Iceland’s home to more than 250 named glaciers, including Vatnajökull, its largest glacier which covers around 10% of the country. They encompass a plethora of types, such as ice caps, outlet glaciers and ice accumulation on mountains. In the south east of Iceland, these mighty tongues of ice are easily accessible year-round, making this the ideal region to experience what they’re like. Let’s take a look at some of the best glaciers to visit in this part of Iceland and what makes them special.
Vatnajökull Glacier
If you’ve flown to Iceland from further east in Europe then there’s a chance you’ll have seen Vatnajökull from the air. This vast sheet of ice, whose name translates as “glacier of lakes” represents a tenth of Iceland’s area and it’s also one of the biggest glaciers in Europe. In places the ice measures almost a kilometre thick, though typically its depth is around 380 metres.
As a measure of this landscape’s importance, Vatnajökull National Park was established in 2008. It extended a protected area that encompassed two separate but smaller regions – Skaftafell National Park and Jökulsárgljúfur Canyons. Now the entire body of ice is a conservation area and managed carefully to ensure that it is looked after for present and future visitors to enjoy.
Breiðamerkurjökull Glacier
Breiðamerkurjökull is an outlet glacier of Vatnajökull. A variety of tours take start by this glacier, including snowmobiling and super jeep tours. The glacier calves into Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. It’s an example of a Piedmont glacier, a type of glacier where the ice flows down a valley and spills out into a lowland plain, which enables it to spread out. The ice flows into two lagoons; Breiðárlón is much smaller than its neighbour.
This glacier, like many in the 21st century, is in a phase of retreat. A few decades ago, it extended further south, but has moved back and left the lagoons in its wake in the process. The rate of retreat has varied over time, but as global temperatures rise, the long-term future of this and other glaciers is uncertain. In the meantime, witnessing the icebergs bob along the channel out to sea is an extraordinary experience.
Fjallsjökull Glacier
Fjallsjökull rises behind Fjallsárlón Glacier Lagoon and is an outlet glacier of Öræfajökull. This tongue of ice is far smaller than the glaciers that give rise to it, yet it’s still an incredible 3 miles (5 kilometres) long. The lagoon beneath the glacier isn’t connected to the sea, which means that it freezes over in winter, adding an extra dimension to a visit if you are here during the colder months.
This tranquil environment makes an enticing alternative to Jökulsárlón, its larger, busier neighbour. In many respects this makes it a hidden gem. Take a Zodiac Boat Tour out onto the lagoon to experience the sight of the glacier as it calves into this sheltered body of water. As the guide cuts the engine, the solitude and calm of this place will envelope you. The size of the boat means you can get relatively close to the snout of the glacier; seen from this perspective it really is a wonderful sight.
Getting up onto the ice is another tempting prospect. Our experienced guides lead ice cave tours from November until April, when the ice is considered more stable due to the lower temperatures and Glacier Hiking Tours from May until November when weather is milder. We have an exclusive access to Fjallsjökull so if you want to avoid crowds like on Fjallsjokull then our tours should be perfect for you. It’s also possible to arrange a private hike, but you’ll still have a sense of being off the beaten track in this intimate place. Hikers typically spend around 1 to 1.5 hours on the ice, which is time to really appreciate your surroundings and take in this unique landscape.
The icebergs on Diamond Beach
Fláajökull is another outlet glacier of Vatnajökull. It’s relatively small, and flows over the slope which gives the glacier its current Icelandic name – they tend to be descriptive. Like many glaciers in Iceland, it has been referred to differently in the past, and in this case the historic names were Mýrajöklar, Mýrajökull, Hólsárjökull and Hólmsárjökull.
This too has significantly receded. According to scientists, it reached its peak in 1894. Today, the snout of the glacier looks to be about 2 kilometres further back than it was a century ago. Ahead of the ice, it’s possible to see what a glacier does to the landscape as it scrapes and slides its way across the ground. Here, you can also hike to the Haukafell forestry project.
Öræfajökull Glacier and Hvannadalshnjúkur
Another of Vatnajökull‘s outlet glaciers, Öræfajökull is also Iceland’s highest active volcano, boasting an ice-filled caldera. It has erupted spectacularly in the past, such as in 1362 and 1727. One of the biggest dangers of an eruption here, and because of volcanoes similar to this, is the possibility of glacial floods called jökulhlaups.
The peak of Hvannadalshnjúkur – Iceland’s tallest – rises from the ice, standing 2109 metres above sea level. It’s possible to make an ascent if accompanied by a qualified guide; allow around 9 hours to go up and half that to come back down. The views from the summit in fine weather are extraordinary, promising breathtaking views of the glacier and beyond. However, even in summer, strong winds and blizzards are not unheard of, so never attempt to climb it on your own. You will need a certificate guide who knows the glacier and its dangers as well as proper glacier gear when summiting Hvannadalshnjúkur.
Falljökull Glacier
Falljökull is a small but majestic glacier that is located in the south of Vatnajökull National Park. It extends down from the Öræfajökull caldera and is known for its steep ice falls. As it cascades down from the larger glacier it splits into two distinct bodies of ice. Close up, it’s an impressive sight: though the movement of the ice is imperceptibly slow, it’s easy to understand the processes that are taking place right before your eyes.
The drama of Falljökull makes it a popular spot for an ice hike. Due to easy access the glacier tends to be crowded with people during high season. Don crampons and helmet for this guided hike, where you’ll walk to the sound of trickling meltwater and the crunch of packed ice beneath your boots. As with all glaciers, the air blowing across the ice is cold, and you’ll feel the chill on your face as you steadily increase your elevation.
Getting to south east Iceland’s glaciers
Many of the glaciers we have described are easily reached from the ring road. Fjallsárlón Glacier Lagoon, for example, is about a five hour drive from Reykjavik and about an hour’s drive west of Höfn. This location, right on the ring road, makes it easy to slot in a stop for those looping the ring road or as an overnight out and back trip from the capital for those pushed for time. Parking is free of charge at Fjallsarlon.
Although of course it is not possible to drive up onto the ice, at places like Fjallsárlón you can pull off the road and park up as you join a tour in a specially adapted vehicle such as a super jeep. Whether you opt for a boat trip to see the glacier from alongside its snout or a guided ice hike to get up onto its crevassed and ridged surface, we’ll provide all the gear you need and an expert guide to accompany you.
Not for nothing do people call Iceland the Land of Fire and Ice – with so many easily accessible glaciers, the south east region of the country is the ideal destination to get your fill of the latter.
