Höfðabrekkujökull: An Alternative Name for Kötlujökull
Höfðabrekkujökull is an alternative name for Kötlujökull, the outlet on the southeastern side of Mýrdalsjökull. It should not be treated as a separate glacier destination with its own assumed tour route.
Three uses in historical sources
The USGS reference distinguishes the outlet-glacier name from older use of Höfðabrekkujökull for the whole Mýrdalsjökull ice cap. It also records the name for a glacial-flood deposit west of Múlakvísl. The name comes from the Höfðabrekka farmstead.
What that means when comparing tours
A booking referring to Kötlujökull or a Katla ice cave needs its actual meeting point, route and current operating conditions. A photograph of Mýrdalsjökull above the coast does not identify an accessible cave or an independent approach to the outlet.
Separate the village from glacier access
Vík can be part of a South Coast itinerary without making a glacier excursion. Check the operator’s instructions and official local alerts before travel; a road trip through Vík does not establish permission or safe access to ice, meltwater channels or caves.
Sources and further planning
USGS: Geographic Names of Iceland’s Glaciers: Historic and Modern, Oddur Sigurðsson and Richard S. Williams Jr., 2008, printed page 116. Historical identification checked September 10, 2026.
Continue with the wider region or glacier system, or compare guided glacier activities. For an actual departure, check SafeTravel alerts, weather warnings and road conditions.
Planning help
Glacier questions
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
What is Höfðabrekkujökull?
Höfðabrekkujökull is an alternative name for Kötlujökull, the outlet on the southeastern side of Mýrdalsjökull.
Does this page provide a current route onto the glacier?
No. Glacier identification and historical photographs do not establish current access. Check official conditions and get advice for the exact route; use the operator’s confirmed meeting point for a guided activity.
Country reference: Iceland statistics.