Mýrdalsjökull Glacier Park, Iceland

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″

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.

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.

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. 

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 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.

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.

Hotels

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

Camping

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

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