Unadalsjökull: The Glacier Between Unadalur and Skallárdalur
Unadalsjökull lies across the saddle between Unadalur in Skagafjörður and Skallárdalur in Svarfaðardalur. That valley-to-valley description locates it more clearly than “the remote northern highlands.”
Two valleys, one name to check
The USGS reference names Unadalur as the origin of the glacier’s name. It also records the spelling Unudalsjökull in historical sources. The geographic entry and aerial photographs distinguish Unadalsjökull from neighboring Deildardalsjökull.
A historical map can be wrong
The reference notes a misplaced name on one older map series. Compare the valley names and surrounding peaks when identifying a photograph or map label, rather than assuming every search pin refers to the same ice body.
Avoid unsupported retreat predictions
This name reference does not provide a 2026 area, a measured current retreat rate or a disappearance date. Those figures require dated monitoring observations. For travel, confirm present terrain and a specific route separately; an old glacier outline does not show current access.
Sources and further planning
USGS: Geographic Names of Iceland’s Glaciers: Historic and Modern, Oddur Sigurðsson and Richard S. Williams Jr., 2008, printed page 195. Historical identification checked September 10, 2026.
Continue with the wider region or glacier system, or compare guided glacier activities. For an actual departure, check SafeTravel alerts, weather warnings and road conditions.
Planning help
Glacier questions
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
What is Unadalsjökull?
Unadalsjökull lies across the saddle between Unadalur in Skagafjörður and Skallárdalur in Svarfaðardalur.
Does this page provide a current route onto the glacier?
No. Glacier identification and historical photographs do not establish current access. Check official conditions and get advice for the exact route; use the operator’s confirmed meeting point for a guided activity.
Country reference: Iceland statistics.