Best for
Wilderness adventurers
One of Iceland's least-visited glaciers.
Barkardalsjokull (Barkardalsjökull) Glacier Iceland: Remote Northern Glacier
A small, rarely visited glacier in northern Iceland—one of the country's least-known ice formations in remote mountain terrain.
Region
North Iceland
Remote and rarely visited.
Barkardalsjökull is one of Iceland's smallest and most obscure glaciers, tucked away in the mountainous terrain of northern Iceland. With limited scientific documentation and virtually no tourist infrastructure, this glacier remains one of the country's true unknowns. It represents the many small ice formations scattered across Iceland's highlands that quietly persist—and retreat—far from public attention.
Sources and last reviewed
Last reviewed: 2026-02-01
Remote mountain terrain with no trails, services, or mobile coverage. Only experienced wilderness hikers should attempt to visit. Always inform someone of your plans.
Pages are reviewed for practical usefulness, source quality, and volatile claims before publication.
Official sources to check
Access
Very difficult
No trails, no roads—mountain hiking only.
Pro tip
Choose accessible alternatives
Most travelers will prefer better-known glaciers.
What to Expect
- A small ice formation in mountain terrain
- Complete isolation and wilderness
- Challenging navigation with no marked paths
- Glacial meltwater streams feeding into northern river valleys
- Rugged highland landscapes with volcanic rock formations
- Wildlife including ptarmigan and arctic fox in surrounding terrain
Nearby Attractions
- Northern highland wilderness areas
- Akureyri , Iceland's northern capital (nearest major town)
- Eyjafjörður coastal scenery and whale watching
- Goðafoss waterfall on the Ring Road
- Mývatn nature baths and volcanic landscape
- Bárðardalur valley with excellent salmon fishing rivers
How to Get There
- Remote mountain location in northern Iceland
- No established trails or access roads
- Requires wilderness hiking and navigation experience
- Inform someone of your exact plans
- Carry all supplies and emergency equipment
Best Time to Visit
- July–August for snow-free mountain access
- Long daylight hours essential for navigation
- Check weather forecasts carefully before hiking
- Mountain weather can change without warning
- Not recommended for casual hikers
Planning help
Barkardalsjokull (Barkardalsjökull) Glacier FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.