Where is Unadalsjökull?

Unadalsjökull is a small glacier in northern Iceland, located in the mountainous interior. It is one of several small glaciers that survive in the higher elevations of the north, where conditions marginally support glacial ice.

Can you visit Unadalsjökull?

Unadalsjökull is very remote with no established access routes, trails, or tours. Visiting would require significant mountain hiking experience, navigation skills, and full self-sufficiency in wilderness conditions.

How big is Unadalsjökull?

Unadalsjökull is a small glacier. Its exact measurements are not widely published, but like other minor northern glaciers, it has been losing mass as temperatures rise across Iceland.

Is Unadalsjökull at risk of disappearing?

Yes, as a small glacier in a relatively warm and dry part of Iceland, Unadalsjökull is particularly vulnerable to continued warming. Many small Icelandic glaciers are expected to disappear within the coming decades.

What are better glacier options in North Iceland?

For glacier trips from North Iceland, consider a day trip to Langjökull for ice tunnel tours, or the Tröllaskagi peninsula, where small glaciers can be seen on mountain hikes. Drangajökull in the Westfjords is another northern option.

Unadalsjökull: a Small Northern Glacier

A small glacier in northern Iceland, one of the country's minor ice formations in the mountains of the interior.

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

Region

North Iceland

Small glacier, remote mountain location.

Unadalsjökull is a small glacier in northern Iceland's mountain interior, one of many minor ice formations scattered across the country's highlands. It is far smaller than the major ice caps, but it shows how widely glacial ice was once distributed across Iceland. As the climate warms, small glaciers like Unadalsjökull are retreating fastest, and some may disappear entirely within the lifetime of people alive today.

Sources and last reviewed

Last reviewed: 2026-03-03

Remote mountain terrain with no services, trails, or facilities. Only experienced wilderness travelers should consider visiting. Always inform someone of your plans and carry emergency supplies.

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

Official sources to check

Best for

Glacier documentation

A small glacier facing an uncertain future.

Access

Very remote

Mountain hiking in trackless terrain.

Pro tip

Visit accessible glaciers first

Langjökull and Sólheimajökull have guided tours.

What to Expect

A small ice formation in mountain terrain
Remote wilderness with no other visitors
Evidence of glacial retreat visible in the landscape
Mountain scenery with rugged peaks surrounding the glacier
Meltwater streams feeding into highland river systems
One of Iceland's most vulnerable glaciers, retreating quickly

Nearby Attractions

Northern highland areas, open and little visited
Akureyri and Eyjafjörður, the main hub of North Iceland
Mývatn geothermal area with Námaskarð mud springs
Goðafoss waterfall , the 'waterfall of the gods'
Húsavík , known for whale watching
Dettifoss , Europe's most powerful waterfall, in Jökulsárgljúfur canyon

How to Get There

Remote mountain location in northern Iceland
No established roads or trails to the glacier
Requires wilderness hiking and navigation skills
Inform someone of your exact plans and timeline
Carry all supplies and emergency equipment

Best Time to Visit

July–August for summer mountain access
Long daylight hours essential for navigation
Check weather conditions before any mountain travel
Not recommended for inexperienced hikers
Most travelers should choose accessible glacier tours instead

Planning help

Unadalsjokull (Unadalsjökull) Glacier FAQs

Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.

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