Kvíárjökull Glacier
About Kvíárjökull Glacier
Kvíárjökull is a steep outlet glacier that flows down the southeast side of Öræfajökull, the ice-capped volcano in Southeast Iceland. It ends in a small lagoon hemmed in by giant moraine ridges, and the parking area sits right off Route 1, about 25 minutes west of Jökulsárlón.
The moraines are the real draw. Kvíármýrarkambur, on the west side of the Kvíá river, rises about 150 meters, and Kambmýrarkambur on the east side reaches about 129 meters. Their outer edges show how far the glacier reached at the start of the 20th century, and the lagoon has formed over the past few decades as the ice pulled back into the valley.
From the small parking lot a gravel path heads west toward the moraine, a walk of a little over 2 km each way to reach the views over the lagoon. Climbing onto the moraine crest is steep and loose in places, but it gives the best look straight up the ice toward the summit of Öræfajökull. Allow one to two hours for the round trip, and stay well back from the glacier front.
Kvíárjökull is about 35 minutes east of Skaftafell and roughly five and a half hours from Reykjavík, so it fits easily between Skaftafell and the glacier lagoons farther east. Summer and early fall give the easiest walking, while in winter the path can be icy and daylight is short. Parking is free.
Good to know
Where is Kvíárjökull?
Kvíárjökull is in Southeast Iceland on the southeast side of Öræfajökull, beside Route 1 between Skaftafell and Jökulsárlón. The parking area is about 25 minutes west of Jökulsárlón.
How do you get to Kvíárjökull?
Turn off Route 1 at the signed parking area near the Kvíá river and follow the gravel path west toward the moraine. The walk to the lagoon viewpoints is a little over 2 km each way.
Is there a glacier lagoon at Kvíárjökull?
Yes, a small lagoon has formed in front of the glacier over the past few decades as the ice retreated. It is surrounded by high moraine ridges rather than open sand.
How tall are the Kvíárjökull moraines?
The moraine on the west side of the Kvíá river, Kvíármýrarkambur, is about 150 meters high. Kambmýrarkambur on the east side is about 129 meters.
Is there parking at Kvíárjökull?
Yes. A small, free parking area sits just off Route 1, and the trail starts there.
How long does the Kvíárjökull walk take?
Plan on one to two hours for the round trip to the moraine and lagoon viewpoints, depending on how far up the ridge you climb.
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