myrdalsjokull glacier ice cave tour

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Mýrdalsjökull Glacier Park, Iceland

Glacier hiking, ice climbing and ice caving on mýrdalsjökull glacier.

Myrdalsjokull glacier

• Popular Tours
• About MÝRDALSJÖKULL GLACIER PARK
• What to do there
• Where to stay
• Restaurants

Mýrdalsjökull Glacier is the  fourth largest ice cap in Iceland . It covers a whopping 232 sq. mi (600 sq. km) area and hides Katla Volcano in its depths. The glacier is located in the southern part of Icelandic Highlands and is perfectly visible from the Ring Road. 

POPULAR MÝRDALSJÖKULL GLACIER TOURS

Glacier Experience - Sólheimajökull Easy Glacier Hike

Blue Ice - Ice Climbing Adventure

Katla Ice Cave (Under The Volcano) Tour

South Coast, Waterfalls & Glacier Hike

Sensational Iceland - South Coast, Glacier Hike & Northern Lights

Glacier Hike & Horseback Riding

Where is mýrdalsjökull located.

Mýrdalsjökull Glacier is located to the north of Vik i Myrdal and to the east of the smaller Eyjafjallajökull Glacier. 

GPS   Coordinates : N63° 37′ 41.151″ W19° 5′ 19.269″

How to Get to Myrdalsjokull Glacier?

Driving right up to the glacier is only possible in special vehicles designed to ride on icy and snowy gravel roads. Usually, the meeting point for tours of the glacier is either the town of Vik or Solheimajokull Car Park. However, if you’re not booked on any tour, the closest point to Myrdalsjokull that you can reach with a regular 4WD vehicle is Solheimajokull Car Park.

If you’re driving from Reykjavik, take Road 1 and drive south towards Vik. Once you pass Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss Waterfalls, take the left turn onto Road 221. After a few minutes of driving, you should reach the car park.

Weather permitting, you’ll find an open cafe, a souvenir shop, and a paid toilet in the car park.

What to do around Mýrdalsjökull Glacier?

Myrdalsjokull and its outlet glaciers are some of the most loved by both Icelanders and travelers. The easy access and myriad activities on and around the ice cap makes it one of the most visited attractions in Iceland.

Here are a few activities you must try out on Myrdalsjokull:

Hiking on Myrdalsjokull Glacier isn’t very hard but requires special equipment like crampons and ice axes, and special knowledge. While it isn’t hard to do, we strongly recommend booking a tour with a trusted glacier guide as he will safely guide you across the crevasse-ridden surface of the glacier. Our  glacier hiking experience  not only includes a knowledgeable guide but also takes you to the best spots to appreciate the incredible South Coast of Iceland.

As mentioned above, Myrdalsjokull hides Katla Volcano in its depths. This allows for the incredible opportunity to go deep into the glacier and explore Katla’s ice cave. Our   Katla Ice Cave Tour   takes you through the winding tunnels in saturated shades of blue and black. An experienced ice caving guide will tell you all about glaciers and volcanoes in Iceland.

Ice Climbing

Myrdalsjokull Glacier’s outlet glacier Solheimajokull is one of the most popular ice climbing locations in Iceland. The glacier tongue is ridden with deep crevasses and towering ice formations where all the ice climbing fun occurs! Join us on  glacier hiking and climbing adventure  and try something you’ve never experienced before. 

Combo Activities

If you’re having a hard time deciding what you would like to do on Myrdalsjokull Glacier, combine glacier activities and sightseeing or the Northern Lights. Our  glacier and South Coast tour  will show the best of the South Coast and the most beautiful waterfalls in the country. If you’re traveling during the winter, book our  glacier, waterfall, and Northern Lights combo tour !

Weather on Mýrdalsjökull Glacier

Weather on Myrdalsjokull doesn’t differ from the rest of the South Coast. During the summer months (May, June, July, August, September) you can expect the temperature to be between  39°F (4°C) and 57°F (14°C) . Summer is the peak of tourist season in Iceland and you’ll find a lot more tours and activities available compared to the winter season. 

