Top 10 Glaciers in Iceland
Iceland's glaciers cover roughly 10% of the country's land area and dominate its visual identity. Most sit on top of active volcanoes, which gives Icelandic ice a personality unlike any other glaciated country — black ash bands, geothermal caves, and outflow rivers that braid across vast sandur plains.
1. Vatnajokull
At about 7,700 km2, Vatnajokull is Europe's largest ice cap by volume. It feeds more than 30 named outlet glaciers. The southern outlets — Svinafellsjokull, Skaftafellsjokull and Falljokull — are reached on day trips from Skaftafell visitor centre with crampon-guided walks suitable for beginners.
2. Langjokull
The second largest ice cap, Langjokull sits on the central plateau within easy reach of Reykjavik. The "Into the Glacier" tunnel here is a year-round visit that lets non-climbers stand inside the ice cap.
3. Hofsjokull
The country's third ice cap, almost circular and sitting atop a large central volcano. Few road accesses, but increasingly popular for ski-touring traverses.
4. Myrdalsjokull
Best known for hiding the Katla volcano. The Solheimajokull tongue is the most visited beginner glacier walk on the south coast, just off the ring road.
5. Drangajokull
The only sizeable ice cap left in the Westfjords. Smaller every year, but a classic remote ski objective for those who want emptiness over crowds.
6. Eyjafjallajokull
The 2010 eruption made the name famous. The ice cap above the volcano is small but technical, with guided routes from the Skogar side.
7. Snaefellsjokull
A stratovolcano cone topped by ice on the western peninsula. The setting for Jules Verne's "Journey to the Centre of the Earth" and a beginner-friendly guided summit climb in summer.
8. Tungnafellsjokull
A small interior ice cap on the highland plateau north of Vatnajokull. Pure backcountry territory — no marked tracks, no facilities.
9. Solheimajokull
Officially an outlet of Myrdalsjokull, but treated separately by virtually every operator because it is the single most accessible glacier walk in Iceland. Park, walk fifteen minutes, rope up.
10. Falljokull
A steep, heavily crevassed outlet of Vatnajokull above Skaftafell. The ice-cave season here runs November to March, with operators rotating cave locations as the ice moves and collapses.
When to go
Summer (June–August) gives long days and easy road access; winter (November–March) opens the blue ice caves under Vatnajokull and the aurora season. Spring and autumn are quieter and increasingly the smart choice.
Keep exploring
Find every glacier above, plus dozens of smaller outlets, on the interactive map. Filter to Iceland and turn on the ice-cap layer to see how much of the country is still under ice.