Best for
Remote arctic wilderness
A remote glacier that sees few visitors.
Drangajökull: the Westfjords' Only Glacier
The only glacier in Iceland's Westfjords: 160 km² of ice at just 925 meters elevation, and the Icelandic glacier that has held up best in a warming climate.
Region
Westfjords
Remote location. Allow at least 2 days for a visit.
Drangajökull is the only glacier in the Westfjords. Kaldalón gives a useful geographic starting point for understanding its western side: the Mórilla river carries glacier water through the valley toward Ísafjarðardjúp. A walk toward the ice and a crossing onto the glacier are different undertakings.
Sources and page update
Updated: 2026-09-10
The Westfjords are remote with limited rescue services. Always carry emergency supplies, register your travel plans at safetravel.is, and check road conditions before driving.
For sourcing standards and how to report an error, see the editorial policy.
Official sources to check
Access
Remote; plan ahead
6–7 hours from Reykjavik. Limited infrastructure.
Pro tip
Combine with Hornstrandir
Add a Hornstrandir nature reserve hike if you have the time.
What to Expect
- A low-altitude glacier in one of Iceland's wildest regions
- Very few other visitors
- Fjord and mountain scenery surrounding the ice
- Arctic fox sightings common in the Hornstrandir area
- Wilderness largely unchanged for centuries
- Glacial rivers flowing into remote Westfjords valleys
Nearby Attractions
- Hornstrandir nature reserve (boat access only)
- Ísafjörður , capital of the Westfjords
- Dynjandi waterfall (2–3 hours south)
- Hesteyri abandoned village accessible by boat from Ísafjörður
- Bolungarvík and the Ósvör Maritime Museum
- Westfjords Heritage Museum in Ísafjörður
How to Get There
- Drive to Ísafjörður (6–7 hours from Reykjavik) or fly (40 min)
- From Ísafjörður, rough roads lead toward the glacier
- 4x4 vehicle strongly recommended for final approach
- Some roads closed October–May
- Register your trip at safetravel.is before heading out
Best Time to Visit
- June–August when roads are open and days are long
- July offers the best weather odds in the Westfjords
- Shoulder seasons can be beautiful but unpredictable
- Winter access is extremely limited
- Always check local conditions before traveling
Kaldalón is a valley approach, not a shortcut across the ice
Visit Westfjords describes Kaldalón as a roughly 5 km fjord extending from northern Ísafjarðardjúp toward Drangajökull, with the Mórilla river draining from the glacier. Its suggested walk follows the river toward the ice. Ask about the current route and turnaround point locally rather than treating a glacier pin as the end of a marked short trail.
The same regional guide notes that the approach gets longer as the glacier melts. That is a useful caution when another page calls Drangajökull “not in retreat”: a broad glacier description cannot establish the position of the outlet you will see. Plan any travel on the glacier separately with appropriate expertise and equipment.
Planning help
Drangajokull (Drangajökull) Glacier FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
Where is Drangajökull located?
Drangajökull is in the Westfjords of northwest Iceland, the only glacier in that remote region. It sits in the Hornstrandir area, one of the most isolated parts of the country.
Why is Drangajökull special among Icelandic glaciers?
Drangajökull is the lowest-elevation glacier in Iceland, with its summit at only about 925 meters. Despite this low altitude, the heavy precipitation and cool temperatures in the Westfjords sustain it.
Is Drangajökull retreating?
Descriptions of Drangajökull as stable should not be read as a current measurement of every outlet. Visit Westfjords’ Kaldalón guide says the approach toward the glacier becomes longer as the ice melts. Use dated scientific measurements for a precise retreat claim.
Can you hike on Drangajökull?
Hiking on Drangajökull is possible but requires proper glacier equipment and ideally a guide. The glacier is remote and rescue services are far away. Some adventure companies offer multi-day expeditions.
How do you reach Drangajökull?
Access to Drangajökull requires driving to the Westfjords, which takes about 6–7 hours from Reykjavik. The nearest towns are Ísafjörður and Hólmavík. Roads can be rough and some are closed in winter.
Country reference: Iceland statistics.