The weather during the Icelandic winter (November, December, January, February, and March) can be harsh for those not used to cold, wind, and snow. You can expect the temperature to be between  28°F (-2°C) and 39°F (4°C)  with a lot of snowstorms, snowfall, or even hail. Some roads and popular attraction sights might be closed due to bad weather. On the bright side, the prices tend to be lower due to fewer tourists.

Where to stay near Myrdalsjokull Glacier?

The glacier’s southern location provides travelers with a myriad of housing options. Everyone will be able to find accommodation that best suits their needs: comfy and cozy hotels, well-equipped guesthouses, and, for those on a budget, huts, and campsites on the foothills of the glacier.

Here are a few of the best accommodation options near Myrdalsjokull Glacier.

Hotel Skogar.   Located 6.84 mi (11 km) from Solheimajokull Car Park, the hotel is a great accommodation option for those who don’t want to worry about anything. The wide variety of rooms will accommodate any kind of family or solo travelers while the restaurant presents local tastes. The outside sauna and pool is the perfect place to relax after an exciting day of sightseeing.

Address : Skógarfoss, 861 Hvolsvöllur;  Phone : +354 487 4880

Hotel Skogafoss .   Open all year round, hotel Skogafoss is located just a few minutes from the famous Skogafoss Waterfall. The hotel offers a great variety of rooms as well as breakfast included in the rate. 

Address : Skógar, 861 Hvolsvelli;  Phone : +354 650 5955

Hotel Dyrhólaey

Located 13.67 mi (22 km) from Solheimajokull Glacier, the hotel provides comfortable accommodation in 88 rooms. The hotel’s location, while a bit farther from the glacier than other hotels, is home to many other sights and hikes. It’s also close to Vik i Myrdal.

Address : Þjóðvegur, 871 Vík;  Phone : +345 487 1333

Guesthouses

Skogar Guesthouse . At Skogar Guesthouse you’ll feel like you’re at home. This family-owned and operated business is located in the heart of Skogar and there are 8 comfortable and cozy double rooms, an outside hot tub, and a shower.

Address : Öldubakki 5, Hvolsvöllur;   Phone : +354 894 5464

Skogar Campsite

Located in Skogar, this campsite is one of the most popular attractions due to its close proximity to the Skogafoss Waterfall. Equipped with electricity, toilets, and waste disposal for campervans, the campsite is perfect for those traveling on a budget.

Address : Skogar, 861 Hvolsvollur;   Phone : +354 863 8064

Volcano Huts and Campsite in Þórsmörk

Volcano huts and campsite are located in Thorsmork, a popular tourist area in the Highlands. Accessible throughout summer and winter, the area offers room accommodation as well as ground for campers. The campsite is open from May 1 until October 31. There you’ll find showers, a sauna, a natural geothermal pool, a restaurant, and a bar.

Address : Smiðshöfði 21, 110 Reykjavik;   Phone : +354 419 4000

Restaurants near Myrdalsjokull Glacier

The best places to get food around Myrdalsjokull and its outlet glaciers are located in Vik i Myrdal and Skogar.

Restaurants in Vik

Restaurant Suður Vík . Tasty authentic Icelandic cuisine. The menu includes many traditional options such as baked camembert, Atlantic char, fish stew, and lamb. Vegans and vegetarians are welcome.  

Address : Suðurvegur 1, 870 Vík-Handelssted

Halldórskaffi

A family-friendly restaurant with a chill atmosphere. Loved by locals and travelers alike, the restaurant offers not only traditional Icelandic dishes but also treats like wood-fired oven-baked pizza. 

Address : Víkurbraut 28, 870 Vík

Ströndin Bistro and Bar . A traditional Icelandic food restaurant with a focus on lamb dishes. Lamb goulash or marinated lamb will surely fill you up. The views from the restaurant windows are simply breathtaking!

Address : Austurvegi 18, 870 Vík

Restaurants in Skogar

Mia’s Country Kitchen . For those in a rush and looking for a quick yet hearty bite, Mia’s Country Kitchen truck is the perfect option. Located right on the road to Skogafoss, the truck is impossible to miss!

