In winter, Iceland transforms into an enchanting wonderland, revealing landscapes sculpted over millennia. As you wrap yourself in warm clothes, join us for an adventure through the country’s most breathtaking glaciers, radiant ice caves, and crystal-clear lagoons.
Where to Find the Best Iceland Glaciers
Iceland boasts some of the world’s most stunning glaciers, making it a challenge to decide which to explore during your visit. Luckily, we’re here to help you narrow down your options.
One of Iceland’s majestic glaciers waiting for your visit.
Vatnajökull, the largest glacier in Iceland, spreads over approximately 8,100 square kilometers, accounting for about 8% of the nation’s landmass. This colossal ice formation lies within the expansive Vatnajökull National Park in the southeast, a realm that also includes active volcanoes, mesmerizing ice caves, and winding glacial rivers. It is a natural marvel that should be at the top of anyone’s bucket list when seeking a luxury experience in Iceland. While Vatnajökull’s grandeur is unrivaled, it’s worth noting that Iceland has hundreds of other glaciers, each offering its own distinctive allure.
Easily accessible, Skaftafellsjökull is a fantastic option for those eager to experience the magnificence of glacial landscapes without straying too far from the main paths. Nestled within Vatnajökull National Park, it presents breathtaking views and well-marked hiking trails.
Snowmobiling on a Glacier
For those seeking adrenaline, Langjökull is your destination. The second-largest glacier in Iceland is renowned for exhilarating snowmobile tours, allowing you to race over vast, pristine landscapes. For an extra thrill, you can even explore its man-made ice tunnel.
Meanwhile, Mýrdalsjökull in the south and Hofsjökull in the western Highlands rest atop active volcanoes, merging the elemental forces of fire and ice that shape Iceland’s unique topography. Mýrdalsjökull hides the formidable Katla volcano, notorious for its explosive history, while Hofsjökull stands as the country’s largest active volcano and a key source of Iceland’s glacial rivers.
No matter your travel preferences, Iceland presents a glacier that perfectly suits your adventure.
Where Is the Best Glacier Hike in Iceland?
With a clearer understanding of Iceland’s impressive glaciers, let’s delve into which ones are best suited for hiking. While the country is home to countless glaciers, our top pick for exploration would be Falljökull, whose very name means ‘falling glacier.’ This outlet glacier descends steeply, lending it the appearance of a frozen waterfall.
Join us for a glacier hike!
This glacier presents a captivating and ever-shifting landscape, yet feels pleasantly approachable for visitors. Those who tread its icy expanse often describe a profound sense of serenity and wonder. Naturalists and adventurers alike will find one of the finest glacier hikes in Iceland here, revealing breathtaking vistas in every direction—views so stunning they’ll leave you breathless long before the trek ends.
For more on glacier hiking, don’t miss our detailed guide on glacier hikes and ice caves.
Where Can You Find Glacier Lagoons in Iceland?
Iceland’s most iconic glacier lagoon, Jökulsárlón, resides within Vatnajökull National Park. This magical setting has expanded in size over the past fifty years, fed by meltwater from the stunning glaciers that surround it.
Famous for its colossal floating icebergs, this lagoon is alive with activity. Beneath the icy surface, schools of herring and salmon swim, while pieces of crystalline icebergs drift toward the coast, eventually gracing the striking black sands of Diamond Beach, an unforgettable sight in itself.
A seal relaxing on the ice at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon.
But the magic doesn’t stop there—Common and Gray seals can often be seen basking on the icebergs or swimming in the lagoon’s azure waters. This creates a truly enchanting atmosphere, almost like stepping into a film set (notably the backdrop for Die Another Day and Batman Begins).
For a more grounded perspective, check the glowing reviews from our esteemed guide, Baráth Levente, who claims that Hotel Jökulsárlón is his top choice when visiting the area. “Looking out the window to see the glaciers around is incredibly special; their rooms are so cozy!”
That’s why we feature this hotel in our two-day tour of Iceland’s glacier lagoons. For a truly immersive experience, consider joining a thrilling Zodiac boat tour with a local expert who can skillfully navigate the icy waters, bringing you close to towering glaciers and floating icebergs that larger vessels can’t access. Yet Jökulsárlón isn’t the only noteworthy lagoon in Vatnajökull; Fjallsárlón offers a quieter, more contemplative atmosphere, perfect for connecting with nature or capturing photographs of the shifting light on the milky blue waters, far from the crowds.
Experience a Zodiac tour at the Glacier Lagoon.
Where Can I See Ice Caves in Iceland?
Yearning to explore Iceland’s sparkling ice caves? Look no further than the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier, which shares a UNESCO heritage site with Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Fjallsárlón.
Accessible only via off-road vehicles, this glacier offers the chance to delve into some of the most stunning ice caves in Iceland during winter. With a spectrum of breathtaking blue hues, these ancient glacier caves beckon explorers.
Of particular note is the Sapphire Ice Cave, which provides a truly unique experience. If the sunlight hits the cave at just the right angle during the winter, its walls shimmer with a golden glow, as though the very sunlight is trapped within the ice. It’s a sight that borders on the extraordinary.
Sapphire Ice Cave | Photo by Helen Maria Björnsdóttir
Exploring Ice Caves
Where Can I Go Ice Climbing in Iceland?
For those in search of thrills amidst the chill, ice climbing is an exhilarating option, and Sólheimajökull Glacier is the perfect venue. Located in the south near the Ring Road, this glacier sits between two volcanoes, giving it a distinctive black-and-blue appearance from the ash deposits.
Our guides ensure safety during our ice climbing tours—if you’re moderately fit, you’ll be more than capable of handling it. However, those preferring to keep their feet on the ground will still find the views utterly breathtaking.
With unforgettable photo opportunities and extraordinary landscapes, Sólheimajökull is just 98 miles from the vibrant capital of Reykjavik, making it an ideal day trip for visitors. And during the darkest winter months, your chances of witnessing the Northern Lights are heightened, creating a truly magical experience.
Ice climbing on a glacier.
Eager to witness the unforgettable ice caves and glacier lagoons in Iceland? Don’t hesitate to reach out. Call us at +354-770-5733 or email info@hiddeniceland.is to start planning your luxury Iceland tour. Explore our example itineraries on our private luxury tour page for more inspiring ideas.