Svinafellsjokull Glacier is an outlet glacier tongue in the Skaftafell area of Vatnajokull National Park in southeast Iceland. It flows from Vatnajokull, the largest ice cap in Europe, and stretches roughly 10 kilometres in length. It is also one of Iceland's most popular glaciers for guided glacier hikes.
Where Svinafellsjokull is and how it formed
Svinafellsjokull is an outlet glacier tongue flowing from Vatnajokull, the largest ice cap in Europe. It lies in the Skaftafell area of Vatnajokull National Park in southeast Iceland.
The glacier tongue stretches roughly 10 kilometres in length. Its proximity to Skaftafell makes it one of the more accessible glacier tongues for visitors.
Glacier hiking and ice climbing on the ice
Svinafellsjokull is one of Iceland's most popular glaciers for guided glacier hikes. It is also a well-known destination for ice climbing on its frozen walls.
Guided tours provide equipment such as crampons and ice axes.
A Hollywood glacier: Interstellar, Batman Begins, and Game of Thrones
Svinafellsjokull doubled as the frozen world in Christopher Nolan's Interstellar. It stood in for the Himalayas in Batman Begins.
It also appeared as a Beyond the Wall setting in Game of Thrones.
A glacier on the move: retreat and climate change
From about 1890 to 2010 the glacier retreated roughly 800 metres and lost around 30 percent of its volume.
Trim lines carved into the surrounding slopes mark former, higher ice levels.
Staying safe: why you need a certified guide
Deep, hidden crevasses make the ice unsafe to walk on without a certified guide. Guided groups follow routes around unstable areas and crevasse fields.
For current conditions and warnings, check safetravel.is before any glacier trip.
Visiting Svinafellsjokull and booking a glacier tour
Svinafellsjokull sits in the Skaftafell area of southeast Iceland, and its proximity to Skaftafell makes it one of the more accessible glacier tongues for visitors.
To compare options, see ice cave tours.
Look at the roads first
Use Iceland road conditions alongside this guide to Svinafellsjokull Glacier: hiking, films, and safety, particularly when weather may affect access.