Address : 861 Hvolsvöllur, Skogafoss

Fossbúð . For a friendly atmosphere and reasonably priced dishes, come to Fossbud. They serve snacks and soups as well as cakes and breakfast food. There is also a tourist information office, a shop, and free wi-fi access. 

Address : 861 Hvolsvöllur, Skógafoss

Where is Mýrdalsjökull located?

The glacier is located North of   Vik i Myrdal   and to the east of   Eyjafjallajökull Glacier .

What are the most popular attractions around the Mýrdalsjökull Glacier?

Katla Ice Cave,   Solheimajokull Glacier   Tongue, and   Fimmvorduhals Pass .

Are tours visiting Mýrdalsjökull Glacier also available from Reykjavik?

Yes. All our tours on and around Myrdalsjokull Glacier are either meet on location or offer a departure from Reykjavik.

Can I visit the Mýrdalsjökull Glacier on my own?

Unfortunately no. Going to the top of a glacier requires special knowledge and equipment.

What are the closest cities to Mýrdalsjökull Glacier?

Vik i Myrdal and Skogar in the South of Iceland are the two closest cities to Myrdalsjokull Glacier.

What clothes should I bring when visiting Mýrdalsjökull Glacier?

Make sure you wear warm wool or fleece thermal underwear and a waterproof and windproof top layer.

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South Coast & Askur Ice Cave Adventure from Reykjavík

Tour ID: SRE88

Minimum Age

Tour Highlights

• A Beautiful drive along Iceland's South Coast
• Buggy or Snowmobile ride
• Visit to a natural ice cave
• Visit to Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls

What’s included & Need to know

• Return transfer from Reykjavík
• Guidance by an experienced and qualified guide
• Glacier gear and safety equipement
• Tea, coffee, water and access to restrooms at Myrdalsjökull Base Camp

Buggy / snowmobile ride

• Warm clothing, hiking boots, snacks and drinks during the tour are not included.
• Hiking boots and Rain gear are available for rent at the Myrdalsjökull Base Camp.
• A valid driver´s license is required for vehicle driver. 2 persons share the same snowmobile.
• Single ride is possible upon request for an additional fee.

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Attractions, tailor made, your ultimate guide to mýrdalsjökull.

We’re going to get a little cliché here and lean on Iceland being known as the land of fire and ice (hey, we wasted our best Vanilla Ice jokes on Sólheimajökull ). Except we’re going to put aside the fire part and really zero in on the ice — an ice cap, in fact.

Today, we’re zipping up our ulpa to explore the magnificent and mighty Mýrdalsjökull glacier. So pull on your layers — remember, wool long johns first! — and come along for the adventure.

All About Mýrdalsjökull

In a country full of incredible natural attractions, Mýrdalsjökull is something special. At nearly 600 m 2 , it’s Iceland’s fourth largest glacier — after Vatnajökull, Langjökull, and Hofsjökull —but it’s number one in our hearts. In all seriousness, Mýrdalsjökull is often many travellers’ first glimpse of a glacier in Iceland, or anywhere for that matter, since it’s situated along the well-travelled south coast and visible from the Ring Road.

While mulling which tour to take from Icelandic Mountain Guides’ Mýrdalsjökull Base Camp, why not learn a few more things about this mighty ice cap.

Mýrdalsjökull is in South Iceland, sitting to the north of the charming town of Vík and just east of the infamous Eyjafjallajökull.

If you want to get specific, Mýrdalsjökull can be found at N63° 37′ 41.151″ W19° 5′ 19.269″. Heading to those coordinates will drop you smack dab in the middle of the ice cap, though, so we recommend following Route 1 (yep, that’s the Ring Road) eastward from Reykjavík for 163 km and then hanging left onto Mýrdalsjökulsvegur. That’ll bring you right to our Mýrdalsjökull Base Camp , where a whole lot of adventure is to be found — that’s why we call the area around Mýrdalsjökull and Sólheimajökull the Adventure Ground. Read more about our favourite things to do in the area .

