Glaciers

Glaciers cover ca. 11% of the Icelandic land area (about 11.400 km² out of the total area of 103.000 km²), with the largest ones located in the southern part of the country and in the central highlands. The Icelandic word for glacier is “jökull”.

Vatnajokull glacier is the largest one and actually Europe's largest glacier. Its area covers ca. 8.000 km² (ca. 8% of Iceland) and is more then 800 meters thick. The glacier also boasts the highest mountain peak in Iceland, Hvannadalshnúkur, which reaches 2119m over sea level.

Vatnajokull is almost eight times the size of the 2nd and 3rd largest glaciers, Langjokull (950 km²) and Hofsjokull (920 km²). Myrdalsjokull, Drangajökull, Eyjafjallajokull and Tindfjallajokull are also quite renowned glaciers and Snæfellsjökull glacier can be seen from Reykjavik when the sky is clear.

Various types of glaciers can be found in Iceland, e.g. valley glaciers, alpine glaciers, Glacier tongues and ice caps. So called Glacier tongues, some of which have created large glacial lagoons (like Jökulsarlon lagoon), are visible along the most of the south shore coast of Iceland.

Day trips to the glaciers are a very popular activity in Iceland and whether people go via Super-jeep or on snowmobiles, they are certain to have the time of their life. It’s truly an unforgettable and unique experience.