Iceland Glaciers & Ice Caves
Complete Guide to Iceland's 269 Named Glaciers
Iceland contains 269 named glaciers; the 13 largest cover around 11% of the country's area. These ancient ice masses create spectacular landscapes, from otherworldly ice caves to massive glacier lagoons filled with floating icebergs. Iceland's glaciers have been losing about 8.3 billion tonnes of ice per year on average since 2000.
Walking on Ancient Ice
Glacier hiking is one of Iceland's most popular activities, offering visitors a chance to walk on ice that has been compressing for centuries. Outlet glaciers like Svínafellsjökull provide accessible routes onto these frozen giants.
Crampons, ice axes, and expert guides transform the glacier surface into a walkable landscape of blue ice ridges, deep crevasses, and otherworldly formations.
The Big 6 Glaciers
Iceland's six major glaciers each offer distinct experiences and landscapes. Compare them to plan your visit.
- Vatnajökull — 7,900 km², Southeast Iceland. Europe's largest glacier. Jökulsárlón lagoon, crystal ice caves (Nov–Mar), glacier hikes. Moderate access.
- Langjökull — 835 km², West Highlands. Most accessible, 2hr from Reykjavík. Into the Glacier ice tunnel (year-round). Easy access.
- Hofsjökull — 810 km², Central Highlands. Most remote. Highland expeditions only. Difficult access.
- Mýrdalsjökull — 590 km², South Iceland. Covers Katla volcano. Katla Ice Cave (year-round), Sólheimajökull walks. Moderate access.
- Drangajökull — 160 km², Westfjords. Iceland's only stable glacier. Untouched wilderness hiking. Difficult access.
- Eyjafjallajökull — 78 km², South Iceland. Famous for 2010 eruption. Photography and guided hikes. Moderate access.
Climate Change Impact
Iceland's glaciers are melting at record pace, losing approximately 8.3 billion tonnes of ice annually since 2000.
- Mass loss: 8.3 billion tonnes per year average (University of Iceland research)
- Disappearing glaciers: Langjökull may vanish by 2150 at current melt rates
- Sea level: melting contributes to global sea level rise
- Ice cave changes: caves form and collapse more rapidly due to instability
- Water resources: changes affect river systems and hydroelectric power
Responsible Glacier Visiting
- Stay on marked paths: prevent erosion and protect fragile glacier edges
- Use certified guides only: never attempt glacier access without proper safety equipment
- Respect access restrictions: some areas are closed to protect visitors and the environment
- Pack out all waste: glacial environments are extremely sensitive
- Choose eco-friendly tours: select operators with environmental certifications
- Offset your carbon footprint: support renewable energy projects in Iceland
Safety Information
Never explore glaciers or ice caves without certified professional guides. Crevasses and ice cave ceilings can collapse without warning. All activities are weather-dependent and may be cancelled for safety. Check safetravel.is before visiting any glacier.