As winter casts its spell over Iceland, the landscape transforms into a mesmerizing wonderland. Enormous glaciers, radiant ice caves, and crystal-clear lagoons await your discovery. So, bundle up in your coziest clothing, and let’s embark on a journey to uncover the extraordinary glacial treasures of this remarkable island.
Discovering Iceland’s Glaciers
Iceland is renowned for its breathtaking glaciers, which makes deciding which ones to visit feel nearly impossible. But fear not, we’re here to help you narrow the choices.
Experience the majestic beauty of Iceland’s glaciers with Hidden Iceland.
Let’s kick things off with Vatnajökull, Iceland’s largest glacier, which covers a staggering 8,100 square kilometers—around 8% of the island’s landmass. Located within the vast Vatnajökull National Park in the southeast, it encompasses about 14% of Iceland’s territory, offering a dramatic landscape filled with ice caves, volcanoes, and glacial rivers.
This awe-inspiring natural marvel deserves a spot on every traveler’s bucket list, particularly for those seeking a luxurious Icelandic experience. While Vatnajökull steals the spotlight with its sheer size, be assured that Iceland boasts a multitude of other glaciers, each with its own captivating allure.
For those eager to witness glacial grandeur without straying far from well-trodden paths, Skaftafellsjökull stands out for its accessibility. Nestled within Vatnajökull National Park, it features stunning vistas and well-marked hiking trails.
Experience the thrill of snowmobiling on a glacier.
If it’s adventure you’re after, look no further than Langjökull, Iceland’s second-largest glacier. It’s famed for thrilling snowmobile tours that allow you to speed across untouched stretches of ice, or even explore the glacier’s depths via a man-made ice tunnel.
Mýrdalsjökull and Hofsjökull glaciers crown active volcanoes in Iceland’s South and Western Highlands, showcasing the country’s elemental forces of fire and ice. Mýrdalsjökull conceals Katla, one of Iceland’s most volatile volcanoes, while Hofsjökull, the largest active volcano, plays a critical role in feeding the nation’s glacial rivers.
No matter what kind of holiday you envision, Iceland has a glacier perfectly tailored to your dreams.
Best Glacier Hiking Destinations in Iceland
Now that you have a sense of where to find Iceland’s most majestic glaciers, let’s delve into which ones are ideal for hiking. While many glaciers could capture your imagination, we wholeheartedly recommend Falljökull. The name translates to “falling glacier,” inspired by its steep outlet that cascades downward, resembling a frozen waterfall.
Join us for an unforgettable hike across stunning glaciers.
Falljökull is both stunning and ever-evolving, yet remains inviting rather than intimidating. Visitors often find a serene tranquility in its presence. Nature enthusiasts and adventurers will find this hike one of the best, with breathtaking views that captivate long before you reach the summit.
If you’re eager to learn more about glacier hiking, take a look at our comprehensive glacier and ice cave guide.
Exploring Glacier Lagoons in Iceland
Iceland’s most famed glacier lagoon, Jökulsárlón, is nestled within Vatnajökull National Park. This enchanting lagoon has expanded significantly over the past fifty years, swelling with meltwater from the magnificent glaciers that surround it.
Known for its massive floating icebergs, the lagoon is rich with wildlife. Beneath the icy surface, herring and salmon swim, while shimmering fragments of ice drift towards the coast, ultimately resting on the sparkling black sands of Diamond Beach—an awe-inspiring sight.
A curious seal making the most of the icy landscape at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon.
But the wonders of Jökulsárlón extend beyond its icebergs; Common and Gray seals can often be spotted lounging on floating ice or swimming gracefully in the lagoon. The experience is nothing short of magical, evoking scenes from Hollywood blockbusters such as Die Another Day and Batman Begins.
If you seek opinions beyond that of pop culture icons, our esteemed guide, Baráth Levente, recommends Hotel Jökulsárlón as a top-notch place to stay while visiting the lagoon. “The view of the surrounding glaciers from my window is incredibly special, and the rooms are so cozy!” he enthuses.
This recommendation is why we feature this hotel as part of our enticing two-day tour of Iceland’s glacier lagoons. For those who crave an immersive experience, we also offer exhilarating Zodiac boat tours led by local experts who expertly navigate the icy waters, bringing you close to towering glaciers and floating icebergs that larger boats cannot reach. However, Jökulsárlón isn’t the only lagoon worth experiencing; Fjallsárlón offers a quieter, more introspective atmosphere, perfect for connecting with nature or capturing stunning photographs of the shifting light across the milky blue waters, away from the crowd.
Experience the thrill of a Zodiac tour at a glacier lagoon.
Visiting Iceland’s Ice Caves
If you’re on the lookout for sparkling ice caves, head no further than the Breiðamerkurjökull Glacier, which is part of the same UNESCO World Heritage site as Jökulsárlón and Fjallsárlón.
Accessible only by off-road vehicles in winter, this glacier opens up some of the most stunning ice caves in Iceland. With a range of blue hues that defy imagination, these caves offer an incredible opportunity to explore thousands-of-years-old glacier formations.
The Sapphire Ice Cave is particularly breathtaking. In the winter, if the delayed sunrise strikes just right, the cave’s walls shimmer as if capturing the sunlight within the ice, creating an extraordinary spectacle.
Sapphire Ice Cave | Photo by Helen Maria Björnsdóttir
Adventurous explorations inside stunning ice caves.
Ice Climbing in Iceland
For those seeking thrilling chills, ice climbing on Sólheimajökull Glacier is an unmissable adventure. Located in the south near the Ring Road and nestled between two looming volcanoes, Sólheimajökull’s unique black-and-blue appearance is a product of the ash emitted by its active neighbors, offering a striking backdrop for climbers.
Our expert guides ensure that our ice climbing tours are safe and enjoyable for anyone with moderate fitness; it’s an adventure you won’t soon forget. If climbing isn’t your style, simply witnessing the glacier and its breathtaking landscape from the ground is an experience in itself, packed with incredible photo opportunities and unrivaled scenery—not to mention it’s just 98 miles from Reykjavík, making it an excellent day trip.
And during the darkest winter months, you stand a good chance of witnessing the auroras dancing overhead, adding another layer of magic to your adventure.
Experience the thrill of ice climbing on a glacier.
Ready to experience the unforgettable ice caves and glacier lagoons of Iceland? Reach out today at +354-770-5733 or email us at info@hiddeniceland.is to start planning your luxurious Iceland getaway. You can also check out our example itineraries on our private luxury tour page.