Langjokull Glacier

Langjokull Glacier: Size, Ice Caves, Cap and Volcanoes

Covering an area of 1.025 square kilometers, Langjokull (Long Glacier) in Iceland is the second-largest ice cap in the country. It is located in the western parts of the Icelandic Highlands with coordinates 64.6562° N, 20.1531° W. The highest peak of the Langjokull Glacier stands 1.450 meters above sea level, and the glacier itself is 580 meters at its thickest. The Langjokull Glacier feeds several glacial rivers including Hvítá and Ölfusá and the Hagavatn Lake at its foot. It is a popular destination and part of many tours and tour guides. 

What is the Size of Langjokull Glacier?

The size of the Langjokull Glacier is 1.025 square kilometers. It is 24 kilometers wide and 64 kilometers long. Langjokull is the second-largest ice cap type of glacier in the country. Even its name confirms its length as it translates to the Long Glacier. 

What are the Volcanic Systems in Langjokull Glacier?

Under Langjokull Glacier, there are volcanic systems with calderas visible from the air. The three volcanic systems under the Langjokull Glacier are Hveravellir,  Arnarvatnsheiði, and Presthnúkur. Despite being riddled with volcanic systems, the Langjokull area is volcanically quiet. Namely, in the last 10.000 years, it had only 32 eruptions.  

What is the prominence of Langjokull Glacier in Icelandic Culture?

Iceland Culture is enriched by the Langjokull Glacier. As a matter of fact, Langjokull is featured in the final scene of the animated movie “The Iron Giant” by Brad Bird from 1999. 

How to Get to Langjokull Glacier

The easiest way of getting to the Langjokull Glacier in iceland is following the Golden Circle Route. Visitors can just follow Road 1 from Reykjavik and then Road 36 to see Iceland’s top three sights (the Geysir Geothermal Area, the Gullfoss Waterfall, and the Þingvellir National Park) and then finally reach the Langjokull Glacier. 

What are the activities on Langjokull Glacier?

Popular activities on the Langjokull Glacier include hiking, driving snowmobiles or monster trucks, exploring ice caves, and visiting nearby attractions and natural wonders such as waterfalls, lagoons, hot springs, and volcanic fields.   

What are the Langjokull Glacier Ice Cave Tours?

Langjokull Glacier Ice Cave Tours are particularly popular among visitors. They include rides to the ice caves and then exploration either on foot or via trucks and snowmobiles. At the moment, the Crystal Ice Cave is the most sought-after tour as the cave is recently discovered and is breathtaking. 

What are the Similar Glaciers in Iceland to Langjokull Glacier?

The Glaciers in Iceland are among the country’s greatest geographical landforms and popular features. Glaciers similar to the Langjokull Glacier are:

  • Vatnajokull Glacier 
  • Mýrdalsjökull Glacier
  • Eyjafjallajokull Glacier
  • Drangajökull Glacier
  • Sólheimajökull Glacier
  • Eiríksjökull Glacier
  • Brúarjökull Glacier.
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Staff Writer