Exploring the glaciers in Iceland is a one-of-a-kind experience. There are many great glaciers in Iceland, where you can hike, climb or go under. This is something we fully recommend.
When the first Norse settlers came to Iceland they found a bountiful and promising land, though there were both volcanoes and glaciers here. One of the first visitors, a man called Hrafna-Floki or Raven-Floki, stayed over winter on the southern reaches of the Westfjords. Since the land was so rich he cared not for harvesting or taking stock for winter, and when winter came, it came hard and cold.
In spring there was still heavy snow and his people and livestock was starving. He climbed to the top of the highest mountain in the area to see if he could see spring coming, but saw only snow and glaciers. He decided to leave at first opportunity and said that his land should be called Iceland, to deter anyone going there.
That however didn’t work. Few years later other settlers came and found the land to be beautiful and rich, despite glaciers, volcanoes and cold winters. The settlers were used to cold winters, but large glaciers and spewing volcanoes were new to them.
The glaciers have always had a magical pull to them and many tourists and locals alike enjoy exploring them. Here are those glaciers in Iceland where you can find great tours and activities.
Snaefellsjokull glacier
Snaefellsjokull glacier is one of the highest mountains in West-Iceland, reaching almost 1.500 meters over sea level. This is a 700.000 year old glacier-capped stratovolcano, which is one of the most known destinations in Iceland, mostly due to the fact that it was featured in Jules Verne’s science-fiction The Journey to the Center of the Earth.
The glacier is now a part of the Snaefellsjokull National Park. There are many great hiking trails in the National Park, some of which where you can climb to the volcano’s top, though it takes hours to do so. You can also go on a tour in a Super-Jeep or on snowmobile. We can help you arrange a superb experience and find the most suitable tour for your travelling style.
Langjokull glacier
When you are exploring the Golden Circle you can, on a clear day, see the Langjokull glacier, since it is quite visible from Haukadalur where the Geysir geothermal area is. This glacier is the second largest ice cap in Iceland (953 km2), after Vatnajökull glacier.
Langjokull glacier is accessible from both Haukadalur in the south and Husafell in the west. There are many different tours and activities offered on either side. When exploring it from Husafell you can enter a man-made tunnels that reach deep under the glacier, where you can see what Langjokull glacier looks from the inside.
Myrdalsjokull glacier
Myrdalsjokull glacier is the southern-most glacier in Iceland and clearly visible when exploring the South Coast. It is to the north of Vík í Mýrdal and to the east of the smaller ice cap Eyjafjallajökull. The icecap of the glacier covers an active volcano called Katla.
There are many great hiking tours offered to tourist, where you can explore natural ice caves. Also, you can go ice-climbing in the area, which we are happy to help you arrange.
Vatnajokull glacier
Vatnajokull glacier is the largest glacier in Iceland. In fact, it is the largest glacier in Europe. The glacier and the surrounding area is a National Park. The glacier covers many of the most active volcanoes in Iceland, e.g. Grimsvotn volcano and Bardarbunga volcano. It also encompasses the highest mountain in Iceland, mt. Hvannadalshnjukur, which towers over the landscape.
There are many great activities where you can explore the glacier. The single most popular tours are boat rides on the lagoons, where you can see floating striped icebergs, seals and truly feel the sheer size of the glacier. Many tourist also pay a visit to the Diamond beach, only a short distance from Jokulsarlon glacial lagoon.
Exploring the glaciers
We are more than happy to help you explore the glaciers in Iceland. Just reach out and let us know, we can help you arrange the perfect tours and activities, suited to fit your luxurious traveling style.
