Drangajökull Glacier
About Drangajökull Glacier
Drangajökull is the only glacier in the Westfjords and the northernmost in Iceland, an ice cap on the high plateau between Ísafjarðardjúp, Jökulfirðir and the Strandir coast. Its highest point reaches about 925 meters, which makes it the only Icelandic ice cap lying entirely below 1,000 meters.
The glacier has shrunk a lot since the late 1800s and covered roughly 140 square kilometers in 2019. Three outlet glaciers flow down from the ice cap into the valleys of Kaldalón, Leirufjörður and Reykjarfjörður. All three are surge-type glaciers, which means they can advance quickly for a few years before retreating again.
The easiest way to see Drangajökull up close is from Kaldalón, a short fjord on Snæfjallaströnd, the north shore of Ísafjarðardjúp. A gravel track off Route 635 ends at a small parking area at the head of the fjord, and from there you walk up the valley over moraines and streams toward the ice. Allow about three hours for the round trip, and wear waterproof boots.
Kaldalón is a long drive from anywhere: about 1.5 hours from Hólmavík and about 3.5 hours from Ísafjörður, since the road has to go all the way around Ísafjarðardjúp. Route 635 is gravel, and the area has few services, so fill up with fuel before you turn off Route 61.
The best time to visit Drangajökull is from late June to early September, when Route 635 is clear and the valley is mostly free of snow. Do not walk onto the glacier itself without a guide and proper equipment, since crevasses can be hidden under snow. The ice cap can also be seen from the sea on boat trips into Jökulfirðir from Ísafjörður.
Good to know
Where is Drangajökull?
Drangajökull sits on the plateau in the northern Westfjords, between Ísafjarðardjúp, Jökulfirðir and the Strandir coast. It is the only glacier in the Westfjords and the northernmost in Iceland.
How big is Drangajökull?
Drangajökull covered roughly 140 square kilometers in 2019, much less than in the late 1800s. Its highest point is about 925 meters above sea level.
How do you get to Drangajökull?
The usual approach is from Kaldalón on Snæfjallaströnd, reached by Route 635 off Route 61. From the parking area at the head of the fjord, a walk up the valley leads toward the glacier tongue.
How long is the hike to Drangajökull from Kaldalón?
Allow about three hours for the round trip from the Kaldalón parking area. The route crosses moraines and streams, so waterproof boots help.
Can you walk on Drangajökull?
Only with a qualified guide and glacier equipment. The ice has hidden crevasses, and the area is remote, so help can take a long time to arrive.
When is the best time to visit Drangajökull?
Late June to early September is best, when Route 635 is open and the valley is mostly free of snow. Long daylight in midsummer also gives you plenty of time for the walk.
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