Where is Deildardalsjökull?

Deildardalsjökull is a small glacier in the western highlands of Iceland, in the general area near the famous Deildartunguhver hot spring. It sits at elevation in the mountainous terrain between the Borgarfjörður valley and the interior highlands.

Is it near Deildartunguhver hot spring?

Deildardalsjökull is in the broader Deildartunguhver area of western Iceland. Deildartunguhver is Europe's most powerful hot spring and provides geothermal water for heating in the region.

Can you visit Deildardalsjökull?

Deildardalsjökull is small and remote, with no established trails or tours. Most visitors to the area focus on Deildartunguhver hot spring and the nearby Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls instead.

How big is Deildardalsjökull?

Deildardalsjökull is a small glacier that has been shrinking in recent decades. As a minor ice formation, it receives little scientific attention compared to Iceland's major ice caps.

What glaciers near western Iceland are easier to visit?

Langjökull, Iceland's second-largest glacier, is much more accessible from western Iceland and offers commercial tours including ice tunnel visits. Snæfellsjökull on the Snæfellsnes peninsula is another option visible from the coast.

Deildardalsjökull Glacier, Western Highlands

A small glacier in Iceland's western highlands, in the same region as the Deildartunguhver hot spring.

Last reviewed March 3, 2026By the Iceland.org Travel TeamEditorial policy

Region

West Iceland

Near Deildartunguhver hot spring area.

Deildardalsjökull is a small glacier in Iceland's western highlands, in the same broad region as Deildartunguhver, Europe's most powerful hot spring. The glacier itself draws few visitors, but the surrounding area has plenty worth stopping for: Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls, historic Reykholt, and the Langjökull ice cap nearby.

Sources and last reviewed

Last reviewed: 2026-03-03

The glacier itself is in highland terrain with no facilities. The broader Borgarfjörður area is well-served by paved roads. Check weather and road conditions before heading to higher elevations.

Pages are reviewed for practical usefulness, source quality, and volatile claims before publication.

Official sources to check

Best for

Ice near hot springs

A glacier near Europe's most powerful hot spring.

Access

Highland terrain

No direct trail; explore Borgarfjörður instead.

Pro tip

Visit Langjökull instead

Nearby and much more accessible with tours.

What to Expect

A small glacier in highland terrain above the valley
Geothermal activity and steam vents in the broader area
Remote location with no visitor facilities at the glacier
Glacial ice and boiling hot springs in the same region
Mountain streams fed by glacial meltwater flowing to Borgarfjörður
Views across the western highlands toward Langjökull ice cap

Nearby Attractions

Deildartunguhver (Europe's most powerful hot spring)
Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls
Historic Reykholt and Snorrastofa cultural center
Langjökull glacier ice tunnel tours (30 min drive)
Víðgelmir lava cave near Húsafell
Borgarnes Settlement Centre and waterfront town

How to Get There

The Borgarfjörður area is about 100 km from Reykjavik
Deildartunguhver is accessible via paved Route 50
The glacier itself requires highland travel above the valley
Consider visiting Langjökull for a more accessible glacier
Borgarnes and Reykholt offer good bases for the area

Best Time to Visit

Summer for highland access (July–August)
The Borgarfjörður area is accessible year-round
Deildartunguhver and the waterfalls are worth a stop in any season
Check highland road conditions before attempting access
Combine with a Langjökull ice tunnel tour

Planning help

Deildardalsjokull (Deildardalsjökull) Glacier FAQs

Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.

All glaciers