Ultimate Guide to Iceland’s Drangajokull Glacier

02-08-2024

The northernmost and lowest-lying glacier in Iceland, Drangajokull Glacier is a stunning icy wonder in the Westfjords. Surrounded by incredible and pristine natural landscapes, visiting Drangajokull Glacier makes for an epic day out in the Land of Ice and Fire.

Discover interesting facts about Drangajokull Glacier, plus all you need to know to plan your own visit to this beautiful natural wonder, including where exactly the glacier is, how to get there and fun activities you can enjoy.

Fun Facts About Drangajokull Glacier, Iceland

Learn more about the icy marvel that is Drangajokull with our top facts about this fascinating Icelandic glacier.

• Drangajokull Glacier is the only glacier in Iceland whose altitude lies completely below 1,000 meters.
• Although we refer to it as a glacier, Drangajokull is technically an ice cap, which is a type of glacier that covers less than 50,000 square kilometers.
• Drangajokull Glacier is the only glacier that lies in the Westfjords region of Iceland.
• With a total surface area of around 100 kilometers squared, Drangajokull is also the smallest glacier in Iceland.
• Although other glaciers across Iceland have been retreating and shrinking in size over the past years, Drangajokull Glacier has not.
• The 5-kilometer-long Kaldalon Fjord stretches to meet Drangajokull Glacier, with a beautiful hiking trail along its edge.
• Untouched and rugged nature surrounds Drangajokull Glacier, leading to its nickname of ‘Iceland’s loneliest glacier’.

Where is Drangajokull Glacier?

Located in the remote Westfjords region of Iceland, Drangajokull Glacier sits just below the spectacular Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, which is home to a diverse range of wildlife, flora and fauna. Situated in the very north of the country, Drangajokull Glacier is, in fact, the northernmost glacier in Iceland.

How to Get to Drangajokull Glacier

Driving to Drangajokull Glacier will take around 3 hours and 30 minutes from the Icelandic capital of Reykjavik, plus a hike to reach the glacier itself. You can take the main Ring Road in Iceland (Route 1) until you reach Route 60, which will take you to the Westfjords. Then, you can take Route 61.

Make sure to check up-to-date road conditions in Iceland and the local Icelandic weather forecast before setting off on your journey to Drangajokull, as weather in Iceland is famously changeable and roads can sometimes be closed due to adverse weather conditions.

What to Do at Drangajokull Glacier

While you’re at Drangajokull Glacier, what can you do to enjoy your incredible surroundings?

• Go on a hiking adventure – Drangajokull Glacier is a wonderful place for a hike among Iceland’s wild and untouched natural landscapes. The 3-hour hike to reach the glacier takes you past cascading waterfalls, sparkling glacial rivers, majestic mountains and even sheep grazing in nearby fields!
• Watch the Midnight Sun or Northern Lights – A magical place to experience the Midnight Sun in summer or the Northern Lights in winter, Drangajokull Glacier will allow you to experience these incredible spectacles among a simply stunning natural landscape.
• Join a guided tour – Taking a guided tour or excursion means you can sit back, relax and soak in the gorgeous scenery, while learning all about the history and geography of Drangajokull and the surrounding Westfjords region.

Explore Iceland’s Glaciers and Volcanoes For Yourself!

Feeling inspired to visit Iceland? We can help you plan your perfect Iceland vacation with our range of affordable, reliable and quality cars to rent in Iceland.

The perfect way to discover the magic of our incredible Land of Ice and Fire for yourself, taking an Iceland road trip will allow you to see volcanoes, glaciers, geothermal lagoons, mountains, ice caves and more! Simply choose your favorite car and we’ll sort the rest. We look forward to welcoming you to Iceland very soon!