Iceland, often referred to as the land of fire and ice, is a realm of stark contrasts and surreal beauty. Among its most mesmerizing attractions are the majestic glaciers, offering a window into a world of pristine ice and snow. For adventurous souls and nature enthusiasts alike, exploring these icy giants is an experience that truly takes your breath away. In this article, we journey through the best glacier tours in Iceland, each promising an unforgettable adventure.

Embarking on an Icy Adventure: Top Things to Do in Iceland

Iceland offers a plethora of activities for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts. Embarking on an Icelandic adventure includes:

Epic Road Trips: Traverse the stunning landscapes of Iceland, featuring diverse terrains from volcanic fields to icy glaciers.

Northern Lights: Witness the spectacular aurora borealis, a natural light display in the Earth’s sky, predominantly seen in high-latitude regions.

Glacier Walks: Experience the thrill of walking on ancient glaciers, offering a unique perspective of Iceland’s natural beauty.

Waterfall Visits: Explore numerous waterfalls, like the famous Gullfoss, known for its waters that seem to vanish into the earth.

Highland Journeys: Delve into the unique landscape of the Icelandic Highlands, marked by its rugged, untouched nature.

Volcanic Exploration: Stand on an active volcano, providing a rare glimpse into the geological activity of the region.

Hot Springs Relaxation: Unwind in geothermal hot springs, a perfect way to relax while soaking in Iceland’s scenic beauty.

Hiking Trails: Hike some of the world’s most scenic trails, offering breathtaking views and challenging terrains.

Cultural Insights: Engage with Icelandic culture and history, including the sagas that narrate the country’s legends and folklore.

Unique Museums and Nightlife: Explore living museums and experience the vibrant nightlife in places like Reykjavik.

Whale Watching and Horseback Riding: Encounter majestic whales or explore the landscape on horseback, from Reykjavik to the Westfjords.

Icelandic Cuisine: Savor traditional Icelandic dishes, immersing in the local flavors and culinary traditions.

Off-Beat Adventures: Venture off the beaten track to discover less-explored areas, offering a more intimate experience with Iceland’s natural wonders​.

Vatnajökull Glacier: A Journey into Europe’s Largest Glacier

Vatnajökull Glacier, often referred to as the “Glacier of Lakes,” is a remarkable natural wonder in Iceland and holds the title of being the largest and most voluminous ice cap in the country. It is also recognized as the biggest glacier in Europe in terms of volume and area. Covering an expansive area of about 8,100 to 8,300 square kilometers, Vatnajökull encompasses approximately eight percent of Iceland’s landmass, making it a significant geographical and environmental landmark.

This glacier is not only massive in area but also in thickness, with its deepest point reaching around 1,000 meters, while the average thickness is between 400 to 500 meters. The total ice volume of Vatnajökull is estimated to be around 3,300 cubic kilometers. These dimensions place Vatnajökull as the second largest in area in Europe after the Severny Island ice cap of Novaya Zemlya.

In 2008, Vatnajökull became an integral part of the Vatnajökull National Park, thereby gaining protection and recognition for its unique ecological, geological, and cultural values. The glacier’s vastness and beauty attract numerous visitors each year, making it a popular destination for various activities like self-drive tours, guided expeditions, and explorations of the South Coast of Iceland​.

Snæfellsjökull Glacier: The Gateway to the Center of the Earth

Snæfellsjökull Glacier, a majestic and ancient natural wonder in Iceland, is a glacier-capped stratovolcano located on the western tip of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. This remarkable site, estimated to be 700,000 years old, has long been regarded as a place of mysticism, energy, and mystery, especially among the local population. Not only is it a part of Icelandic lore, but it also gained international fame as the inspiration for Jules Verne’s classic novel “Journey to the Center of the Earth.” The glacier itself is massive, covering a significant portion of the western Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and stands within one of only three National Parks in Iceland. The peak of Snæfellsjökull reaches 1,446 meters (4,745 feet) above sea level. It holds the distinction of being an active volcano, with its most recent eruption occurring about 1800 years ago, and it was first ascended in 1754. Snæfellsjökull Glacier is not just a symbol of Iceland’s dynamic and varied landscape but also a gateway to a world of geological and mythological exploration​.

