When people daydream about exploring Iceland, they often picture volcanoes, hot springs, black sand beaches, the northern lights, and, of course, glaciers. Vast, ancient, and otherworldly, Iceland’s glaciers are some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes you’ll ever lay eyes on.
If you’re planning to get out of Reykjavík and explore Iceland’s wilder corners, a glacier visit is an absolute must for your itinerary. But which ones are worth your valuable time? How do you know where to go?
At Ice Guardians, we are leaders in Iceland adventure activities. Based in our country’s stunning southeast, we have the privilege of exploring the icefields of Vatnajökull day in, day out. With our local knowledge and a passion for adventure in the Land of Fire and Ice, we’ve put together these five picks for the best glaciers in Iceland.
Scroll down to get started! And if you have any questions as we go, please just contact us.
Vatnajökull – Europe’s Largest and Most Spectacular Glacier
Vatnajökull is the biggest glacier in Europe by volume, and it’s the one we call home. It covers roughly 8% of Iceland and is a world of its own, filled with towering icefalls, deep crevasses, seasonal ice caves, and outlet glaciers that spill down towards black sand plains and glacial lagoons. In fact, Vatnajökull is so big that it boasts more than 30 outlet glaciers, including Breiðamerkurjökull, Falljökull, Skaftafellsjökull, and Fláajökull.
What makes Vatnajökull unique isn’t just its size, but the sheer variety of landscapes and experiences it offers. Whether you want to take a glacier hike, explore an ice cave, or simply soak in the views from places like Fjallsárlón or Jökulsárlón, you’ll find something here that stirs your sense of adventure.
At Ice Guardians, we offer a range of Iceland glacier tours in this region, from beginner-friendly walks to more challenging hikes combined with ice climbing. But whichever option you choose, we’ll take you into the heart of the glacier.
Our Iceland adventure activities aren’t about ticking a box. They’re about feeling the crunch of crampons underfoot, hearing the creak of the moving ice, and stepping into the quiet, blue world inside a glacier cave. If you want to connect with nature in a real, visceral way, this is the place to start.
Langjökull – The Second-Largest Ice Giant
If Vatnajökull is the king of glaciers, Langjökull is its younger sibling — still mighty, but a little more accessible for day-trippers from Reykjavík. Located in the Highlands, this is Iceland’s second-largest glacier, but it’s significantly smaller than Vatnajökull. Langjökull’s surface area is 844 km², which pales in comparison to Vatnajökull’s remarkable 7,700 km².
This glacier is best known for its man-made ice tunnel, which allows visitors to walk deep inside the ice, even in summer. It’s also a popular spot for snowmobiling tours, especially in winter, offering wide-open views across the Highlands. The terrain here is smoother and more uniform than Vatnajökull, so while it doesn’t have the dramatic icefalls or deep crevasses, it’s a fun introduction to glacier landscapes.
Langjökull is a great option if you’re short on time and want a taste of glacier life without heading too far from the capital. But for travellers looking for more varied experiences, fewer crowds, and a wilder feel, heading southeast to Vatnajökull is the better option.
Looking for as much glacier inspiration as possible before you depart for Iceland? Check out our Ultimate Guide to the Best Glacier Tours in Iceland when you have finished here.
Snæfellsjökull – A Glacier with a Story to Tell
Out on the tip of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula lies Snæfellsjökull, a glacier-capped stratovolcano that’s steeped in myth and literary history. Jules Verne fans will recognise the name — it was the starting point for Journey to the Centre of the Earth.
On clear days, this 700,000-year-old glacier is visible from Reykjavík across Faxa Bay, though its summit is often wrapped in cloud. You can reach the glacier by guided tour, usually in summer, and while it’s not a hotspot for glacier walks, it’s a stunning sight from the surrounding national park.
Snæfellsjökull is more about the mystique than the action, but for those heading out on a self-drive tour of the west, it adds a touch of drama and atmosphere to any itinerary.
Are ice caves high on your list of must-do activities in Iceland? Don’t miss our Ultimate Guide to Visiting Ice Caves in Iceland! It’s filled with essential local tips and insights to help you plan the kind of trip you’re dreaming of.
Mýrdalsjökull – A Huge Glacier Capping an Active Volcano!
On Iceland’s south coast, near the town of Vík, you’ll find Mýrdalsjökull, another massive glacier with a volcanic core. Beneath the thick layers of ice lies Katla, one of Iceland’s most active and powerful volcanoes. The glacier’s outlet, Sólheimajökull, is popular for short glacier walks thanks to its easy access from the ring road.
Because of its location, it’s one of the most visited glaciers in the country, with tours operating daily. However, having come this far out of Reykjavik, the Skaftafell region of Vatnajökull is only around another two hours and 30 minutes drive away. For many adventurers, the pull of Iceland’s largest and most awe-inspiring glacier is too strong to resist.
Are you planning a solo trip in the Land of Fire and Ice? If you’re hitting the road alone, read our blog What is the Best Way to Travel Iceland Independently? for local tips, advice, and some all-important reassurance.
Drangajökull – Iceland’s Remote Northern Ice Cap
If you really want to get off the beaten path, Drangajökull in the Westfjords offers something few other glaciers can: true solitude. It’s the only glacier in Iceland that lies entirely below 1,000 metres and the only one in the north that’s still growing — slowly, but steadily.
This glacier isn’t as accessible as the others. You’ll need time, good planning, and often a local guide to get there. But for hikers and adventurers looking for a remote escape, Drangajökull delivers. There are no big tours, no visitor centres, and no paved roads leading to its doorstep. But that’s exactly the appeal. It’s a reminder that Iceland still has wild places, where nature calls the shots.
Do you want to find more ways to get off the tourist trail during your time here? We think you’ll love our blog 20 Hidden Gems in Iceland: Go Off the Beaten Path.
Let’s Plan Your Iceland Adventure Activities
Glaciers shape Iceland’s landscape just as much as its volcanoes and lava fields. Whether you’re standing on the surface of Vatnajökull, peering into a sapphire-blue ice cave, or tracing the curve of Langjökull from afar, it’s hard not to be moved by the sheer scale and silence of these frozen giants.
Each glacier on this list offers something different, from adventure and accessibility to solitude and mystery. But Vatnajökull stands out as the most rewarding for those who want to do more than just look.
If you’re heading southeast, we’d love to welcome you on one of our Iceland adventure activities. Whether it’s your first glacier hike or you’ve got ten under your belt, we promise an experience that’s safe, small-scale, and unforgettable.
Ready to step onto the ice? Browse our range of experiences and find the perfect fit for you. And please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions. For even more peace of mind, why not check out our impressive Google and TripAdvisor reviews, too?
