Best for
Remote wilderness
Few travelers pass through this part of the interior.
Tungnaárjökull: a Western Outlet of Vatnajökull
A remote western outlet of Vatnajökull feeding the Tungnaá river through Iceland's barren highland interior.
Region
West Vatnajökull
Remote highland, seasonal access only.
Quick Answer
Tungnaárjökull flows westward from the Vatnajökull ice cap into one of Iceland's most remote highland areas. This outlet glacier feeds the Tungnaá river, which carves through volcanic desert before reaching the lowlands. The surrounding landscape is a treeless expanse of lava, sand, and glacial moraines that few visitors ever see.
Sources and page update
Updated: 2026-09-10
This is a remote highland area with limited services and uncertain mobile coverage. Highland F-roads are seasonal. Always carry emergency supplies and register your travel plan.
For sourcing standards and how to report an error, see the editorial policy.
Official sources to check
Access
Highland F-roads
4×4 required, seasonal June–September.
Pro tip
Combine with Sprengisandur
Part of Iceland's great highland crossing.
What to Expect
- Barren highland desert landscape stretching in all directions
- Braided glacial river channels cutting through volcanic sand
- Near-total isolation in Iceland's interior
- Glacial moraines marking the glacier's former extent
- Views of the western edge of the Vatnajökull ice cap
- A highland environment shaped by ice and volcanic activity
Nearby Attractions
- Sprengisandur highland route (the main interior crossing)
- Landmannalaugar geothermal area with colorful rhyolite mountains
- Vatnajökull ice cap views from the western highlands
- Veiðivötn volcanic crater lakes accessible in summer
- Þjórsárver wetlands (a protected Ramsar site for pink-footed geese)
- Nýidalur highland hut as a base for interior exploration
How to Get There
- Via Sprengisandur route (F26) or other highland F-roads
- Capable 4×4 vehicle essential; river crossings required
- No fuel, food, or services anywhere nearby
- Register travel plans at safetravel.is
- Carry detailed maps and GPS navigation
Best Time to Visit
- July–August when highland roads are passable
- Long summer days allow extended exploration
- Weather changes rapidly; be prepared for all conditions
- Check road.is daily for F-road status
- Inaccessible October through May
Include Skaftá warnings in your route check
IMO’s December 2025 flood notice explicitly included Tungnárjökull among glacier margins to avoid during that event. A Tungnaá route plan therefore also needs a check of Skaftá flood warnings; the river names are not separate safety boundaries.
Planning help
Tungnaarjokull (Tungnaárjökull) Glacier FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
Where is Tungnaárjökull?
Tungnaárjökull is a western outlet glacier of Vatnajökull, flowing into the remote highland area west of the ice cap. It feeds meltwater into the Tungnaá river, which eventually flows south toward the lowlands.
Can you visit Tungnaárjökull?
Tungnaárjökull is in a very remote highland area accessible only by F-roads with a 4×4 vehicle. Do not assume a public trail or visitor facilities at the glacier. Only experienced highland travelers should attempt a visit.
What is the Tungnaá river?
The Tungnaá is a glacial river fed by meltwater from Tungnaárjökull. It flows through the western highlands and forms part of a river system used for hydroelectric power.
How big is Tungnaárjökull?
Tungnaárjökull is a medium-sized outlet glacier on Vatnajökull's western margin. Like many Icelandic glaciers, it has been retreating in recent decades due to warming temperatures.
What is the highland area like around Tungnaárjökull?
The area around Tungnaárjökull is a barren highland desert with volcanic landscapes, braided glacial rivers, and no vegetation. It is one of Iceland's most remote and least-visited regions.
Country reference: Iceland statistics.