Langjökull Glacier: An Expedition into the Heart of Ice

Langjökull, Iceland’s second-largest ice cap, is a stunning natural wonder located in the west of the Icelandic interior. It covers an area of 953 square kilometers, with its ice reaching depths of up to 580 meters. The highest point, Baldjökull, stands at about 1,450 meters above sea level. Geographically, Langjökull aligns with Iceland’s active volcanic zone, stretching approximately 50 kilometers long and 15 to 20 kilometers wide.

This glacier is a popular destination for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers, offering activities like glacier hiking, snowmobiling, monster truck rides, and exploration of natural ice caves and man-made tunnels. Its location near major tourist routes, including the Golden Circle, and proximity to natural wonders like Gullfoss waterfall and Geysir’s geothermal area, make it a key attraction in Iceland’s tourism industry.

Visitors to Langjökull are encouraged to practice responsible tourism to preserve and protect this incredible glacier for future generations​​​​. For more adventures and things to do in Iceland, exploring Langjökull Glacier is a must-visit.

Myrdalsjokull Glacier: Skating on Ice

Mýrdalsjökull Glacier, located in South Iceland, is the country’s fourth largest glacier, covering nearly 600 square kilometers. This massive ice cap sits atop the active volcano Katla, which historically erupts every 40 to 80 years and last erupted in 1918. Mýrdalsjökull offers a variety of experiences including hiking, ice climbing, kayaking, ATV riding, and is accessible from the well-traveled Ring Road. Its shades of white and aqua reflect a long history, with layers of ice and ash visible. Unfortunately, Mýrdalsjökull is melting due to climate change, making it a “see it while you still can” attraction​​​​​​​​​​.

For more about Iceland’s unique geothermal features, explore the “Iceland hot spring” topic.

Eyjafjallajökull Glacier: The Volcanic Glacier

The Eyjafjallajökull Glacier in Iceland is renowned for its unique combination of glacial and volcanic features. This glacier covers the Eyjafjallajökull volcano, which is composed of a stratovolcano (or composite volcano), known for its steep, conical shape and periodic explosive eruptions. Eyjafjallajökull became globally famous in 2010 when its eruption led to massive air travel disruptions across Europe. The eruption was characterized by the emission of fine ash particles into the atmosphere, which posed significant risks to aircraft engines, leading to the largest air traffic shutdown since World War II.

The glacier itself, part of a larger system that includes the neighboring Mýrdalsjökull glacier, contributes to Iceland’s dramatic landscape. The interaction between the volcanic activity and the ice cap creates unique geological phenomena, including jökulhlaups, or glacial outburst floods. These floods occur when the heat from the volcano causes rapid melting of the ice, leading to sudden and powerful release of water.

Hofsjökull Glacier: The Untouched Wilderness

Hofsjökull Glacier, known as “Temple Glacier,” is a remarkable natural wonder in the heart of Iceland. It is the third-largest glacier in Iceland, covering a vast circular area of about 994 square kilometers (384 square miles), with a diameter nearly 25 miles (40 km). The glacier’s ice cap reaches a height of 1,765 meters (5,791 feet) at its peak. This formidable glacier is known for housing the country’s largest volcano, which is a dormant subglacial, shield-type volcano with a caldera, also referred to as Hofsjökull. This volcano is particularly notable as it is the largest active one in Iceland.

Hofsjökull plays a critical role in Iceland’s hydrology, as its meltwaters feed several important rivers, including the Héradhsvötn, Thjórsá, and Ölfusá. Among these, Thjórsá stands out as Iceland’s largest river. The glacier’s challenging terrain and unique geological features make it a significant destination for adventurers and explorers, earning a reputation as the toughest glacier to conquer in Iceland.

Conclusion: A Glacial Experience Like No Other

Exploring Iceland’s glaciers is more than just a tour; it’s an immersive experience that connects you with the raw beauty of nature. Each glacier tour offers something unique, whether it’s the thrill of ice climbing, the tranquility of a hike, or the awe-inspiring sights of ice caves. As you plan your Icelandic adventure, consider adding one (or several) of these breathtaking glacier tours to your itinerary. They promise to be highlights in a land filled with natural wonders.