Where is Höfðabrekkujökull?

Höfðabrekkujökull is an outlet glacier of Mýrdalsjökull on Iceland's south coast, flowing south toward the sea near the village of Vík í Mýrdal. It forms an icy backdrop to the black sand beaches of the area.

Is Höfðabrekkujökull connected to Katla volcano?

Yes, Mýrdalsjökull, the parent ice cap of Höfðabrekkujökull, covers the Katla volcanic caldera. An eruption of Katla could trigger massive jökulhlaups through outlets including Höfðabrekkujökull, which is why the area has evacuation plans in place.

Can you visit Höfðabrekkujökull?

Höfðabrekkujökull can be seen from a distance along the south coast near Vík. There are no commercial glacier tours on this particular outlet. For guided glacier experiences on Mýrdalsjökull, tours typically operate on other outlets.

Can you see the glacier from Reynisfjara beach?

The Mýrdalsjökull ice cap and its outlets, including Höfðabrekkujökull, are visible from various vantage points near Vík, including elevated viewpoints. The white ice stands out against the black sand landscape.

Is Höfðabrekkujökull retreating?

Yes, like other Mýrdalsjökull outlets, Höfðabrekkujökull has been retreating. The glacier front has receded noticeably in recent decades, which is consistent with warming trends across Iceland's glaciers.

Höfðabrekkujökull: a Mýrdalsjökull Outlet Near Vík

A Mýrdalsjökull outlet glacier on Iceland's south coast near Vík, the icy backdrop to the area's black sand beaches.

Last reviewed March 3, 2026By the Iceland.org travel deskEditorial policy

Region

South Iceland

Near Vík, above Katla volcano.

Höfðabrekkujökull flows south from the Mýrdalsjökull ice cap toward the sea near Vík, one of Iceland's most photographed coastal villages. The white ice stands out against the black sand beaches and sea stacks of the area. Beneath the parent ice cap lies Katla, one of Iceland's most powerful volcanoes, which is why the area keeps evacuation plans in place.

Sources and last reviewed

Last reviewed: 2026-03-03

This area is within the Katla eruption evacuation zone. Familiarize yourself with evacuation routes when visiting Vík. Follow all Civil Protection instructions in case of volcanic activity.

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

Official sources to check

Best for

Scenic south coast views

Glacier meets black sand beach.

Access

View from Route 1

Visible from Vík area and south coast road.

Pro tip

Know evacuation routes

Katla eruption plans are posted in Vík.

What to Expect

Glacier views from the south coast road
Black sand beaches with the Mýrdalsjökull ice cap as backdrop
The village of Vík below the ice
Katla volcano hidden beneath the ice cap
Glacial outwash plains (sandur) stretching toward the sea
Puffin colonies nesting on nearby coastal cliffs in summer

Nearby Attractions

Reynisfjara black sand beach with basalt columns
Reynisdrangar sea stacks rising from the ocean
Dyrhólaey arch and puffin-watching viewpoint
Vík village with shops, restaurants, and accommodation
Sólheimajökull glacier hikes (30 min west)
Mýrdalsjökull ice cave and super jeep tours

How to Get There

Route 1 passes through Vík, about 180 km from Reykjavik
Drive time approximately 2.5 hours from the capital
The glacier is visible from various viewpoints near Vík
Regular car fine; it's on the main Ring Road
Multiple parking areas and viewpoints along the coast

Best Time to Visit

Year-round from Route 1 and Vík viewpoints
Summer for longest daylight and best visibility
Winter brings low light on the glacier and black sand
Check weather; the south coast gets frequent storms
Combine with Reynisfjara and Dyrhólaey visits

Planning help

Hofdabrekkujokull (Höfðabrekkujökull) Glacier FAQs

Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.

All glaciers