Basic Information
- Mýrdalsjökull glacier is Iceland’s fourth largest ice cap.
Mýrdalsjökull is a larger-than-life glacier located in the South of the Icelandic highlands. The magnificent glacier is situated towards the north of Vik i Myrdal and to the east of the relatively smaller Eyjafjallajökull Glacier. The astounding glacier is known to sit on the explosive and powerful volcano called Katla. The glacier is Iceland’s fourth largest ice cap. Mýrdalsjökull covers about 600 square kilometers (232 square miles) and its highest point is nearly 1500 meters high. A haven for those who like to experience ice, the glacier offers ice caves, snowmobile, glacier hiking and ice climbing tour adventures. If you want to try something fun and thrilling, Mýrdalsjökull glacier is a great place to visit.
Activities to do around Mýrdalsjökull glacier
The outlet glaciers and Mýrdalsjökull are extremely admired by both locals and explorers. The convenient access through different ways and a plethora of thrilling activities are offered by the ice cap and the surrounding areas. Listed below are few activities that explorers can try on their visit to Mýrdalsjökull.
- Ice Caving: Katla Volcano lies in the depths of Myrdalsjokull glacier. This phenomenon lets you experience something amazing known as ice caving. The visitors can go deep into the glacier and experience Katla’s ice cave. There are tours that take the visitors through the long freezing tunnels which are naturally embellished with rich shades of blue and black. It is highly recommended to go with an experienced guide who can provide you with all the information about glaciers and volcanoes.
- Hiking in Mýrdalsjökull glacier: It is not difficult to hike onto the Myrdalsjokull Glacier. Given that you have all the special equipment such as crampons and ice axes, it is worthy to go on a hike. While the hike is not hard, special knowledge is required to conduct it. You must undertake this adventure with a trusted and experienced glacier guide. It is important to be safely led through the crevasse-ridden surface of the glacier. A guide will also have knowledge about the best spots. Make sure you are fully prepared to avoid any mishaps.
- Ice Climbing: Solheimajokull, which is Myrdalsjokull Glacier’s outlet glacier, is one of the highly-known ice climbing locations in the country. The glacier tongue has deep crevasses and massive ice formations where all the excitement of ice climbing takes place. You can join one of the glacier hiking adventure tours to tick this adventure on your to-do list.
- Snowmobile: Mýrdalsjökull glacier is one of the best locations to go snowmobiling in Iceland. The views from the snowmobiling tours are breath taking and you can often see all the way to the Westman Islands. The meeting point for the snowmobiling tours is also in a great location on the south coast, so it is a perfect add on to your self driving trip along the south. It is also possible to go on a day tour from Reykjavik to explore the wonders of south Iceland combined with a snowmobile experience on Mýrdalsjökull.
- Other Things To-Do: If you are not able to decide which activities to choose or leave, you can try tours that offer combined activities. These tours bring together fun glacier activities and sightseeing and even the Northern Lights. For the northern lights, you should go in winter, which is the best time to experience them.
How to Reach Mýrdalsjökull glacier
To cover the snowy gravel paths of the Mýrdalsjökull glacier, an experienced driver is needed. Generally, the meeting point for tours of the glacier is one of the three places. It is either the town of Vik, Solheimajokull Car Park, or at Myrdalsjokukll base camp along the south coast. If you have not reserved a tour in advance, Solheimajokull Car Park is the nearest point to Myrdalsjokull glacier that you can reach. You can reach the meeting points through a regular vehicle.
You have to take Road Number 1 if you’re driving from Reykjavik. You will need to drive south in the direction of Vik. A left turn is to be taken onto Road 221 as the driver will cross the Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss Waterfalls. You will arrive at the car park after driving for a short while. If the visitors plan to visit the area in suitable weather, they will find an open cafe, a paid restroom, and a souvenir shop in the car park. There are many hotels and other great accommodation options that the visitors will find at some distance from Solheimajokull Car Park.
Mýrdalsjökull on a map
Interesting locations in the area
Hotels & Restaurants
- Black Beach Suites
- Hotel Vík
- Hotel Katla
- Puffin Hotel vík
- Vík Camping
- The Soup Company
- Strondin Bistro
- Smiðjan Brugghús
- Berg Restaurant
- Suður Vík
