Mýrdalsjökull

Iceland's fourth-largest glacier capping the active Katla volcano and towering over the Þórsmörk valley with dramatic ice formations and views. The glacier presents both beauty and geological significance, with visible ice caves and views of the catastrophic Jökulhlaup flood plains.

Things to do

• Glacier hiking on Mýrdalsjökull — Guided walking tours across the ice cap reveal crevasses, seracs, and the dramatic scale of Iceland's fourth-largest glacier.
• Ice cave exploration — Access the luminous blue ice caves formed within the glacier's interior, visible seasonally between November and March.
• Jökulhlaup plains viewing — Witness the vast outwash plains south of the glacier formed by catastrophic subglacial floods from Katla volcano.
• Þórsmörk valley trekking — Hike through the dramatic valley nestled between Mýrdalsjökull and neighboring glaciers with views of the ice cap towering overhead.
• Katla volcano observation — Study the active volcanic landscape beneath the glacier, where geothermal heat creates unique ice formations and steam vents.
• Photography expeditions — Capture the glacier's dramatic ice formations, meltwater rivers, and contrasting black sand plains during optimal lighting conditions.

Food to try

• Icelandic lamb stew (Kjötsúpa) — A warming traditional soup made from local South Iceland lamb, perfect after a day on the glacier.
• Fresh Arctic char from glacial streams — Local restaurants serve this delicate fish caught from the cold, mineral-rich waters fed by Mýrdalsjökull melt.
• Rye bread (Rugbrauð) — Dark, dense Icelandic rye bread traditionally baked using geothermal heat from the region's volcanic landscape.
• Skyr with Icelandic berries — Creamy Icelandic yogurt paired with cloudberries and bilberries foraged from the Þórsmörk region.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect glacial safety protocols — Always hire certified guides for glacier activities, as crevasses, meltwater hazards, and weather changes pose serious risks.
• Understand Jökulhlaup history — Learn about the catastrophic floods caused by Katla's eruptions to appreciate why locals respect the glacier's geological power.
• Prepare for extreme weather shifts — South Iceland's mountain weather changes rapidly; carry waterproof layers and be ready to abandon plans if conditions deteriorate.