🏔️ The Big 6

Choose Your Glacier

Iceland's 6 major glaciers each offer unique experiences and landscapes

6 Major Glaciers
11% of Iceland
1000+ Years Old
Choose your glacier

Iceland's Major Glaciers

Big 6 Glaciers at a Glance

Glacier Size (km²) Location Elevation (m) Accessibility Best For
Langjökull Most Accessible 835 Western Iceland 1,450 Easy Ice Tunnels, Day Tours from Reykjavík
Hofsjökull Most Remote 810 Central Highlands 1,765 Difficult Highland Adventures, Wilderness
Mýrdalsjökull Volcanic Giant 590 South Iceland 1,493 Moderate Black Ice Caves, Katla Volcano
Drangajökull The Survivor 142 Westfjords 925 Difficult Untouched Wilderness, Hiking
Eyjafjallajökull World Famous 78 South Iceland 1,666 Moderate Volcano History, Photography

All elevation data represents the highest point of each glacier. Accessibility ratings consider road access, weather conditions, and required equipment.

Detailed Glacier Information

Langjökull

Most Accessible

Home to man-made ice tunnels and closest to Reykjavík. Perfect for first-time glacier experiences.

835 km² area 2hr from Reykjavík
Explore Langjökull →

Hofsjökull

Most Remote

Iceland's most isolated major glacier in the central highlands. A true wilderness experience.

810 km² area Highland location
Explore Hofsjökull →

Mýrdalsjökull

Volcanic Giant

Covers the dangerous Katla volcano. Famous for black ice caves and Sólheimajökull outlet.

590 km² area Katla volcano beneath
Explore Mýrdalsjökull →

Drangajökull

The Survivor

Only glacier not retreating significantly. Located in the remote Westfjords.

142 km² area Stable size
Explore Drangajökull →

Eyjafjallajökull

World Famous

The 2010 eruption that stopped global air traffic. Sister to Katla volcano.

78 km² area 2010 eruption
Explore Eyjafjallajökull →