Hofsjökull

Iceland's Third Largest Ice Cap

925 km² Total Area
1,765m Highest Point
200m Average Thickness

About Hofsjökull

Iceland's third largest ice cap sits in the heart of the Central Highlands, forming a massive dome of ice that feeds some of Iceland's most important glacial rivers including the Þjórsá.

🧊 Glacier Facts

  • Area: 925 km² (11% of Iceland)
  • Volume: 210 km³ of ice
  • Shape: Nearly perfect dome
  • Elevation: 450-1,765m

🌊 River Systems

  • Feeds Iceland's longest river (Þjórsá)
  • Source of Hvítá river system
  • Multiple glacial rivers flow to all directions
  • Critical for Iceland's hydroelectric power

📍 Location

  • Central Highlands of Iceland
  • Between Langjökull and Vatnajökull
  • Completely uninhabited surroundings
  • Part of interior highland desert

Central Highlands Setting

Hofsjökull sits in Iceland's vast uninhabited interior, surrounded by volcanic deserts, ancient lava fields, and colorful rhyolite mountains.

🏜️ Highland Desert

The area around Hofsjökull represents one of Europe's last true wilderness areas - a stark, beautiful landscape of black sand, ancient lava flows, and scattered oases of geothermal activity.

Landscape Features

  • Volcanic deserts stretching to horizons
  • Ancient lava flows and volcanic cones
  • Glacial rivers carving through landscapes
  • Scattered geothermal areas

Climate

  • Arctic highland climate
  • Extreme weather variations
  • Snow possible year-round
  • Strong winds common

Kerlingarfjöll Mountains

The colorful rhyolite peaks of Kerlingarfjöll rise dramatically from Hofsjökull's edge, creating one of Iceland's most spectacular mountain landscapes.

🎨 Colorful Mountains

  • Rhyolite creates red, yellow, and orange colors
  • Peaks rise to 1,477m
  • Dramatic glacial valleys
  • Active geothermal fields

🥾 Hiking Paradise

  • Marked trails through colorful peaks
  • Mountain hut accommodation
  • Day hikes and multi-day treks
  • Stunning glacier views

♨️ Geothermal Activity

  • Hot springs and fumaroles
  • Hveradalir geothermal valley
  • Natural hot pools
  • Steaming colorful mountainsides

Accessing Hofsjökull

⚠️ Highland Access Only

Hofsjökull is only accessible via highland F-roads requiring 4x4 vehicles. The area is completely uninhabited and weather can change rapidly. Proper preparation and experience are essential.

🚗 Routes

  • Kjölur Route (F35): Main highland road
  • Kerlingarfjöll (F347): Access to mountain area
  • Sprengisandur (F26): Eastern approach
  • All routes require 4x4 vehicles

🗓️ Season

  • June-September: Roads typically open
  • Weather dependent: Can close anytime
  • Check conditions: Road.is and Safetravel.is
  • Snow possible even in summer

🏠 Accommodation

  • Kerlingarfjöll Mountain Resort
  • Highland huts and camping
  • No services in immediate area
  • Bring all supplies

Location