Mýrdalsjökull is an ice cap glacier sitting atop the active volcano Katla. Historically, Katla has erupted every 40 to 80 years, but she hasn’t blown her top since 1918, so you can say she’s overdue.

As mentioned above, Mýrdalsjökull is part of Icelandic Mountain Guides’ Adventure Ground , a stunning swath of terrain in South Iceland marked by outlet glaciers, black sands, glacial lagoons and hiking trails. There are so many ways to experience Mýrdalsjökull, Sólheimajökull and the surrounding area, that you could easily spend a few days there hiking, ice climbing, kayaking and riding ATVs.

A single activity on or around Mýrdalsjökull will run anywhere from one to three hours, depending on what you choose to do. Check out your options here .

Iceland’s nature is incredibly accessible, in that it’s not often you’ll encounter a safety fence or sign telling you to “keep out.” But that doesn’t mean you should be going anywhere and everywhere on your own. So, no, you most definitely should not attempt to drive, climb or hike on Mýrdalsjökull without an experienced glacier guide leading the way.

Icelandic Mountain Guides’ glacier experts know Mýrdalsjökull’s terrain, what to expect on the glacier and they know how to stay safe around its crevasses and other potentially dangerous features. Plus, they’re great people and will keep you great company while regaling you with fascinating stories about the ice cap and surrounding area.

  There’s a LOT to see and do in the vicinity of Mýrdalsjökull. the foothills beneath the glacier are a stunning area to explore on the back of an ATV, while the Sólheimasandur black beach and Instagram famous DC3 plane wreck are nearby.

Then there’s Sólheimajökull, which isn’t just nearby Mýrdalsjökull, it’s attached to it. This outlet glacier is a wonderland for outdoorsy types and those just wanting to get a small taste of nature while in Iceland. Check out all the activities departing from our Sólheimajökull Base Camp .

Once you’ve turned off the Ring Road onto Mýrdalsjökulsvegur (road 222), you’ll find just enough parking at Mýrdalsjökull Base to leave your ride while you zoom across the ice on a snowmobile or speed aross the black sands on an ATV.

IMG's Top Reasons to Visit Mýrdalsjökull

There really are few things as incredible to experience as a glacier. Mýrdalsjökull is a living mass of ice, dazzling in its shades of white and aqua and displaying its long history in its sometimes visible alternating layers of ice and ash. Mýrdalsjökull is such a massive expanse of ice, that has been around for tens of thousands of years. Speeding across its surface on a snowmobile or just laying eyes on it from the nearby Sólheimasandur black beach is sure to be one of those magical travel experiences where your own small stature in space and time of the planet comes into focus.

2. Accessibility

Despite Mýrdalsjökull’s hulking mass, it is relatively accessible. Being located right beside the Ring Road — Iceland’s main highway — it’s practically a roadside attraction, like the World’s Largest Ball of Twine in the U.S., or Canada’s famed Giant Nickel. Only, it’s all natural and a whole lot bigger. Mýrdalsjökull’s proximity to the Ring Road means you can drive up to Iceland’s Mountain Guides’ Mýrdalsjökull Base Camp and set out on an adventure — no treks into the Highlands or forging rivers required… though that’s a whole lot of fun, too.

3. Varied Experiences

Hand in hand with the accessibility of Mýrdalsjökull’s location is the variety of ways there are to experience it. Hop on a snowmobile or an ATV from the Mýrdalsjökull Base Camp, or take in views of Mýrdalsjökull while embarking on the many other activities that give our Adventure Ground its name.

4. Disappearing Landscapes

We mentioned this point in our Guide to Sólheimajökull and, since misery loves company, we’ll repeat it here: Mýrdalsjökull is a “see it while you still can” attraction. Yep, it’s melting. While Sólheimajökull is receding by up to 50 metres per year as climate change warms the earth, climate change and heating below Mýrdalsjökull have dramatically changed the glacier’s landscape, as satellite imagery from NASA shows. So come and experience this stunning glacier while you can and be inspired to enact changes to ensure the longevity of these natural wonders.

