Is Katla volcano dangerous?

Katla is one of Iceland's most powerful volcanoes and is overdue for an eruption based on historical patterns. An eruption could cause massive glacial floods (jökulhlaups) that would devastate areas south of the glacier. Monitoring systems are in place.

How big is Mýrdalsjökull?

Mýrdalsjökull covers approximately 596 km² and is Iceland's fourth-largest glacier. It sits atop the Katla volcanic system and reaches elevations of about 1,493 meters.

Can you hike on Mýrdalsjökull?

Yes, glacier hiking tours are available on Mýrdalsjökull's outlet glaciers, particularly Sólheimajökull. You must go with a certified guide; the glacier has dangerous hidden crevasses.

Are there ice caves in Mýrdalsjökull?

Yes, Kötlujökull (an outlet of Mýrdalsjökull) has ice caves that are accessible on guided tours, primarily during winter months. The Katla Ice Cave is one of the most popular.

How do you get to Mýrdalsjökull?

Mýrdalsjökull is on Iceland's south coast, about 160 km east of Reykjavik along Route 1. The main access points are through Sólheimajökull (most popular) and Kötlujökull for ice cave tours.

Mýrdalsjökull: the Ice Cap over Katla

Iceland's fourth-largest glacier at 596 km², covering the active Katla volcano on the south coast.

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

Region

South Iceland

On Route 1, easily accessed on a south coast day trip.

Mýrdalsjökull is the ice cap that covers Katla, one of Iceland's most active volcanoes, whose eruptions can produce catastrophic glacial floods. Despite this, its outlet glaciers are among the most popular places in Iceland for guided glacier hikes and ice cave tours.

Sources and last reviewed

Last reviewed: 2026-03-03

Katla is actively monitored. Follow evacuation signs in the area and never walk on glaciers without a certified guide. Jökulhlaup warning systems are in place.

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

Official sources to check

Best for

Glacier hikes + ice caves

Sólheimajökull for hiking; Kötlujökull for ice caves.

Access

Easy from Route 1

About 2.5 hours from Reykjavik on the south coast.

Pro tip

Combine with Vík

The village of Vík is just south; add Reynisfjara beach.

What to Expect

A massive ice cap covering an active volcano
Outlet glaciers accessible for guided hikes
Black ash layers visible in the ice from past eruptions
Winter ice caves with blue and black ice formations
Jökulhlaup flood paths visible on the southern outwash plains
Panoramic views of the south coast from the glacier's edge

Nearby Attractions

Vík village and Reynisfjara black sand beach
Sólheimajökull outlet glacier (most popular glacier hike)
Dyrhólaey promontory and puffin colonies in summer
Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls to the west
Katla ice cave tours departing from Vík
Þakgil canyon campsite below the ice cap

How to Get There

About 160 km from Reykjavik via Route 1
Sólheimajökull parking lot is a short detour off Route 1
Tours depart from Vík and Reykjavik daily
No special vehicle needed for main access points
Winter driving on Route 1 can be difficult; check conditions

Best Time to Visit

Year-round for glacier hiking on Sólheimajökull
November–March for Katla ice cave tours
Summer offers longer days and easier driving
Shoulder seasons have fewer crowds
Always check volcanic monitoring updates before visiting

Planning help

Myrdalsjokull (Mýrdalsjökull) Glacier FAQs

Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.

All glaciers