Where is Köldukvíslarjökull?

Köldukvíslarjökull is a western outlet glacier of Vatnajökull, flowing westward from the ice cap into the remote central highlands. It feeds meltwater into the Köldukvísl river, a tributary of the Þjórsá.

Can you visit Köldukvíslarjökull?

Köldukvíslarjökull is extremely remote and accessible only by highland F-roads with a capable 4×4 vehicle. There are no commercial tours, marked trails, or facilities. Only experienced highland travelers should consider visiting.

What is the Köldukvísl river?

The Köldukvísl ('cold fork') is a glacial river fed by meltwater from Köldukvíslarjökull. It flows west through the highlands and eventually joins the Þjórsá, Iceland's longest river, on its way to the south coast.

How big is Köldukvíslarjökull?

Köldukvíslarjökull is a medium-sized outlet on Vatnajökull's western margin. Like other Vatnajökull outlets, it has been receding in recent decades as temperatures warm.

What is the surrounding area like?

The area around Köldukvíslarjökull is a barren volcanic highland desert, one of Iceland's most remote regions. There is no vegetation, no facilities, and very few visitors. The landscape consists of volcanic sand, lava, and glacial moraines.

Köldukvíslarjökull and the Köldukvísl River

A remote western outlet of Vatnajökull feeding the Köldukvísl river through Iceland's vast and empty central highlands.

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

Region

West Vatnajökull

Remote highland, seasonal access only.

Köldukvíslarjökull flows westward from the Vatnajökull ice cap into one of the most desolate parts of Iceland's interior. This outlet glacier feeds the Köldukvísl river, which carries cold glacial meltwater through a barren volcanic desert before joining the Þjórsá river system. The surrounding landscape is bare volcanic desert with no facilities and very few visitors.

Sources and last reviewed

Last reviewed: 2026-03-03

This is a remote highland area with no services, mobile coverage, or marked trails. Highland F-roads are seasonal. Always register your travel plan and carry emergency supplies.

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

Official sources to check

Best for

Remote wilderness

One of Iceland's least-visited glaciers.

Access

Highland F-roads only

4×4 essential, seasonal June–September.

Pro tip

Full self-sufficiency needed

No services for many kilometers in any direction.

What to Expect

Barren highland desert stretching in all directions
Glacial river channels and moraines from past advances
Few visitors ever come here
The edge of the Vatnajökull ice cap meeting volcanic desert
River crossings that test even experienced highland drivers
Bare terrain of sand, lava, and ice

Nearby Attractions

Sprengisandur highland route (the interior desert crossing)
Tungnaárjökull glacier to the south
Vatnajökull western ice cap panoramic views
Nýidalur mountain huts on the Sprengisandur route
Þjórsárver wetlands (a Ramsar nature reserve)
Landmannalaugar colorful rhyolite mountains to the southwest

How to Get There

Via highland F-roads from the Sprengisandur route
Capable 4×4 vehicle essential; river crossings likely
No fuel, services, or mobile coverage anywhere nearby
Register your travel plan at safetravel.is
Carry GPS, maps, and all supplies you need

Best Time to Visit

July–August for best highland road conditions
Long summer daylight hours help with navigation
Weather can change without warning; prepare for anything
Check road.is daily for F-road opening status
Not accessible in winter

Planning help

Koldukvislarjokull (Köldukvíslarjökull) Glacier FAQs

Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.

All glaciers