is the largest glacier in Iceland and one of the largest ice caps in Europe, covering approximately 8% of Iceland's total area. The glacier sits atop several active volcanoes, creating a dramatic combination of fire and ice. Dozens of outlet glaciers flow from the main ice cap into valleys and seas. Beneath the ice lies the Grímsvötn volcanic system — one of Iceland's most active volcanoes. The glacier is the centrepiece of Vatnajökull National Park, the largest national park in Europe.

Langjökull is Iceland's second largest glacier, located in the highlands of West Iceland near the Golden Circle. A unique man-made ice tunnel has been carved inside the glacier, allowing visitors to walk deep into the ice and experience the glacier from within — the only tunnel of its kind in the world. The glacier surface can also be explored by snowmobile or monster truck tours. Langjökull feeds the Hvítá river, which flows through the famous Gullfoss waterfall.

Skaftafellsjökull is an outlet glacier of Vatnajökull that flows directly into the Skaftafell Nature Reserve. A well-marked 2km trail leads from the Skaftafell visitor centre directly to the glacier snout, where you can touch the ice wall and see the deep blue crevasses up close. The glacier has retreated significantly in recent decades. Guided glacier hikes depart regularly from the visitor centre.