Where is Mýrkarjökull?

Mýrkarjökull is a small outlet glacier on the eastern side of Vatnajökull. It flows eastward from the ice cap into a remote highland area, far from established tourist routes.

Can you visit Mýrkarjökull?

Mýrkarjökull is remote and requires highland travel with a 4×4 vehicle. There are no commercial tours or marked trails. The glacier is primarily of interest to glaciologists and experienced wilderness travelers.

How big is Mýrkarjökull?

Mýrkarjökull is one of Vatnajökull's smaller outlet glaciers. It has been retreating in recent decades along with most other Vatnajökull outlets as temperatures warm.

What does the name Mýrkarjökull mean?

The name likely derives from Icelandic words related to the dark or marshy terrain near the glacier. Many Icelandic glacier names describe the landscape features around them.

What eastern Vatnajökull glaciers are easier to visit?

Fláajökull and Hoffellsjökull are more accessible eastern Vatnajökull outlets, reachable from the town of Höfn. Both offer glacier views without requiring highland vehicles or extensive hiking.

Mýrkarjökull: an Eastern Outlet of Vatnajökull

A small eastern outlet of Vatnajökull flowing into remote highland terrain, one of the ice cap's lesser-known glacial tongues.

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

Region

East Vatnajökull

Remote eastern outlet glacier.

Mýrkarjökull is a small outlet glacier on the eastern flank of Vatnajökull, flowing into the remote highland terrain between the ice cap and the Eastfjords. Like many of Vatnajökull's smaller outlets, it receives little attention compared to the well-known southern glaciers, but it feeds into eastern Iceland's river systems and marks one of the ice cap's less-explored margins.

Sources and last reviewed

Last reviewed: 2026-03-03

Remote highland area with no services or mobile coverage. Highland roads are seasonal. Always carry emergency supplies and register your travel plan.

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

Official sources to check

Best for

Glacier enthusiasts

A lesser-known Vatnajökull outlet.

Access

Highland 4×4 only

Remote F-roads, seasonal access.

Pro tip

Try Fláajökull instead

More accessible eastern Vatnajökull outlet.

What to Expect

A small glacier tongue in highland terrain
Moraines and meltwater channels from past glacial advances
Wilderness with no other visitors
Volcanic sand and rock desert surrounding the ice margin
Visible signs of rapid glacial retreat over recent years
Iceland's remote interior highlands at their emptiest

Nearby Attractions

Snæfell mountain (1,833m) east of Vatnajökull
Egilsstaðir and Lagarfljót lake
Eastfjords coastal villages and fjord scenery
Hallormsstaðaskógur (Iceland's largest forest)
Hengifoss and Litlanesfoss waterfalls near Lagarfljót
Fláajökull and Hoffellsjökull (more accessible eastern outlets)

How to Get There

Highland F-roads from the east side of Vatnajökull
Capable 4×4 vehicle essential
No facilities or services in the area
Register your travel plan at safetravel.is
Carry all supplies, maps, and GPS

Best Time to Visit

July–August when highland roads may be open
Long daylight helps with remote navigation
Check road.is for F-road conditions
Weather can change rapidly; prepare for anything
Not accessible in winter months

Planning help

Myrkarjokull (Mýrkarjökull) Glacier FAQs

Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.

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