The 269 glaciers in Iceland, which cover about 4,400 square miles (11,400 km²), dominate nearly 10% of the country's land area. They feed all of the island’s major rivers and are a key part of its landscape.
These immense ice fields are mostly located in central and southern regions, formed over centuries as layers of snow compress into solid ice, slowly moving under their own weight. Some of these icy giants hide volcanic systems beneath their frozen surfaces, while others spread across plains, silently carving valleys as they go.
Classified by size, shape, and terrain, Iceland's ice caps represent almost every known type, making them truly unique and fascinating.
Iceland Glaciers and Their Types
Tour group going towards Vatnajökull Glacier. Source: Arctic Adventures.
Glaciers are essentially layers of accumulated snow in cold regions, gradually compressing into dense ice over centuries because they don’t fully melt during summer. After the last Ice Age ended around 10,000 years ago, Iceland was nearly ice-free, but colder conditions returned about 2,500 years ago, shaping the frozen landscapes we see today.
These massive formations vary in size and type, from expansive mountain sheets to sharp ice peaks, demonstrating the country’s impressive and diverse terrain.
Kinds of Glaciers
Mountain glaciers, commonly called Alpine glaciers, form in high-elevation regions, confined by the surrounding terrain. Eiríksjökull, a great example, is located in western Iceland in the middle of the Hallmundarhraun lava field.
Valley glaciers can flow beyond the snow line and are restricted on the sides by hills and mountains. In most cases, they originate from bigger ice bodies, like Sólheimajökull, which flows from Mýrdalsjökull.
Piedmont glaciers form when ice streams down a steep valley and run out into a flat plain. Some are remarkably symmetrical, like Breiðamerkurjökull, which flows down from Vatnajökull and almost reaches the ocean.
Cirque glaciers, named after the French word for “amphitheater,” form in bowl-like hollows high up on mountain slopes. They tend to be wide rather than long, like the small icy patch on Mt. Sauðhamarstindur, part of Vatnajökull National Park.
Ice aprons are small icy features that cling to the sides of steep mountains. Öræfajökull, for example, is known for its incline and relatively small size. These wonders often spread out wide but don’t extend very far down, and their precarious positions can lead to avalanches.
Rock glaciers form in steep valleys where rocks and soil can fall from the hills into the ice, resembling sprinkles on an ice-cream dessert. Most of the 167 glaciers in the Tröllaskagi Peninsula are of this type, coexisting with cirque ones.
Ice caps are essentially miniature ice sheets that cover less than 19,305 mi² or 50,00 km². They significantly influence local climates and ecosystems. Bigger ones stretch out into outlets. For example, Vatnajökull, the largest glacier in Europe, rests on a volcano system and spans 3,127 mi² (8,100 km²) with over 30 outlets.
Glacier outlets are extensions of more prominent glaciers. They stretch away from the center and can even reach the ocean. Due to their smaller size, they are popular hiking destinations. Svínafellsjökull, a tongue of Vatnajokull, is famous for its adventure-filled tours.
Ice fields act as domes, covering the underlying terrain. They spread out in all directions and aren't restricted to valleys. Langjökull drapes over mountains and valleys like a blanket of ice, creating a flat area perfect for easy exploration.
Ice streams are massive rivers of ice that flow within bigger sheets or glaciers. They act like highways, carrying ice from the center of the sheet to the outer edges, where it may eventually break off. Skeiðarárjökull, for example, melts from the geothermal activity below from the middle of Vatnajökull and moves towards the Atlantic Ocean.
Glacier lagoon is a unique topographic feature that only appears under certain conditions. As the ice from a glacier crumbles into the ocean, it melts into icebergs, creating a pool of floating blue and white chunks of ice streaked with ash. Jökulsárlón is considered to be the most famous of this type, fed by the Breiðamerkurjökull outlet.
Iceland Glaciers Map
Starting northeast of Reykjavík, just 93 miles (150 km) away, is Langjökull, Iceland’s second-largest glacier, known for its ice tunnels and proximity to the Golden Circle travel path.
Heading inland to the Highlands, Hofsjökull sits centrally, feeding rivers like þjórsá (the longest in Iceland), Héradhsvötn and several others.
Moving west, Snæfellsjökull on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula is an ice-capped stratovolcano. Far in the northwest lies Drangajökull, Iceland's northernmost and fifth-largest ice cap. It’s located in the Westfjords region.
Heading south from Reykjavík on Route 1, Mýrdalsjökull is the first glacier you encounter on the road. It covers the active Katla, one of Iceland's most famous volcanoes. Its famous outlet, Sólheimajökull, stretches out like a leg with distinctive volcanic ash streaks.
Further southeast is the massive Vatnajökull, covering about 8% of Iceland and hiding active volcanoes like Bárðarbunga underneath.
These are just the big ones—plenty of other formations are scattered across Iceland. From smaller snow patches to frozen peaks, there’s always more ice around the corner!
