Where is Hjaltadalsjökull?

Hjaltadalsjökull is a small glacier in the Tröllaskagi mountains of North Iceland, near the town of Siglufjörður. It sits in the high peaks above the Hjaltadalur valley, one of several small glaciers that persist in this mountainous peninsula.

What is Tröllaskagi?

Tröllaskagi ('Troll Peninsula') is a mountainous region in North Iceland between Skagafjörður and Eyjafjörður. It is known for steep peaks, deep valleys, and some of Iceland's best skiing, and holds several small glaciers at its highest elevations.

Can you visit Hjaltadalsjökull?

Hjaltadalsjökull is accessible only by mountain hiking from the Siglufjörður or Hjaltadalur area. There are no marked trails or commercial tours. The hike is demanding and requires good mountain navigation skills.

How big is Hjaltadalsjökull?

Hjaltadalsjökull is a small cirque or valley glacier. Like other Tröllaskagi glaciers, it has been retreating and is vulnerable to disappearing as temperatures rise.

What is Siglufjörður like?

Siglufjörður is a former herring capital on the north coast of Tröllaskagi. It has the Herring Era Museum, colorful houses, a small harbor, and access to good skiing and hiking in the surrounding mountains.

Hjaltadalsjökull Glacier, Tröllaskagi

A small glacier in the Tröllaskagi mountains of North Iceland, near the fishing town of Siglufjörður.

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

Region

North Iceland

Tröllaskagi mountains, near Siglufjörður.

Hjaltadalsjökull is a small glacier high in the peaks of Tröllaskagi, the mountainous peninsula of North Iceland. Named for the Hjaltadalur valley below, it is one of several small ice formations that survive in the alpine terrain between Siglufjörður and Ólafsfjörður. The surrounding mountains hold some of North Iceland's best backcountry skiing.

Sources and last reviewed

Last reviewed: 2026-03-03

Mountain terrain with no marked trails to the glacier. Weather in Tröllaskagi changes rapidly. Only experienced mountain hikers should attempt this; inform someone of your plans before departing.

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

Official sources to check

Best for

Mountain hikers

An alpine glacier in the Tröllaskagi mountains.

Access

Mountain hiking

No trails; experienced hikers only.

Pro tip

Explore Siglufjörður

Home of the Herring Era Museum.

What to Expect

A small glacier in steep alpine terrain
Mountain views across the Tröllaskagi peninsula
Very few hikers reach this glacier
Alpine wildflowers in summer on the lower slopes
Meltwater streams running down into Hjaltadalur valley
Fjord views on clear days

Nearby Attractions

Siglufjörður and the award-winning Herring Era Museum
Ólafsfjörður village and panoramic Eyjafjörður views
Tröllaskagi ski areas, some of Iceland's best backcountry skiing
Héðinsfjörður abandoned fjord through the single-lane tunnel
Dalvík village and whale watching tours in Eyjafjörður
Hofsós Infinity Pool with views over Skagafjörður

How to Get There

Drive to Siglufjörður via Route 76 (paved)
Hike into the mountains from Hjaltadalur or Siglufjörður
No marked trails; navigation skills required
About 400 km from Reykjavik (5-hour drive to Siglufjörður)
Inform someone of your hiking plans

Best Time to Visit

July–August for snow-free hiking conditions
Long northern daylight allows extended hikes
Check weather; mountain conditions change rapidly
Winter brings excellent skiing but glacier access is difficult
Combine with North Iceland attractions for a full trip

Planning help

Hjaltadalsjokull (Hjaltadalsjökull) Glacier FAQs

Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.

All glaciers