A trip to Iceland isn’t complete without seeking out its glaciers and the stunning Mýrdalsjökull Glacier happens to be one of the best!
Here’s everything you need to know about the Mýrdalsjökull Glacier including getting there with a rental car, booking glacier tours, the best time to visit, and more.
About Mýrdalsjökull Glacier
Mýrdalsjökull Glacier is the fourth-largest glacier in Iceland. While you might be scratching your head as to why you’d want to seek out this ice cap instead of one of the larger ones (like Vatnajökull), Mýrdalsjökull is extra special.
Tucked along the stunning southern coast of Iceland, just east of the smaller but infamous Eyjafjallajökull glacier, Mýrdalsjökull is a must-see for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike. What makes it truly fascinating is that it sits directly on top of Katla volcano, one of Iceland’s most powerful and unpredictable volcanoes! This means that beneath the thick layer of ice lies a fiery force of nature, patiently waiting for its next move.
The glacier itself is a massive frozen wonderland, stretching over 200 square miles with an average thickness of 750 feet. One of its most striking features is its dramatic glacier tongues, long, icy extensions that spill down from the main ice cap, carving breathtaking landscapes as they slowly advance.
These tongues are easily accessible for glacier hikes and ice cave explorations, making Mýrdalsjökull one of the best places in Iceland for up-close encounters with ancient ice formations.
But what makes this glacier even more of a marvel is its resilience. Katla, which typically experiences a volcanic eruption roughly every 50 years, has the power to reshape the landscape in an instant. Despite this fiery activity beneath its surface, Mýrdalsjökull continues to stand strong, a frozen giant balancing between fire and ice. Its very existence is a testament to the raw, untamed forces that define Iceland’s incredible landscapes.
Where is Mýrdalsjökull Glacier? A Map
Mýrdalsjökull Glacier is in southern Iceland, about 160 km (100 miles) from Reykjavík. It is just east of the smaller Eyjafjallajökull Glacier and near the town of Vík. You can get there by driving on Route 1 (the Ring Road), which takes you through beautiful landscapes.
The glacier is part of Katla Geopark, a special area shaped by glaciers, volcanoes, and black sand plains. Since Mýrdalsjökull is very big, there are different places where you can see it. One of the best spots is Sólheimajökull, a glacier tongue that stretches down from the main ice cap. Many people visit this area for ice hiking, Ice climbing or other guided glacier tours.
Why Visit Mýrdalsjökull Glacier?
The Mýrdalsjökull Glacier is a striking natural wonder with distinctive features. Considered an ice cap, the glacier has several tongues that extend out, including the Kötlujökull Glacier and the Sólheimajökull Glacier.
Volcanic landscapes that surround the glacier create a dramatic contrast and its thick black streaks that run through the ice, leftover from volcanic ash, further add to its unique appearance.
Activities abound on Mýrdalsjökull Glacier and include glacier hiking and Katla ice cave tours, hiking into the magical interior of the glacier itself. Visitors are also close to other Southern Iceland landmarks like the black sand beaches and picturesque Skógafoss waterfall.
Best Time to Visit Mýrdalsjökull Glacier
The best time to visit Mýrdalsjökull Glacier will depend on what activities you’re hoping to do.
The summer months of May to Sep are ideal for glacier hiking and easier driving conditions. Long daylight hours also make it possible to explore more of the south coast, fitting in extra experiences and natural landmarks with over 20 hours of light a day around the summer solstice.
- Related readings: May in Iceland, June in Iceland, July in Iceland, August in Iceland, September in Iceland
Winter, from October to April, is the ideal time for ice caving tours inside the Katla Ice Cave. Although this is an incredible experience, visitors could encounter challenging road conditions like snow and ice.
- Related readings: October in Iceland, Nov in Iceland, Dec in Iceland, Jan in Iceland, Feb in Iceland, March in Iceland
How to Get to Mýrdalsjökull Glacier by Car
Reaching Mýrdalsjökull by car is easy! Most drivers will start the journey in Iceland’s capital, Reykjavik, and follow the Ring Road (Route 1) south in a counterclockwise direction. The drive takes about 2 to 3 hours.
Car parking options are located in several spots around the glacier, including near Sólheimajökull, where many tour meet, and near the Katla Geopark.
Driving from Reykjavik to Katla Geopark route
There are several stops along the way that are worth visiting if you’re renting your own set of wheels. Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss are two of the country’s most beautiful waterfalls and the famous Reynisfjara Beach are also close by.
Nearby landmarks like Hotel Skogar, make for a good base for exploring the area without having to make the trek all the way back to Reykjavik at the end of the day.
Recommended Rental Cars for Visiting Mýrdalsjökull Glacier
For those renting a car to visit Mýrdalsjökull, you’ll have several options with the best depending on when you’re planning to take your trip to Iceland.
In summer, 2WD vehicles are perfectly sufficient for driving along the Ring Road and parking in the main car lots near the glacier.
Winter travelers will want to opt for a cheap 4WD vehicle for added safety on icy roads. Firefly Iceland has a wide delection of affordable 4WDs, a rarity for this notoriously expensive country, that are all ideal for winter driving conditions.
What Activities Can You Do at Mýrdalsjökull Glacier?
If you want to explore Mýrdalsjökull Glacier, there are many exciting tours to try. Here are some of the best activities you can book:
- Glacier Hiking – Walk on the ice with a guide and see deep crevasses, ice formations, and blue caves.
- Best time: All year, but summer (June to September) has easier conditions.
- Ice Cave Tour – Visit natural ice caves that form under the glacier. The caves change every year, so every visit is different!
- Best time: Winter (November to March) when the ice caves are stable.
- Snowmobiling – Ride across the glacier on a snowmobile for amazing views of the mountains and volcanoes.
- Best time: All year, but winter (October to April) has the best snow conditions.
- Super Jeep Tour – Go off-road in a special 4×4 vehicle to explore the glacier and the areas around it, including the Katla volcano.
- Best time: All year, but summer (May to September) has better road conditions.
- Ice Climbing – Try climbing the glacier walls with ropes and ice axes! This is for adventurous travelers looking for a challenge.
- Best time: All year, but winter (October to March) is best for solid ice conditions.
These tours are guided by experts who provide all the gear you need, so you don’t have to worry about bringing special equipment. No matter what time of year you visit, there’s always something exciting to do at Mýrdalsjökull Glacier!
Plan Your Trip with Firefly Iceland
Whether you’re exploring the Katla Ice Cave or looking to hike on top of an ice cap, visitors won’t be disappointed with a trip to the beautiful Mýrdalsjökull Glacier!
Be sure to rent a car so that you have the freedom to explore the glacier at your leisure and make fun pit stops along the way at other attractions.
Firefly Iceland offers the most competitive pricing in Iceland and has a well-maintained fleet of vehicles, including plenty of 4WD options for winter visits. You’ll also have the convenience of picking up your car at the KEF airport or in Reykjavik, whichever options suits you best!
