A glacial river from Mýrdalsjökull, directly linked to Katla volcano. Its Route 1 bridge is engineered around the jökulhlaup risk.
Múlakvísl is one of Iceland's most monitored rivers due to its direct connection to Katla, one of the country's most powerful subglacial volcanoes. The river drains meltwater from Mýrdalsjökull glacier and crosses under Route 1 on Mýrdalssandur. Floods and gas pollution can disrupt travel here. A jökulhlaup in 2011 destroyed the previous bridge.
| Fact | Detail | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Key risk | Katla jökulhlaup | Check dated flood and gas warnings before stopping. |
| Location | Route 1 crossing | Between Vík and Skógar on the Ring Road. |
| Engineering | Flood history | The former bridge was destroyed in the 2011 flood. |
Múlakvísl is in a Katla eruption hazard zone. Always check the Icelandic Met Office for volcanic alerts. During eruption or jökulhlaup warnings, evacuate the area immediately following official instructions.
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In its September 1, 2026 update, the Icelandic Met Office reported hydrogen sulphide above health-protection limits at Láguhvolar and advised people not to remain near Múlakvísl or its source at the glacier. The river level had not risen alongside the increased electrical conductivity. Calm weather allowed gas to collect in low ground.
A river that looks quiet is therefore not proof that its banks are safe. Check the latest dated update before stopping. The older August update lower down the same page reports an improvement; it should not override the later September warning.
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Múlakvísl drains meltwater from the Mýrdalsjökull glacier, which covers the Katla volcano. Outbursts of water stored beneath the glacier can produce floods without a major eruption.
The Route 1 bridge replaced one destroyed in the July 2011 flood. A bridge is not a refuge during a flood: follow road closures and civil-protection instructions.
Check current gas and flood warnings before stopping. On September 1, 2026, IMO advised people not to remain near the river or its glacier source because of hydrogen sulphide pollution.
In July 2011, a jökulhlaup from a geothermal cauldron under Mýrdalsjökull sent a flood down Múlakvísl that destroyed the Route 1 bridge. The event was not a full Katla eruption but demonstrated the river's flood potential.
Múlakvísl flows from the southern edge of Mýrdalsjökull glacier and crosses under Route 1 (Ring Road) on Mýrdalssandur in South Iceland. The bridge is clearly visible from the road.
Country reference: Iceland statistics.
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