Where is Skíðadalsjökull?

Skíðadalsjökull is a small glacier in the Tröllaskagi mountains of North Iceland. It sits in the high peaks above the Skíðadalur valley, which runs between Dalvík and the mountain interior.

What makes Tröllaskagi special for glaciers?

Tröllaskagi is unusual in Iceland because its mountains are high enough to support several small glaciers despite being in the drier north. The peninsula is also known for backcountry skiing, which the glacier valleys help make possible.

Can you visit Skíðadalsjökull?

Skíðadalsjökull is accessible only by mountain hiking from the Skíðadalur valley near Dalvík. There are no marked trails or commercial tours. The approach requires good mountain skills and fitness.

Is there skiing near Skíðadalsjökull?

The Tröllaskagi peninsula is one of Iceland's main skiing destinations. Dalvík has a ski area, and the backcountry skiing in the surrounding mountains draws ski tourers from abroad.

How big is Skíðadalsjökull?

Skíðadalsjökull is a small cirque glacier. Like other Tröllaskagi glaciers, it has been retreating and is particularly vulnerable to warming temperatures due to its small size and relatively low latitude.

Skíðadalsjökull Glacier Above Skíðadalur

A small glacier in the Tröllaskagi mountains of North Iceland, in one of the country's main skiing and mountain hiking regions.

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

Region

North Iceland

Tröllaskagi mountains, near Dalvík.

Skíðadalsjökull sits in the Tröllaskagi mountains above the Skíðadalur valley in North Iceland. The area is known for backcountry skiing in winter and demanding mountain hiking in summer. This small glacier is a remnant of the larger ice that once filled these valleys, and it continues to shape the landscape as it slowly retreats.

Sources and last reviewed

Last reviewed: 2026-03-03

Mountain terrain with rapidly changing weather. No marked trails to the glacier. Experienced hikers only. Avalanche risk in winter and spring; check avalanche forecasts.

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

Official sources to check

Best for

Mountain enthusiasts

Alpine glacier in hiking and skiing terrain.

Access

Mountain hiking

From Skíðadalur valley near Dalvík.

Pro tip

Explore Dalvík

A practical base for the Tröllaskagi area.

What to Expect

A small cirque glacier in steep mountain terrain
Alpine scenery of the Tröllaskagi peninsula
Solitude away from tourist routes
Mountain streams and waterfalls coming down from the peaks
Wildflowers in summer along the valley approach
Backcountry skiing terrain in the surrounding peaks

Nearby Attractions

Dalvík village and whale watching tours in Eyjafjörður
Tröllaskagi backcountry skiing, extensive touring terrain
Akureyri , often called the capital of the north
Hrísey island in Eyjafjörður (ferry from Dalvík or Árskógssandur)
Arctic Sea Baths near Dalvík with fjord views
Ólafsfjörður village and the new Héðinsfjörður tunnel

How to Get There

Drive to Dalvík via Route 76 from Akureyri (45 min)
Hike into Skíðadalur valley and up into the mountains
No marked trails; mountain navigation skills essential
About 380 km from Reykjavik (4.5-hour drive to Dalvík)
Inform someone of your hiking plans

Best Time to Visit

July–August for snow-free hiking access
Long northern daylight aids mountain navigation
Check weather forecasts; conditions change rapidly
Winter brings good skiing but avalanche risk
Combine with Akureyri and North Iceland sights

Planning help

Skidhadalsjokull (Skíðadalsjökull) Glacier FAQs

Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.

All glaciers