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?

Drangajökull has been relatively stable compared to other Icelandic glaciers. While most glaciers in Iceland have retreated significantly, Drangajökull has not shrunk as fast, possibly due to heavy snowfall in the Westfjords.

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.

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.

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

Region

Westfjords

Remote location. Allow at least 2 days for a visit.

While glaciers across Iceland shrink year after year, this remote Westfjords ice cap has held relatively steady, fed by heavy snowfall from North Atlantic storms. At just 925 meters elevation, Drangajökull is Iceland's lowest glacier; for its survival, precipitation has mattered as much as altitude.

Sources and last reviewed

Last reviewed: 2026-03-03

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.

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

Official sources to check

Best for

Remote arctic wilderness

A remote glacier that sees few visitors.

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

Planning help

Drangajokull (Drangajökull) Glacier FAQs

Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.

All glaciers