Best tours to take on and around Mýrdalsjökull

1. atop a snowmobile.

The most up close and personal you can get with Mýrdalsjökull is venturing on top of the ice cap and exploring its surface on a snowmobile. The adrenaline rush of a snowmobile adventure is incredible in and of itself, but to get to Icelandic Mountain Guides’ snowmobile base you’ll also get to ride up the roots of the glacier on a glacier truck — like a monster truck on steroids! It’s an unforgettable experience that is also suitable for beginners.

• How to do it: Snowmobile Adventure

2. Atop an ATV

If you’re looking to get your heart pumping while taking in sweeping views of Mýrdalsjökull, an ATV adventure is a great choice. The truly off-roading experience — the only way to do it in Iceland, since off-roading is very illegal! — leads you across small rivers to the famous Sólheimasandur plane wreck to snap all those pics your friends and family back home with fawn over. Luckily, you’ll be wearing a helmet, so you won’t get any dust in your mouth while smiling ear-to-ear.

• How to do it: ATV Black Beach Safari and the Plane Wreck or ATV Quad Express

3. By shuttle

OK, so you want to see Mýrdalsjökull and the DC3 plane wreck on Sólheimasandur, but you don’t have the need for speed? We got you covered. Or, rather, our Sólheimasandur Shuttle has you covered. It runs daily between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. (daylight permitting) from the Sólheimasandur Parking Lot , so you can roll up to the wreck without breaking a sweat.

• How to do it: The Plane Wreck Shuttle

Planning Your Trip to Mýrdalsjökull

Once you’ve decided you want to experience Mýrdalsjökull during your trip to Iceland, it’s time to make some serious plans. Like many other aspects of travelling in Iceland, the accessibility of the glacier and the surrounding Adventure Ground is dependent on the weather. That means its important to dress the part so you can enjoy the day without feeling cold.

Here is what we would recommend wearing when visiting Mýrdalsjökull:

• Base layer: Start with a base layer of clothing made from wool, silk or polyester. The base layer is meant to wick moisture away from your skin and provide light, quick-drying insulation. Don’t wear a cotton base layer — it will absorb your sweat and make you colder.
• Mid layer: Add a layer to provide insulation and retain your body heat, while remaining breathable. The best materials for this layer are wool, fleece or goose down.
• Outer shell: Top it off with an outer layer that will protect the other layers — and you — from the rain, wind and snow. This layer should be lightweight and quick-drying, like Gore-Tex or eVent.
• Footwear: Choose appropriate footwear for your hike and the weather conditions, including wool or synthetic socks, and sturdy hiking boots or hiking shoes.

Icelandic Mountain Guides will provide you with all the required gear and equipment you need to stay safe on the glacier, so you just have to think about dressing to stay warm and dry.

If you plan on going hiking while in Iceland, there are a lot of other things to keep in mind. Check out our Ultimate Guide to Hiking in Iceland to ensure you’re prepared on the trails.

Why Book a Guided Tour in Iceland?

We may be biased — you know, being a veteran adventure tour provider in Iceland — but we’re big fans of travellers booking guided tours while in Iceland. While one of the more obvious reasons to book a tour with Icelandic Mountain Guides is because it takes the guess work out of your adventure since we’ll take care of the itinerary and planning for you. Also, while you can see many of the same things on a guided or DIY hike or trek, only an experienced glacier guide can safety bring you or your travel group up on top of a glacier or lead you on epic adventures across the glacial surface or surrounding foothills.

Another perk of booking a guided tour to Mýrdalsjökull is that it gives you the chance to not just see the amazing outlet glacier, you’ll learn about it, too.

Should you book in advance?

We highly recommend booking your tours on and around Mýrdalsjökull in advance. If the hike or tour you're interested in is fully booked, just be in touch and Icelandic Mountain Guides and we’ll gladly suggest other options that will tick all your boxes.

Don’t want to miss out on the adventure of your dreams; secure your spot on the tour of your choice ahead of time on mountainguides.is .

About the Author

Catharine Fulton

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