In the winter, Iceland becomes especially enchanting, with magnificent sights thousands of years in the making just waiting to be discovered. So wrap up in your warmest clothes, and let us take you on an exploration of the greatest Iceland glaciers, the most iridescent ice caves, and crystal blue lagoons that the country has to offer.
Where to Find The Best Iceland Glaciers
Iceland is home to some of the most breathtaking glaciers on Earth, which makes choosing which ones to visit on your trip almost impossible. Fortunately, we can help narrow it down.
Let’s begin with Vatnajökull, Iceland’s largest glacier, spanning approximately 8,100 square kilometers which is around 8% of the country’s total land area. It lies within the expansive Vatnajökull National Park in the southeast, which covers roughly 14% of Iceland and includes volcanoes, ice caves, and dramatic glacial rivers.
It’s a truly awe-inspiring natural wonder that belongs on everyone’s bucket list when on a luxury trip to Iceland. While its sheer size is unmatched, Iceland boasts hundreds of other glaciers, each with their own unique charm.
Skaftafellsjökull is one of the most easily accessible glaciers in Iceland, making it a perfect choice for travelers eager to witness the grandeur of glacial landscapes without venturing too far off the beaten path. Nestled within Vatnajökull National Park, it offers spectacular views and hiking trails.
For thrill-seekers, Langjökull is the go-to destination. As Iceland’s second-largest glacier, it’s famous for its exhilarating snowmobile tours that let you race across vast, untouched expanses of snow and ice. You can even venture inside the glacier itself via a man-made ice tunnel.
While Mýrdalsjökull Glacier in Iceland’s South and Hofsjökull in the western Highlands rest atop active volcanoes, beautifully combining the elemental forces of fire and ice that defines Iceland’s landscape. Mýrdalsjökull conceals the powerful Katla volcano, one of Iceland’s most explosive, while Hofsjökull is the country’s largest active volcano and a major source of Iceland’s glacial rivers.
Whatever kind of holiday you’re after, Iceland has a glacier that fits the bill perfectly.
Where Is the Best Glacier Hike in Iceland?
Now you have a better idea of where to find Iceland’s most impressive glaciers, let’s move on to which ones are the best for hiking. There are countless glaciers across Iceland, but if we had to pick one to wander on, we’d go for Falljökull Glacier. The name literally means ‘falling glacier’, inspired by the uniquely steep outlet glacier that cascades down, giving the appearance of a frozen waterfall.
It’s spectacular and ever-changing, yet never overwhelming. The grandeur of the glacier may seem intimidating, but many visitors speak of how serene the space makes them feel. It’s particularly exquisite for natural enthusiasts and explorers, offering one of the best glacier hikes in Iceland as it unfurls stunning views in every direction. They’re the sort of sights that leave you breathless long before the hike has a chance to.
If you’re curious to find out more about glacier hiking, you can read our extensive glacier hike and ice cave guide.
Where Can You Find Glacier Lagoons in Iceland?
Iceland’s most famous glacier lagoon, Jökulsárlón, is located within Vatnajökull National Park. This magical glacier lagoon has quadrupled in size over the past half-century, fed by meltwater from the stunning glaciers that surround it.
Renowned for its enormous floating icebergs, the lagoon is positively teeming with life. Herring and salmon can be seen swimming beneath the icy surface, while fragments of the crystal blue icebergs drift with the tide toward the coast, eventually washing up on the shimmering black sands of Diamond Beach, which make for an epic sight to behold.
But this is not all that awaits you here, as Common and Grey seals are often spotted lounging on the icebergs or swimming in the blue waters. All of this combines to create a truly enchanting experience, like something out of a movie (which it is – Die Another Day and Batman Begins, notably!).
If you’re looking for more reviews from people that aren’t Batman or James Bond, our esteemed guide, Baráth Levente, says the Hótel Jökulsárlón is his favourite accommodation in the country and the ideal place to stay when visiting the lagoon. “When you look out of the window and you see the glaciers around, it is just so special, not to mention their rooms are very cozy!”.
It’s why we offer this as our hotel for our two day tour of the glacier lagoons in Iceland. For a truly immersive glacier lagoon experience, embark on a thrilling Zodiac boat tour led by a local expert who skillfully navigates the icy waters, bringing you up close to towering glaciers and drifting icebergs that larger boats can’t reach. But Jökulsárlón is not the only glacier lagoon of note in Vatnajökull – Fjallsárlón offers a quieter, more meditative experience than its more famous neighbour. It’s an ideal space for a traveller to connect with nature or take photographs of the shifting light and milky blue water, far from the crowds.
Where Can I See Ice Caves in Iceland?
If you are looking to visit Iceland’s sparkling ice caves then you don’t have far to wander as the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier can be found on the same UNESCO heritage site as Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Fjallsárlón.
Only accessible via off-road vehicles, in the winter the glacier gives you the opportunity to explore the most stunning ice caves in Iceland. With more shades of blue than you could believe, the ice caves give an opportunity to explore glacier caves thousands of years old.
The Sapphire Ice Cave in particular offers a special experience. In the winter, if the delayed sunrise hits the cave just right, it appears to transform its walls into sparkling gold, as if the sunlight was captured within the ice. It’s truly an extraordinary sight.
Where Can I Go Ice Climbing in Iceland?
If you’re seeking some thrills through the chills, then ice climbing is the adventure for you and Sólheimajökull Glacier is just the place to do it. Located in the south near the Ring Road and nestled between two volcanoes, the ash that’s emitted gives the glacier its unique black-and-blue appearance, making it a distinctive space to scale.
Our guides make it as safe as possible for anyone to take our ice climbing tours – so long as you’re moderately fit, it’s more than manageable. And if you’d rather keep your feet on the ground, the sight is still unimaginably stunning.
It offers unforgettable photo opportunities, and unique landscapes unlike anywhere else on Earth. Being only 98 miles from the vibrant capital city of Reykjavik, it’s always a fantastic option for visitors, as you can be there and back in a day. And when the winter is at its darkest, the greater your chances of witnessing the Northern Lights dazzling above you.
Keen to see the unforgettable ice caves and glacier lagoons in Iceland? Then get in touch now by calling +354-770-5733 or email us at info@hiddeniceland.is to start planning your luxury Iceland tour. Or explore some of our example itineraies on our private luxury tour page.
Explore our Glacier and Ice Cave example itineraries
