must-visit in ReykjavíkNational Park & Nature

Mýrdalsjökull

📍 Mýrdalsjökull, Skaftárhreppur, Suðurland, Ísland

No photos yet

4.6/ 5.0

★★★★★

Quick Facts

Location: Iceland, Reykjavík
Category: National Park & Nature
Duration: 2-3 hours
Address: Mýrdalsjökull, Skaftárhreppur, Suðurland, Ísland
Coordinates: 63.6618, -19.1225

Introduction

Mýrdalsjökull is Iceland's fourth-largest glacier, lying in the south of the country and covering the active Katla volcano. The ice cap spans roughly 600 square kilometres and is several hundred metres thick, sending outlet glaciers such as Sólheimajökull down from its southern edge. The surface shifts constantly with melting and snowfall, showing crevasses and ice textures. Because an active volcano lies beneath, the area carries a risk of glacial outburst floods (jökulhlaup), and any travel on the ice must be led by certified guides. The glacier lies in southern Iceland and is normally reached by car; access and conditions are subject to local notice.

✨ Highlights

Volcano Beneath the Ice

The active Katla volcano lies under the ice cap, an unusual pairing of fire and ice.

Fourth-Largest Glacier

About 600 square kilometres and several hundred metres thick, Iceland's fourth-largest ice cap.

Outlet Glaciers

Glacier tongues such as Sólheimajökull spill from its southern edge, a common spot for ice walks.

Changing Ice Surface

Melting and snowfall create crevasses, mounds and textures that shift with the seasons.

🛈 Practical Info

→Time Needed：Half a day including travel and any ice activity

→Best Season：Summer (May to September), when ice-walk conditions are most stable

→What to Wear：Guided trips and crampons are needed on the ice; wear waterproof, warm layers

→Etiquette：Never go onto the ice alone and keep clear of crevasses and the glacier edge

→Transportation：By car along the main southern ring-road area to the glacier tongues

💡 Tips

• Always join a certified guide for any activity on the ice; never go alone.

• An active volcano lies beneath, so watch local geological and flood warnings.

• The glacier edge changes quickly, so keep a safe distance when viewing.

• Weather and visibility change fast, so check road conditions that day.

FAQ

Any practical tips for visiting Mýrdalsjökull?

Always join a certified guide for any activity on the ice; never go alone. An active volcano lies beneath, so watch local geological and flood warnings.